The French Studies program offers our students a strong basis of knowledge of the French language as well as of the culture, history and literature of French and Francophone countries. In an increasingly global economy and culture, speaking French is a practical skill for students interested in business, trade, economy, anthropology, art, history and literature. French majors must study abroad for at least one semester in a French-speaking country. The department offers several special opportunities to French Studies’ students, including the student mentor program wherein French Studies majors/minors mentor students in our 100-level courses, and our After-School French program in which majors/minors teach elementary school children through an after-school program. In addition, we welcome each year a language assistant from France or a Francophone country to help diversify our linguistic and cultural instruction with weekly “French Table” and “French Night” activities.

Why major or minor in French?

French is one of the most global, practical languages you can learn, next to English.  It is the only language, along with English, that is spoken on all five continents.  Students interested in international business, politics and humanitarian organizations would be well advised to learn French in order to travel to the 53 countries in the world that speak French.  French is also a major language of the internet and of technology.  Of course, those students who are interested in art, literature, the fashion industry, and the culinary industry know that France has a rich tradition in these disciplines as well.