French and Francophone Studies Major

Overview

Degree Level: Undergraduate
Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Arts

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures
school/college: College of Arts and Sciences

Bachelor of Arts in French and Francophone Studies

The French and Francophone Studies Major is apart of the Majors Abroad Program (MAP), and has an interdisciplinary focus on politics, history, international relations, and French language and culture.

Continue your language study with a variety of course options in French.
Gain valuable experience from immersion in the life and culture of France.
Boost your resume with a professional internship experience abroad or community work.

Spend a Semester Abroad in France

Study at CIEE Toulouse in the historic district of the city, at Toulouse Business School, or at L’institut Catholique de Toulouse. Home to the European aerospace industry, Toulouse combines high-tech industry with the charm of the Old Quarter and its distinctive rose-tinted architecture.

Frequent cultural excursions include overnight study tours to Paris, Sete, or Marseille
Visits to the medieval city of Carcassonne
Hikes in the Pyrenees mountains
Visits to an organic farm, cheese tastings, music festivals, or professional rugby games
Internships and volunteer programs available.

What to expect

Intermediate level study in French language and Francophone cultures
Courses in French conversation, readings and topics in French, and French/Francophone cultures through cinema
Valuable experience from immersion in the life and culture of France and Francophone countries and regions

Explore a Typical Course Path to Graduation

Careers for French Majors

With an understanding of French and Francophone cultures, our graduates have pursued careers in international business, art, fashion, design, education, and government.

STUDENT OUTCOMES

Featured Courses

Intermediate French Language and Culture

Required Course

At the end of this course, you are expected to advance to an intermediate-high or advanced level by ACTFL standards. You will gain cultural knowledge through more advanced reading, listening, speaking and writing exercises.

The Culture of French Business

Required Course

This course aims to develop language, vocabulary, and cultural knowledge in preparation for working in an international, French-speaking or bilingual environment using a communicative approach with frequent opportunities for speaking.

Contemporary France

Required Course

Familiarize yourself with all aspects of French political, sociological, technical, and artistic developments in France today.

We will compare the French electoral system, and the educational system with those of the United States. All facets of family and working life will be discussed, such as the social security and health care system, the help given to women with child care and expenses. The technical advances that France has achieved such as the TGV, the fast trains, the Airbus, and the communication system, will be studied in great detail. Cinema is an important art in France, we will cover the history of cinema and its status today in the world.

Francophone Culture and Civilization

Required Course

In this survey course, we explore the diversity of the French-speaking world, including the French Antilles, sub-Saharan and North Africa, and French-speaking Canada. We also examine the role played by French-speaking communities within the United States, analyzing the cultural, political, and societal values that these immigrant communities—both historical and more recent—have brought to this country.

Advanced French Through Cinema

Required Course

Through watching and critical analysis of films, you will improve listening, oral, and writing skills while getting a sense of some of the important features that are particular to French culture.

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