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French

The Department of World Languages, Literatures and Linguistics is home to a wide variety of quality programs and exciting opportunities. With courses in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin (Classics), Russian and Spanish, the department plays a crucial role in providing the basic foreign language component for the Bachelor of Arts degree in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences. Our degrees in Chinese Studies, French, German Studies and Spanish, the area of emphasis in Russian Studies and the minor include advanced coursework in language, literature, culture and linguistics as well as innovative capstone experiences.

World languages, literatures and linguistics students participate in internationally recognized study abroad programs. They spend a summer, a semester or even a year earning credits and gaining experience in countries like China, France, Germany, Spain and Mexico. In addition to regular courses and study abroad, students off campus enroll in increasing numbers in the department’s online and distance-learning courses. Small class sizes and an array of student groups, honor societies and language clubs all contribute to a congenial atmosphere.

As a world languages, literatures and linguistics student you will:

  • Explore other cultures and how they communicate.
  • Expand your language knowledge in a linguistically diverse environment.
  • Experience literature from a variety of perspective.
  • Examine languages from different theoretical frameworks.
  • Become immersed in a multicultural and multilingual environment.

How will I focus my studies?

Bachelor of Arts in French

French is currently spoken by over 300 million people on five continents and is, therefore, particularly well-suited for travel. Known for its culture, cuisine and lifestyle, France has influence that extends well beyond its borders. As a global language, French opens up opportunities in international business and research in the 88 countries where it is an official language or has special status. French is a working language in numerous international organizations such as the UN, NATO, the International Olympic Committee, the International Red Cross, the European Union and the African Union.

A major in French equips students with a solid liberal arts education that is the foundation for personal and professional success and growth over a lifetime. The curriculum is designed to provide students with well-developed cognitive and communication skills and with a broad knowledge base that will enable them to pursue additional studies at the graduate level or to enter the job market in positions that will demand the ability to communicate in French in a variety of cultural contexts. The skills provided by a Bachelor of Arts in French complement and add value to a degree in any field.

Learn more at the French site