French Studies is conceived and designed to support and strengthen students’ abilities to think, read, and write in French and about French literature, culture, and the Francophone world.

Our BA specializing in French studies will allow you to hone your reading and writing skills, but above all to carry out an in-depth study of French literature, linguistics, history and cultures.

The concentration in French provides students with the opportunity to study traditional academic fields like language, literature, and the culture of French and less traditional subjects such as film studies and the Francophone literature of the Caribbean, Quebec, and Africa. This unique combination leads to a well-rounded liberal arts education that allows students to experience the full spectrum of the Francophone world.

Fall in love with language all over again as a French major or minor at Susquehanna. Courses are taught in French, so you’ll become proficient and comfortable speaking and writing as you earn your degree. You’ll sharpen those skills through fun activities and clubs on campus and by studying abroad through our Global Opportunities program. Our professors will help get you career-ready through courses in French literature, contemporary France, cinema, and other current topics. You can also pair your love of language with another interest and pursue a double major.

The French and Francophone Studies major allows students the opportunity to pursue their interest in the study of French and Francophone cultures through supplementary courses while maintaining a high level of proficiency in the language. The study of French and Francophone cultures has a number of obvious connections. This course of study incorporates elective courses from Art, Communications, English, History, Philosophy, Political Science, and Religion—plus additional courses can be requested—to meet a broad of student interests.

The ability to speak and understand French opens countless doors and expands one's view of the world. With the news of what's happening around the globe only minutes away, the understanding of different cultures that comes from being bi- or multi-lingual is invaluable. Dynamic faculty members, are committed to helping students become citizens of the global community, and engage in teaching, research, publication, and other professional activities.

It allows the development of a career in various fields of culture such as: translation, book publishing, media, education (by enrolling in the pedagogical module), both in private institutions and in-state institutions. Graduates can easily integrate into multinational societies due to fluency in the foreign language and intercultural skills acquired during their years of study.

The other biggest trend in this 21st-century world is localism (the principle of specific areas) or regionalism (the principle of multiple areas) as opposed to globalism. The International Communications Department overcomes the barriers of cultural and political conflicts of countries with different languages, ethnic groups, religions, and social systems.

As a student of French at McMaster, you’ll be immersing yourself in one of the world’s great languages, spoken by millions in Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, North America, and elsewhere. You’ll also be introduced to the rich literary and cultural traditions of French-speaking peoples.