The Program in French

Through courses in French, students gain proficiency in understanding, reading, writing, and speaking the language. Laboratory facilities are used extensively to supplement classroom instruction. Upper-level courses are conducted primarily in French.

Double majors are possible. Non-majors may also take advantage of the language program. Students have the opportunity to reside in a campus residence area in which French is spoken and which sponsors various inter-cultural programs each year. The resident language director of this area is a native speaker of French.

The French Section offers a summer study abroad program in Paris. The Section also cooperates with a variety of semester or year-long study abroad program, advises and encourages students wishing to study abroad, and helps in planning their study programs. Credits can be accepted from abroad to fulfill major requirements. 

Graduates in French may pursue careers in government or private fields in which the knowledge of this language is essential, including interpreting, translating, research, social services, education, or international business.

Students not majoring in French can nonetheless use French courses taught by Modern Foreign Language faculty towards fulfilling the College's General Education language requirement (Goal 7, Intermediate-level (202) competence in a foreign language, modern or ancient). For more on the this requirement and the various exemptions possible, see the General Education section of the catalog.