Study abroad experiences shape student’s views of languages and culture
Kiki Giles ‘24, an anthropology and French and Francophone studies double major at The College of Wooster, harnessed the power of study abroad experiences […]
Overview
French & Francophone Studies
Preparing Your Career, Building Language Skills
Wondering if world languages and cultures are a fit for graduate or professional school? Thinking about a double major? Advanced proficiency in French and a dynamic understanding of the French-speaking world can be excellent preparation for work in a wide range of professional fields, such as:
- Journalism
- Education
- Publishing
- International Business
- Diplomacy
- Banking
- Law
- International aid and development
Wooster graduates with a major or double major in French & Francophone Studies distinguish themselves from most American applicants to top graduate programs, and they increase the number of places they are qualified to work and study.
Personal Paths, Collaborative Work
At Wooster, you can develop advanced proficiency in French while also gaining in-depth knowledge of France and the French-speaking world. Students enjoy charting their own courses, by focusing on the regions, countries, and issues that they find most compelling. Thanks to our broad array of courses, you can pursue studies in language, culture, literature, film, history, and society. We embrace interdisciplinary studies. You will find creative and powerful ways to combine your interest in French and Francophone Studies with your work in other disciplines, including the sciences.
Versatile Academic Preparation, Exciting Practical Experiences
Build your résumé with opportunities such as:
- La Maison francophone, an immersion-style residence hall suite led each year by a French-speaking Fulbright assistant
- A wide range of study abroad programs
- Competitive fellowships to support domestic and international internships
- Language tutor, research assistant, departmental assistant, or TA positions
- Student event planning team for our yearly French and Francophone Film Festival
Luce Language Labs and Global Cafe
Luce Residential Hall houses five language suites (Chinese, French, German, Spanish & Russian), which provide students with a living/learning environment focused on developing foreign language skills.
The Global Cafe, located in the lower level of Luce, is a place for socializing, learning about other cultures, and enjoying the company of other language learners.
Learn more about Luce HallFaculty & Staff
Cynthia D. Bernardy
Academic Administrative Coordinator for Chinese Studies, Classical Studies, English, French & Francophone Studies, German Studies, Russian Studies, and Spanish
Marion Duval
Associate Professor and Department Chair of French and Francophone Studies
Harry Gamble
Inez K. Gaylord Professor of French and Francophone Studies and Pathway Liaison (On leave Fall 2024)
Latest French and Francophone Studies News
Wooster Model UN team continues successful track record at American Model UN
The College of Wooster Model United Nations team continued its tradition of excellence at the November 2023 American Model UN competition in Chicago, earning […]
AMRE Team | College of Wooster Placemaking
Maame Genfi, Ashesi University Trinity Harmon ’24, Economics Thaint Oo ’24, Economics Thomas Pitney ’24, Political Science, French and Francophone Studies Advisors: Ryan Ozar, Hamed […]
Anthropology and French double major combines areas of interest through internship at study abroad provider
Following a year in Morocco with IES Abroad (Institute for the International Education of Students)’s “Study in Rabat” program, Kiki Giles ’24, an anthropology […]
Major
Eleven courses are required to complete a major in French and Francophone Studies, including French language, literature and culture courses.
To assure linguistic competence and in-depth understanding of Francophone cultures, the department strongly encourages study off-campus and will provide guidance on choosing a study abroad program. All majors should normally plan to spend at least a semester in a French-speaking country.
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Minor
Six courses are required to complete a minor in French and Francophone Studies, including language, literature and culture courses. Students are encouraged to study off-campus to build language skills and The College of Wooster provides guidance and support in choosing a study-abroad program.
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Independent Study
Working closely with a faculty mentor, each senior major completes an extended yearlong project that typically culminates in an original research paper. The subjects of I.S. projects vary widely, depending on student interests and goals. Senior projects may explore culture, literature, film, society, history, or language and linguistics. In certain cases, students with the appropriate training may choose to produce artistic works, such as novellas, collections of poetry, or short films.
Senior I.S. projects focus on many different parts of the French-speaking world, from European contexts (France, Switzerland, Belgium) to the twenty-six countries that comprise francophone Africa. Some students explore francophone locations in the Americas, such as Martinique, Guadeloupe, Haiti, and Quebec. In many cases, Senior I.S. projects connect two or more geographic contexts. Study abroad experiences very often inform I.S. projects, whether directly or indirectly.
Search the I.S. Database
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| Student | Year | I.S. Title | Major 1 | Major 2 | Advisor |
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Alumni
Wooster graduates with a major or double major in French & Francophone Studies distinguish themselves from most American applicants to top graduate programs, and they increase the number of places they are qualified to work and study.
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Namara Rwakatare ’23 knew after graduating from The College of Wooster, she wanted to be involved in service work, specifically on the African continent. […]
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The College of Wooster provided Ishtiaq Ghafoor ’00, an international student from Britain, with a foundation in writing and critical thinking that has helped […]
Samira El-Adawy ’13 encourages inclusivity through sports for those with intellectual disabilities
This story originally appeared in the Spring 2023 edition of Wooster Magazine. Samira El-Adawy ’13 is an athlete on a mission to foster inclusion. […]
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After a year’s worth of writing to complete her Independent Study titled “Sinister Cinema: Depictions of Evil in the WWII and Postwar Thrillers of […]
Prizes & Scholarships
The Willis C. and Scott L. Behoteguy Endowed Scholarship is awarded to a major in French and Francophone Studies who has demonstrated high academic achievement and promise. Second preference shall be given to a student majoring in Global and International Studies, with a minor in French and Francophone Studies. Recipients must also demonstrate financial need.
The Frances Guille-Secor Memorial Fund provides scholarship income to a student who has demonstrated high achievement in French and Francophone Studies as well as in other academic work.
The G. Pauline Ihrig Fund awards a scholarship annually to a student who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in French and Francophone Studies. Recipients also need to demonstrate financial need.
The John W. Olthouse Prize is awarded to the major who has the highest standing in French and Francophone Studies at the end of the senior year.
The Mary Sanborn Allen Prize is awarded to a student majoring in a foreign language who has greatly benefited from study outside the United States.
** Please note: In determining prize recipients, the department considers a number of factors, including not only academic success, but also depth of involvement with our program and curriculum. Preference may be given to students who take more than the minimum number of courses and participate regularly in departmental cultural activities.
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