We form strong thinkers and writers who excel in their careers nationally and internationally thanks to the flexibility and quickness of mind gained from the close study of language, literature, culture and film.

French majors and minors acquire a strong grasp of language that is closely tied to their analytical knowledge of literature, culture and film. The French Program’s curriculum integrates speaking and writing into its courses at all levels. French students are strongly encouraged to study abroad. Graduates have also won scholarships to teach in France, through the French Embassy’s Teaching Assistant Program.

Depending on whom you ask, French is the international trade language, the language of the greatest romantics, or the third most spoken language in the United States. The French language and the cultures of France and the Francophone world offer unique lenses through which to examine both our current society and global history.

The French Program also builds diverse perspectives through multimedia in the Language Learning Center and course materials tailored to students’ specific needs. The Capstone experience encourages French majors to go into greater depth, bringing together knowledge, insights and perspectives from their French courses and developing a further grounding for sophisticated original work in many fields. Alumnae pursue Master’s degrees and careers in teaching, business and management.