French and Francophone Studies

French and Francophone Studies: Major, Minor

To study French is to join an extensive community of speakers and learners of the French language scattered over five continents. The French curriculum is designed to provide you with linguistic proficiency as well as an understanding of French and Francophone literatures and cultures.

Through extensive course offerings, you will develop linguistic proficiency, hone analytical skills, and gain a critical perspective on global affairs, notably those of the French-speaking world. Language instruction is complemented by practice sessions (practica) led by a French Foreign Language Assistant (FLA). Cocurricular events will allow you to perfect your language skills and enhance your appreciation of the cultures of various French-speaking countries. You can deepen your learning experience by studying abroad at one of the College’s immersion programs in France and Cameroon.

Program Highlights

The French and Francophone Studies program offers an array of rigorous and innovative courses, all conducted in French. Language courses range from elementary to advanced levels. Upper-level courses include offerings in the following subject areas:

  • French and Francophone Literatures
  • Arts & Cultures from the French-speaking World
  • French-Language Cinema
  • Race, Gender & Sexuality Studies
  • Translation 
  • Linguistics
aerial photo of the central square of the historic heart of Dijon, France
Study Abroad

Enhance your French language skills by studying abroad in Dijon or Strasbourg, France or in Yaound茅, Cameroon.

sign on window that reads cinema
Opportunities

See your French studies come to life beyond the classroom through regular cocurricular programming.

foreign language assistants posing on stairs
Foreign Language Assistants

Practice your French in small practice sessions led by French Foreign Language Assistants.

French and Francophone Studies News

Jacob McDonald '21
Blog: McDonald 鈥21 Eager to Immerse Himself in 鈥淣ew World鈥 During Year Abroad in France
Name: Jacob McDonald 鈥21 Hometown: Paxton, Massachusetts Areas of study: Computer science聽and聽French聽double major Studying abroad at: Universit茅 de Bourgogne in Dijon, France Duration: Full academic year Why France?聽鈥淗aving studied French language and culture for nearly eight years, I felt as 鈥
Grace Manning '21
Blog: Manning 鈥21 Eager to Explore History, Culture During Semester Abroad in Cameroon
Name: Grace Manning 鈥21 Hometown: Enniskerry, Ireland Areas of study:聽English聽and聽French聽double major with a concentration in peace and conflict studies Studying abroad at: L鈥橴niversit茅 Catholique d鈥橝frique Centrale in Yaound茅, Cameroon Duration: Fall 2019 Why Cameroon?聽鈥淢y Montserrat class introduced me to the 鈥
Image
51小黄车 Alumnus Wins Prestigious French Award
Parlez vous Fran莽ais? Stephen Silvestri 鈥19, a Chinese and international studies double major with a minor in French, not only speaks the language, but has fervently advocated for the French language and Francophone culture throughout his time at the College. 鈥