French Courses & Academics
Why Study French?
There are a lot of reasons to study French! Studying languages and literature provides a variety of cognitive benefits, from metalinguistic awareness to enhanced memory and increased capacity for abstract thinking. Engaging in careful readings of a thousand years of exemplary writings—from Marie de France's 12th-century Lais to contemporary francophone authors—can cultivate moral and creative sensibilities and develop your necessary for lifelong learning. And our smaller, closely mentored classes hone bilingual and intercultural competencies prized in today's marketplace.
Our department helps students become informed citizens of the world. This is true in historical and contemporary terms—our students analyze the culture of France and the intertwining trajectories of complex Francophone societies, including post-colonial and diasporic French-speaking cultures, adding to what many missionaries returning from Africa, Canada, the Caribbean, and the Pacific have experienced. Indeed, French is a growing global language, a network expanding every year. In sum, by studying French, you're not just learning a language. You're learning to communicate clearly and effectively in ways that will enhance your chosen profession and personal aspirations, and you're expanding the field of your vision of both past and present.
