新罕布什尔大学

French is the official language in 33 countries spread over five continents. While studying for your degree in French, you will gain fluency by learning the language and open your horizons by exploring French and Francophone literature, films and other cultural productions. You will learn about historical and contemporary civilization in a number of French-speaking countries, acquiring a deeper understanding of French heritage and the variety of cultures that make up the Francophone world.

As a French major at UNH, you will work closely with dedicated and caring faculty who will get to know you well. You will be able to study abroad in a French-speaking country and have opportunities to conduct research abroad. Our department maintains highly recommended semester- and yearlong programs through the University of Burgundy in Dijon, France. Co-curricular activities on campus include a conversation hour and language clubs. You can combine French with other disciplines, such as international affairs or engineering, because of the importance of mastering a second language in our globalized world.

Potential Careers

• Foreign Service officer
• Gastronomy professional
• Hospitality and tourism professional
• Immigration professional
• Interpreter
• Lawyer
• Paralegal
• Social worker
• Teacher
• Translator

Program Objectives

The undergraduate major in French offered by the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures is centered on the study of the French language and the literatures and cultures of France and the French-speaking world. Students who complete the requirements for the major can expect to become proficient in French at a level that would allow them to communicate with native speakers, to develop an in-depth critical appreciation of French and Francophone cultures and literatures, and to be culturally sensitive members of society.

The program offers courses devoted to authors, works, and literary and cultural movements that span ten centuries and four continents. The curriculum also includes interdisciplinary courses on relations between literature and other areas of study such as history, law, religion, politics, and the arts. All courses are conducted in French, and majors are expected to write papers and examinations in that language.

French can be taken either as a primary major or as one of two majors, in consultation with the director of undergraduate studies. Appropriate majors to combine with French might include, but are not limited to, international affairs, political science, English, education, film and media studies, history, music, philosophy, theater studies, women’s studies, business, and communication.

The French major may interest students desiring a general humanistic education based on the language and literature of the French-speaking world; students planning to teach French at the elementary or secondary level; students who intend to pursue graduate work in preparation for teaching and research at the college level; and students preparing for careers in such areas as international law, business, journalism, international organizations, and public or government service, which require both training in a major foreign language and/or a general background in a humanistic discipline.