French and Francophone Studies
About French and Francophone Studies
Our Program and Courses
French and Francophone Studies is a major and minor at F&M that distinctly blends the exploration of the language, literature, and culture of France and the Francophone world. You will embrace French as a tool for communication and creation, growing your confidence and fluency in French while taking classes that focus on reading, writing, and cross-cultural perspectives. You will have many opportunities to practice French through films, coffee hours, craft and game nights, and conversations with guest speakers.
A major in French and Francophone Studies follows one of two tracks:
French
In our French track, you will achieve an advanced level of French language proficiency as well as a solid background in literature and culture. At least nine of your ten required courses will be taught entirely in French, allowing you to engage with the French-speaking world and developing the tools to describe, debate, analyze and critique — both orally and in writing — French literary and cultural texts, films, documents, current events, and other cultural phenomena. At the most advanced level, courses focus on an author, genre, era or theme. The major culminates with a capstone experience, which includes the presentation of a portfolio of work you have created and a longer research project — in French — on a French or Francophone topic of your choice.
French Studies
Our French Studies track is designed for students with a strong interest in French and Francophone culture. You will take at least six courses taught in French, enabling you to develop an upper-intermediate French language proficiency, as well as a rich understanding of aspects of the French-speaking world. The remaining three courses can be ones taught in English with significant French or Francophone content. Your major will culminate in the presentation of a portfolio of work you have created and a longer research project in French or English on a French or Francophone topic of your choice.
You can also choose to combine your French studies with other disciplines by declaring
a French minor or a French joint or double major. French offers insight into and connections
with many different fields; students complement their studies with art, government,
history, economics, or international studies.
French Language Placement Exam
If you’re admitted to F&M and plan to study French, you must complete a language placement exam. You will complete this test the summer before you arrive on campus.
Wondering what a French course is like? Take a look at our course catalog to explore what’s available to you.
Learning Outside the Classroom
Our French professors are committed to tailoring your education to your interests and goals, and helping you discover research and study-abroad opportunities to broaden your understanding of the discipline.
Off-Campus Study
When learning a foreign language, it’s important to experience its use in communities
that speak it natively. All French students are encouraged to spend a semester or
summer abroad, with programs in Paris, Nantes, Strasbourg, Aix-en-Provence, Brussels,
Geneva or Senegal. Some programs provide students the opportunity to do a semester-long
internship with a French government agency or private business. There are several
scholarship awards available to assist students who wish to study abroad for the summer,
including the Harry L. Butler Award and the John A. Griffin Award.
Explore off-campus study at F&M
Research Opportunities
As a French major, you may have the opportunity to weave research into your academic
experience. With faculty guidance, you can do a more in-depth dive into the French
or Francophone topics that interest you most.
Explore research at F&M
Honors in French
Outstanding students in French Studies may be invited to complete an honors project for which you’ll present an oral defense in front of a jury.
Success Beyond F&M
Studying French at F&M will open doors to diverse cultures around the globe, from France itself to other French-speaking countries and regions in Europe, North and West Africa, Quebec, the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The interpretive skills, practical skills, cultural knowledge and awareness, and the intellectual connections you gain are valuable for any post-college plan.
Graduate School
Studying French at F&M serves as an excellent foundation for a wide range of graduate programs. Recent graduates have served in the Peace Corps, received French government teaching assistantships, or entered highly respected graduate programs in French.
Career Paths
Recent graduates of French at F&M have pursued careers in international banking, law, education, and fashion marketing. They hold positions such as:
- Accountant
- Assistant U.S. Attorney
- Associate Professor of French
- Associate Underwriter
- Coordinator of Modern Languages
- Digital Marketing Manager & Strategist
- Director of Inclusion
- English Teaching Assistant
- Environmental Protection Specialist
- Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing
- Financial Advisor
- French Teacher
- General Counsel
- Global Manager of Human Resources
Student Spotlight
A Semester in Paris: ‘Night at the Museum’ Could Never Compare
Ruth Axford ’25 never imagined that she would walk to the Arc de Triomphe to take
the metro, intern in the same building complex as the Louvre, or go to the Bastille
area for class. But she did all of that and more when she spent a semester studying
abroad in Paris. Axford interned at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, a museum dedicated
to the exhibition and preservation of the decorative arts. The French and history
double major worked on an exhibit for Dutch fashion designer Iris van Herpen. “Going
through the finished product on opening night with my colleagues, seeing it all come
to life without Tyvek commercial wrap on the floor was crazy,” Axford said. “When
we came out, the credits on the wall said all our names, including ‘avec la collaboration
de Ruth Axford.’ I may have happily cried walking home along the Champs Elysées, amazed
at everything I accomplished in only four months.”
Read More »Unraveling Political and Social Upheaval in Hugo’s ‘Les Misérables’
Professor of French Lisa Gasbarrone taught a Connections focused on an in-depth reading
and analysis of Victor Hugo’s renowned, 19th-century historical novel, “Les Misérables.”
"We read the novel along with selected secondary sources as we discussed a range of
topics. History, politics, revolution, redemption, the nature of crime and punishment,
the causes of poverty, equality and equity, justice, mercy and the law," Gasbarrone
said.
Read More »
Investigate the development of literature in an international and historical context.
When you immerse yourself in comparative literary studies at F&M, you’ll explore foundational
works of literature from a variety of historical periods and national traditions to
better understand the ways in which literary processes unfold in various environments. Embark on an enriching journey through time, exploring a vast range of geographic
regions, topical themes, and time periods. By studying history at F&M, you’ll gain
a deeper understanding of history and historical processes, and develop keen insight
into how they have shaped the present and will influence the future. International studies is an innovative program that combines off-campus study in a
non-English-speaking location with on- and off-campus coursework. As a student of
international studies at F&M, you will develop a global perspective and immerse yourself
in the languages and cultures of non-English-speaking countries and regions.Related Fields of Study
Comparative Literary Studies
History
International Studies
February 19, 2025 Abby Metcalf ’25, a film and media studies major, found herself increasingly immersed in French culture and cinema during her time at F&M. That interest deepened when she studied abroad in France, where she produced her own documentary and participated in the work of a rural farm commune. October 30, 2024 “Becoming a Diplomat has changed me for the better,” said Jake Lamb ‘25. Learn about his experience transferring to F&M and meet other students who made the switch. September 18, 2024 When she transferred to F&M, Teagan Durkin ’26 set a goal to become further immersed in LGBTQIA+ culture and community. This summer, she interned with Lancaster Pride and helped plan a record-breaking festival. We talked to her about her summer responsibilities and how they added value to her overall F&M experience.Explore French at F&M
Student Film Chronicles French Farm Living
Jake Lamb ’25: F&M Transfer ‘One of the Best Decisions I’ve Ever Made’
Junior Finds Culture & Community Through Lancaster Internship