Why Study the French Language?
In today’s competitive job market, a degree is about not just what you study, but also how it will unfold your eventual career path. The Department offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in French as well as a minor in French. We combine the study of French language with courses that provide the practical knowledge you need to succeed as a working professional in the 21st Century.
What You Will Study
Many of our French majors pursue second majors in areas such as biology, business, public relations or international studies for careers in business, medicine or law. Our program can also prepare you to enter the teaching profession, continue with graduate studies, or volunteer for the Peace Corps or other international agencies in French-speaking countries.
Study Abroad!
Because study abroad provides a significant boost to language proficiency and valuable intercultural experiences, French majors and minors are encouraged to incorporate study abroad into their coursework. Gonzaga students can participate in sponsored study abroad programs in either Paris at the Institut Catholique or Aix-en-Provence at IAU, the Institute for American Universities. To ensure the maximum benefit of study abroad to their academic plan, students should discuss their plans early in their academic career with a member of the French program faculty.
Our program is accredited by the Northwest accreditation board, membership in Modern Language Association and in American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. Each year, we offer a scholarship to a student who demonstrates outstanding ability in the study of French.
Are you a current student looking for Fellowship, Work, and/or Research Opportunities in French?
Student Learning Outcomes
The French major will be able to:
- Communicate orally in French in accordance with the criteria of ACTFL’s Intermediate High level in speaking.
- Comprehend spoken French in accordance with the criteria of ACTFL’s Advanced Low level in listening.
- Write in French in accordance with the criteria of ACTFL’s Intermediate High level in writing.
- Read in French in accordance with the criteria of ACTFL’s Advanced Low level in reading.
- Demonstrate insightful and complex understanding of the target language culture(s) and function comfortably in a wide range of social situations in the target language environment(s)
* ACTFL refers to the “American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages” Proficiency Guidelines.