Major in French & Francophone Studies
Known around the world for its excellence in teaching and research, our program provides a Bachelor of Arts degree major and a minor in French & Francophone Studies.
Learn to read, understand, speak, and write French with advanced proficiency, and gain an understanding of the rich fabric of Francophone cultures throughout the world.
In small classes and with the support of faculty, you’ll study not only the language, but also the literature and culture of France and Francophone countries and regions around the world such as Quebec, Belgium, Switzerland, Vietnam, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Congo, Mali and the French-speaking Caribbean.
Catalog Information
Curriculum
The program integrates social, cultural, historical, and political aspects of the French-speaking world in the classroom. Courses also include different themes each year, allowing you to gain an in-depth understanding of issues relevant to your academic goals and future careers. Our professors and visiting scholars come from diverse backgrounds and fields of expertise, exposing you to an array of accents, speaking styles, and cultural perspectives.
Get Involved & Study Abroad
Reinforce what you learn in the classroom with practical experiences. Cultural immersion activities include Club Francophone, workshops and retreats, and interacting with visiting lecturers. You are also encouraged to spend a summer or year abroad. We offer a unique opportunity for summer study in Senegal.
Why this program?
French is one of the most significant languages of diplomacy, communication, and culture throughout the world. At the same time, the French program recognizes that in the Francophone world, alternative perspectives of other languages and indigenous cultures are important for you, as future national and global leaders, to understand and consider. For this reason, you are also encouraged to study a second language spoken in a Francophone region, such as Arabic, Wolof, Pulaar, or Creole.
An expertise in French and Francophone studies opens many doors to several national and international careers as an interpreter, teacher, ESL teacher, foreign service diplomat, foreign correspondent, travel agent, airline employee, international business person or banker, literary translator, Francophone country tour guide, museum curator (in conjunction with art history studies), and import/ export business owner. The program prepares you to take advantage of many opportunities for volunteering in international organizations such as the Peace Corps.
