Bachelor of Arts in French

Miami University

The French major is ideal for those who love to read, write, and learn about other cultures. Through the integrated study of literature, language, cultures, and the arts of the French and Francophone world, the major offers students the opportunity to hone their French skills while taking courses on a wide variety of topics from the study of literature to artistic avant-gardes, contemporary French thought, film, and graphic novels. Students are encouraged to participate in the Department’s faculty-led study abroad programs in Dijon and Paris. French majors read and think critically about the literatures and cultures of French and Francophone worlds while developing high-level communication skills in French. They learn about the diverse cultural values, ideologies, and philosophies of French-speaking cultures through the discussion and close analysis of stories, poems, films, and more. Students typically start by taking our introductory or intermediate language classes and FRE 131 "Masterpieces of French Culture in Translation." Our curriculum features an integrative approach to French and Francophone language and cultural studies with an emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches and diverse critical perspectives directly related to faculty research expertise. We foster opportunities for independent research and discovery through our French Honors track, which allows excellent students to conduct an intensive and in-depth research project on current critical issues in the field and our combined BA/MA degree.Miami’s French majors acquire highly marketable skills with strengths in communication, global knowledge, and interdisciplinary research that prepare them for a number of career paths. Many of our majors join the workforce after graduation and enjoy successful careers working for international non-profits, marketing, international business, and in education. Other graduates pursue advanced study in the humanities (recent placements include fully-funded positions in French doctoral programs at top-ranked NYU and UC Berkeley) and in professional fields earning graduate degrees in finance, medicine, law, and library science.

College of Arts and Science