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 Yaoundé, 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

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Blog: Vozella ’17 Spends a Semester Improving Her French and Taking Religion Courses Abroad
NAME Jessica Vozella ’17 HOMETOWN Wakefield, Massachusetts AREAS OF STUDY Religious studies major with a French minor in the College Honors Program WHERE SHE’S STUDYING University of Strasbourg in France WHY SHE CHOSE FRANCE “I have been studying French since …
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Four 17³Ô¹ÏÍø Students Accepted into Teaching Assistant Program in France
Four members of the 17³Ô¹ÏÍø Class of 2014 have been accepted into the Teaching Assistant Program in France, a seven-month assistantship that will have them teaching English to French-speaking students. The program is sponsored by the Higher Education Department …
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28 17³Ô¹ÏÍø Students Inducted into Jesuit Honor Society
Twenty-eighty students from the class of 2014 at the 17³Ô¹ÏÍø were inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu, the Jesuit honor society, on October 27. Alpha Sigma Nu seeks out students at Jesuit institutions of higher learning who …