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Arts and Sciences
Notre Dame Blossoms
Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

French

French has a rich cultural heritage, from the medieval troubadour poets, to great novelists such as Balzac and Flaubert, the Impressionists, Existentialism, and much more. Today, French is a global language, spoken in Europe, Canada, Africa, Asia, South America, and Oceania by more than 300 million individuals. This diversity is the result of a colonial heritage that has reshaped the world and continues to impact Francophone countries in complex ways. Contemporary France itself has been profoundly transformed by the struggles and contributions of formal colonial subjects and their descendants who have come to its shores in search of asylum, work, and education. As a result, it is one of the most diverse countries in Europe.

Our degree programs seek to leverage language learning and cultural competency in order to prepare students for professional success and global citizenship.

Career options for students of French include:

  • Community Worker
  • Cultural Interpreter
  • Curator
  • Diplomatic Service Worker
  • Entrepreneur
  • Foreign Language Correspondent
  • Foreign Service Worker
  • Historical Site Guide
  • Human Resources Specialist
  • Immigration Officer
  • International Business Advisor
  • International Aid Director
  • International Development Worker
  • Journalist
  • Lawyer
  • Lobbyist
  • Marketing Consultant
  • Non-Profit Administrator
  • Professor
  • Public Policy Analyst/Strategist
  • Researcher
  • Social Program Director
  • Translator
  • Travel Agent

Resources:

Curriculum

The University offers primary and secondary majors and a minor in French, as well as a major in Modern Languages. These programs are designed to improve students' language skills and liberal arts "transferrable skills," including cultural competency and critical thinking. Through courses in language, literature, film, culture, and practical areas such as business, students are prepared for professional success and global citizenship.

A. Primary Major

The sequence of courses for a primary major in French is as follows:

Credits

Intermediate: FREN 2001 & FREN 2002 6

Advanced: FREN 3001 & FREN 3002 6

Language, culture, or literature electives above the advanced level  30

Total Hours 42

B. Secondary Major

The department also offers a secondary major in French. Students are required to complete 36 credits in courses above the elementary level. (The requirements for a secondary major in modern languages are the same as for the primary major, 42 credits in courses above the elementary level).

The sequence of courses for a secondary major in French is as follows:

Intermediate: FREN 2001 & FREN 2002 6

Advanced: FREN 3001 & FREN 3002 6

Language, culture, or literature electives above the advanced level  24

Total Hours     36

Minor

The department offers a minor in French. 18 credits above the elementary level are required to complete a minor. The sequence of courses for a minor is as follows:

Credits

Intermediate: FREN 2001 & FREN 2002 6

Advanced: FREN 3001 & FREN 3002 6

Language, culture, or literature electives above the advanced level. Students may choose from courses in conversation, film, special topics, civilization, business or literature. 6

Total Hours 18

Internships & Careers 

Most careers are enhanced and opportunities increased by the knowledge of languages, particularly in our present globalized culture and economy. Areas that our graduates have found particularly rewarding are law, education, diplomacy, government, Peace Corps, industry and commerce, arts, media, entertainment, travel and tourism. A bachelor's degree in the modern languages is an excellent foundation for graduate school. Opportunities for continued study include elementary, secondary and higher education; government; diplomacy; law; and business. 

Faculty Listing

a photo of Matthew Escobar posing
Matthew Escobar
Associate Professor of French and Spanish, Prestigious Fellowships Director
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Peter Shoemaker, Ph. D. posing
Peter Shoemaker
Professor of French
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