Students in the French program acquire skills in writing and
speaking, knowledge of important aspects of French civilization
including geography, history, art, social customs, cuisine,
business practices and the political life of France. Students
become familiar with French and Francophone literature from its
origins in the thirteenth century to the present.
Students, especially those who are interested in International
Business, may focus on contemporary issues such as Translation,
Contemporary France, Business French and practices in the
Francophone businesses that lead to the exam of the Chamber of
Commerce and Industry of Paris recognized by Francophone and
international businesses around the world. Students who opt for a
teaching career are encouraged to take Methodology of Foreign
Language Teaching. All are encouraged to participate in the summer
and semester study abroad programs in France where they can master
important linguistic and social skills through focused
internships. There are also internships in this country in
local French institutions.
This program will prepare students to:
Demonstrate the ability to understand,
speak, write, listen and read the French language.
- Communicate with educated native speakers of the language on a
variety of topics, fluently, without making serious errors in
pronunciation or choice of words.
- Read and demonstrate understanding of a French newspaper or an
article of general interest.
- Write letters on subjects of interest and express opinions on
daily events.
- Master advanced grammar and composition writing.
Demonstrate understanding of the values of
French culture, social, historical, political and every day aspects
of life.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the geography, history, social
customs, the arts, government and political life of France.
- Model the social skills necessary to successfully interact with
French and Francophone people around the world.
Demonstrate understanding and familiarity
with major literary periods, theoretical perspectives of esthetics
of language and historical and social values reflected in
literature.
- Distinguish literary periods and the esthetics of different
literary French genres.
- Analyze reflected social values, literary practices, and
contemporary literary criticism.