French and Francophone Studies, B.A.

The major in French and Francophone Studies is a dynamic program designed to prepare students for effective participation as citizens of the world. The program is structured to allow students to acquire skill in the use of French as a global language, to afford a broad knowledge of the civilization and diverse cultures of the French-speaking world, and to develop critical understanding of French and Francophone works of literature, culture, cinema, and the arts. The curriculum is interdisciplinary and covers historical as well as contemporary topics of interest. French courses are student-centered and interactive, and aim to further proficiency in the French language. At BW, students are also trained in intercultural communication and given the opportunity to develop skills in the techniques of translation and French for global professional purposes.

French and Francophone Studies majors at BW are encouraged to study for the summer or a semester or longer in France at one of our programs in Paris, Grenoble, or Aix-en-Provence. Study in Morocco or Switzerland is also possible. Students often combine French and Francophone Studies with a second major and/or the Honors program. The French component of their studies creates much added value and opens the door to prestigious international opportunities, admission to competitive graduate programs, and employment in a wide range of professions. Many of our graduates have been awarded French Embassy sponsored Teaching Assistantships in France. A high percentage of our alumni attend graduate programs in French, education, law, music, library science, museum studies, international affairs, and public health and include Georgetown, Tufts, George Washington, American, Syracuse, Case Western Reserve, Kent, and Cleveland State; many are successful teachers of French, and others have found employment using their French and international skills in a wide variety of businesses, entrepreneurial endeavors, consulting, and non-profit organizations.

Major students must complete a minimum of 31 - 34 credits beyond the 100-level courses.

Certification to teach French is possible for students who also complete applicable requirements of the School of Education. Education majors planning to teach French are required to spend at least one academic semester or a total of 15 weeks abroad studying the language for which they seek licensure. Although we suggest spending the entire time in one extended visit, students may combine visits to reach the total as long as one visit is a minimum of eight weeks long. The program and projected plan of study should be approved by the student’s academic advisor in the Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures  prior to enrolling in the program.

Minimum Credits Required: 31-34