French and Francophone Studies Minor

The program in French and Francophone Studies is offered by the Department of Ancient and Modern Languages and Cultures. The program comprises a rich curriculum in language, culture, literature, and film. Courses in French builds learners' proficiency in the French language as well as their knowledge of French and Francophone cultures.

There are nearly 300 million French speakers worldwide. French is a primary language of 32 countries on five continents and is the second most frequently taught language in the world after English. Studying French at JCU is especially important due to the University’s proximity to Canada, where French is an official language spoken by over 7 million people. Since French is widely spoken in many industries—including food, fashion, finance, science, and technology, as well as the humanities and social sciences—a knowledge of French can be a useful asset for any student. Students with an interest in international business are encouraged to pair their study of French with a major in International Business with Language and Culture.

Many students of French enhance their studies in a variety of disciplines by studying abroad in a French-speaking country.

All FR courses are taught in French.

Program Learning Goals in French and Francophone Studies

Students will:

1. Communicate skillfully and effectively in French:

   • engage in effective interpersonal communication.

   • engage in effective interpretive listening.

   • engage in effective interpretive reading.

   • engage in effective presentational speaking.

   • engage in effective presentational writing.

2. Demonstrate informed interpretations of features of the culture of the French-speaking world (such as its art, literature, music, film, popular culture, tradition, and customs) in the context of its history, politics, religion, or geography.

3. Demonstrate emerging intercultural competence:

   • demonstrate an awareness of the interplay of personal identity and culture.

   • interpret an event, cultural product, or issue from the perspective of a worldview outside their own.

Minor Requirements

18 credit hours

18 credit hours, beginning at any level. Two approved courses (up to 6 credits) taught in English in cognate areas (e.g., international cultures, history, political science, philosophy) may be applied to the minor.   

Approved cognate courses include:

Students interested in pursuing the minor in French and Francophone Studies should consult with French faculty early in their academic career to plan courses appropriately.