French and Francophone Studies, B.A.

The study of languages, literatures, and cultures is central to a liberal arts education and one of the key disciplines in the humanities. Since the emergence of Jesuit education in the sixteenth century, the studia humanitatis have been at its heart. Like all humanities majors, French challenges students to address pressing and enduring questions about the human condition. In reflecting on the nature and scope of the human itself, humanities majors develop skills and dispositions that remain vital at all stages of their professional and personal lives and result in a fulfilling life. Humanities majors learn how to: ask insightful questions, think flexibly, and develop comfort with diverse approaches to new problems; conduct, synthesize, and interpret research; and communicate effectively.

French majors develop intermediate high- and often advanced low-level proficiency in the spoken and written language. The program supports the study, analysis, and critical interpretation of the literatures and cultures of France and the Francophone world. It prepares students to operate personally and professionally in a broad range of French-speaking environments.

Students are encouraged to combine a modern language major with a second major or a related minor and to speak with faculty advisors about opportunities to incorporate study abroad into their program of study. Our majors go on to use their skills in the classroom, the corporate world, domestic civil service or diplomacy, arts and culture, and many other arenas. Undergraduates who wish to be licensed as teachers are advised to consult with the department education coordinator and with the School of Education regarding specific requirements for language teacher licensure.