Students walking through garden in Strasbourg, France

French

The study of French is more than the study of language. It is the immersion into the rich and varied culture of the Francophone world through coursework and study abroad.

Overview

The study of French is more than the study of language. It is about people and places, too. Our students travel to France and French-speaking regions. They harvest grapes and climb mountains. They study in our abroad program in Strasbourg. Recently, many French majors have won the prestigious Fulbright scholarships for study overseas and have been named teaching assistants by the French government in places like Dijon, Paris, Rouen, Strasbourg, and Toulouse. The French program at Centre strives to cultivate an understanding of the Francophone world through language acquisition, culture, and communication.

Curriculum

Centre’s curriculum for French is strengthened by a common vision. Initial courses emphasize daily communication. Second- year courses take the form of workshops in the fall and spring, where students gain practical experience in French history, painting, cinema, music, or current political events. At the next level, our program highlights conversation and composition, in courses such as French for International Relations or the Francophone World. The advanced level focuses on French gastronomy, French Thought, and beauty. Senior majors participate in a final seminar where they prepare a conference presentation with the assistance of all French faculty members.

Major Requirements

Minor Requirements

Experiential Learning

Students engage in hands-on learning experiences and reflection to develop skills and increase knowledge retention.

Students apply for a semester of study based in Strasbourg, France along with a faculty member who coordinates the program and teaches courses. A French native also teaches in the program. Some students live in apartments, and others opt to live with local families on a home-stay basis.

Internships

We're committed to helping students find quality internship experiences in the career area of their choice.

French majors have participated in internships in Francophone areas such as the Centre de Linguistique Appliquée in Besançon, France; and the Institut de Génétique in Strasbourg, France.

Careers

Our extraordinary liberal arts and sciences education prepares students for meaningful lives and careers.

French majors often pursue careers in teaching, linguistics, banking and finance, foreign market analysis, diplomacy, and hotel management.

French Faculty

Lady with long brown hair wearing grey top with white beaded necklace in front of bookshelf

Allison Connolly

  • Marlene and David Grissom Professor of French
  • Chair of French and Arabic Programs

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