French and Francophone studies
As an Earlham French and Francophone studies student, you will develop a critical understanding of cultural differences, analyze complex literary and visual texts, and make connections to French-speaking communities, particularly in France, the Caribbean and Africa.
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Our graduates have pursued advanced degrees in a variety of fields, including teaching, international trade, law, linguistics and administration at universities such as the University of Arizona, Louisiana State University and Indiana University-Bloomington, to name a few.
“Earlham’s French Department has provided me with a wide variety of learning opportunities, including a dynamic range of courses offered by engaging professors and a valuable semester abroad in France. These experiences have motivated me to continue my French and Francophone Studies at the graduate level.”
Linnea Thorson ’21
French and Francophone studies major
Exploring diversity through language
The Department of French and Francophone Studies offers a wider variety of immersive experiences where French is a lingua franca. Our students, language assistants and professors enjoy practicing the language while they explore the culture.
Immersive living and learning
On-campus immersion and learning through interaction, cultural events and activities are led by our native French and Francophone studies language assistant and interaction with our French language-speaking national and international students.
Off-campus study
Our semester-long off-campus study program in France offers you the chance to fully immerse yourself in the French language and French and Francophone cultures.
Our faculty
Our faculty have strong personal connections to France, Senegal, Haiti, Martinique, Benin, The Gambia and Côte d’Ivoire. They enhance your experience on study abroad trips and will help you find jobs or internships.
Program Details
The Department of French and Francophone Studies prepares you to speak, read, write and explore the literature and cultures of France and the Francophone world of Africa and the Caribbean.
As a liberal arts college, Earlham offers multiple disciplinary and interdisciplinary majors and minors in which students cultivate deep and specific knowledge and experience. Equally important, the College expects every student to develop broad, general skills and proficiencies across the curriculum.
As part of their general education, students complete six credits in each academic division of the College: humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and visual and performing arts. In addition, students meet requirements for first-year courses, analytical reasoning, perspectives on diversity and wellness.
The Department of French and Francophone Studies offers three courses meeting the language component of the perspectives on diversity requirement, FREN 101, 102 and 201; and three courses meeting the international component of the perspectives on diversity requirement, FREN 330, 430 and 440.
Courses taken during the France off-campus study program can meet general education requirements. These are courses offered at the host institution during the off-campus program that meet the international component of the perspectives on diversity requirements, courses that are designated as writing intensive courses and research courses.
To earn a Bachelor of Arts in French and Francophone studies, you must complete at least 30 credits at the 300-level or above in the department, including:
At least one of the following:
- FREN 301 The Art of Writing with Style (Writing Intensive)
- FREN 302 Exploring Grammar Through the Media
- FREN 303 Culture and Conversation
At least one of the following:
- FREN 330 Cinema and Society
- FREN 345 Riots and Rights: French and the World of Work
At least one on-campus course at the 400-level or above:
- FREN 407 Translation: Theory and Practice
- FREN 430 Crisis and Identity in the 21st Century French-Speaking World
In addition, French and Francophone studies majors must:
- Complete the following courses:
- FREN 340 Literary Studies (Writing Intensive)
- FREN 440 Advanced Literary Studies (Research Intensive)
- FREN 488 Senior Capstone
- Participate in an off-campus semester or yearlong study program in a French-speaking country. Three courses from a semester program or five courses from a yearlong program may be applied toward the major.
- Complete three credits at the 300-level or above in another academic department to support your interest in the major–courses such as:
- AAAS 376 A History of West Africa
- PHIL 330 Postcolonial Theory
- TESO 344 Studies in Language Learning and Teaching
- TESO 345 Linguistics
- ENG 369 Contemporary Literary Theory
Participate in an off-campus semester or yearlong study program in a French-speaking country. Three courses from a semester program or five courses from a yearlong program may be applied toward the major.
Complete three credits at the 300-level or above in another academic department to support your interest in the major. Courses such as:
- AAAS 376 A History of West Africa
- PHIL 330 Postcolonial Theory
- TESO 344 Studies in Language Learning and Teaching
- TESO 345 Linguistics
- ENG 369 Contemporary Literary Theory
View a full list of French and Francophone studies courses and their descriptions.
Yes! Students minoring in French and Francophone studies must:
- Complete at least 18 credits in the department at the 300-level or above, including at least one course at the 400-level. Those pursuing a minor are invited to discuss with a French and Francophone faculty member whether they are prepared for and would benefit from enrolling in FREN 488 Senior Capstone.
- Participate in an off-campus semester or yearlong study program in a French-speaking country. Two courses from a semester program or three courses from a year-long program may be applied toward the minor.
View a full list of French and Francophone studies courses and their descriptions.
Our graduates pursue advanced degrees in a variety of fields, including teaching, educational leadership, tourism, cultural heritage, filmmaking, artists, writers, Peace Corps, international relations and trade, law, linguistics, business and administration.
Career paths of alumni include law, teaching at all levels, editing books in translation and international relations. Pursuing advanced degrees in French language and French and Francophone studies.
Language majors have interned at museums, cultural centers, nonprofits and businesses all over the world.
Learn more about available programs via our Center for Global and Career Education.
Through our 3+1 Education Program, you can earn a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) and teaching license—all in just nine semesters.
You’ll leave Earlham with two degrees, licensed to teach grades 5-12 in Indiana. (And it’s easy to transfer your license to other states—many of our graduates do!)
Students who major in French and Francophone studies are interested in sharpening their communication skills and developing a global perspective.
If you are interested in working in a global setting, whether through international business, nonprofit work or as an educator, interpreter or translator, the French and Francophone studies program may be the right fit for you.