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.

Opportunities

See your French studies come to life beyond the classroom through regular cocurricular programming.

Foreign Language Assistants

Practice your French in small practice sessions led by French Foreign Language Assistants.

French and Francophone Studies News

Catherine Foley '10 presents during an episode of "Bakeaway Camp" in Stewart's kitchen during a mentoring session.

Holy Cross Alumna Dishes on Baking With Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart has a bowl of lemons behind the glass doors of the refrigerator in her farmhouse kitchen, freshly picked from the trees in her own greenhouse. There’s a bowl of eggs on the counter, supplied from the chickens in …

Rev. John H. Vaughn '82 offers remarks after receiving the 2015 Sanctae Crucis Award. Image by Shannon Power Photography

Rev. John H. Vaughn ’82, Son of Late Ogretta McNeil, Named Executive Pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church

Rev. John H. Vaughn ’82 was recently named executive pastor at Atlanta’s historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he will be responsible for the overall leadership and direction of church staff, leading all functional areas in the accomplishment of the church’s …

An elephant walks across a field in front of a large mountain covered in snow

Holy Cross Long-Term Study Abroad Program Ranked No. 1 in the Country

For the 2019-2020 academic year, 261 College of the Holy Cross students are living and studying abroad — in other terms, roughly 8% of the student body is spread out, learning around the globe. Seventy-six of these students are spending …