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.

sign on window that reads cinema
Opportunities

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

foreign language assistants posing on stairs
Foreign Language Assistants

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

French and Francophone Studies News

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Spring Semester Brings Another Full Slate of Arts Events
This semester, the College of the Holy Cross is offering a dynamic series of arts events aimed to excite, engage and challenge audiences. From the staging of renowned theatre productions and installations of multimedia gallery exhibitions, to world premieres of …
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Blog: Vignati ’17 Hopes to Inspire Others During Yearlong Study in France
NAME Thomas Vignati ’17 HOMETOWN West Hartford, Connecticut AREAS OF STUDY English and French double major WHERE HE’S STUDYING University of Burgundy in Dijon, France WHY HE CHOSE FRANCE “For its beauty, culture and language.” WHAT HE’S MOST LOOKING FORWARD …
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Blog: Thompson ’17 Set to Immerse Himself in the French Language and Culture While Abroad
NAME Jonathan Thompson ’17 HOMETOWN Saratoga Springs, New York AREAS OF STUDY English and French double major with a Creative Writing concentration WHERE HE’S STUDYING University of Strasbourg in France WHY HE CHOSE FRANCE “I chose to study in France …