French, B.A.

Saint Louis University's Bachelor of Arts in French program, offered by the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, aims to develop students’ competency in the language while increasing their knowledge of the French-speaking world. As the living environment becomes increasingly transnational, a major in French offers an attractive asset to careers in many fields, including business, medicine, politics, law and the humanities. In addition, the major prepares students for graduate work in French by providing them with a broad range of courses in French and Francophone literature and culture. Additional program highlights: We offer a wide variety of courses on the French-speaking world, including courses such as French and International Relations, Business French, French Cinema and French and Francophone Media. Students can spend a year in Lyon, France. This yearlong, full-immersion program allows students to experience firsthand the country and its culture. Students will take classes in the French university system with French students and other international students. Courses not only fulfill requirements for French majors at SLU, but students may also have an opportunity to complete some of their core requirements while in Lyon. Students can also spend a semester or a year in Poitiers, France, studying at the Université de Poitiers alongside other international students and native French speakers. Courses taken as part of this full-immersion program may count toward the student’s major or minor in French, study in other disciplines or core requirements. Learning Outcomes Graduates will be able to interact in French. Graduates will be able to interpret authentic materials in French. Graduates will be able compare their own cultures with cultures in which French is a dominant language. Careers The benefits of the French program also include several career opportunities. Combining practical aspirations with the humanizing and broadening effects of language study, the undergraduate major prepares students to perform in many rewarding careers. Accessibility to faculty is a hallmark of the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures. Faculty will be happy to advise students on career options. Career paths for French graduates include: Education International business Non-governmental organizations Foreign service Law Medicine Research Interpreting Cultural services planning Museum work Relocation abroad services Travel consultant Study abroad advisor