FREN - Francophone Studies Major

The Francophone Studies Program at Trinity College offers numerous possibilities for studies in French and Francophone cultures. Students who take courses in French benefit from small and intimate classes that emphasize both interactive and individualized approaches to language education. Students of French will enhance their academic experience at Trinity by acquiring skills that will not only be useful after college, but that will be part of the lifelong process of cultural discovery. Courses in French language, literature, Francophone cultures, and film are offered by an enthusiastic faculty that encourages intellectual challenge, critical thinking, and social interaction in a cultural context.

Since French is the second most commonly taught second language in the world, and is among the most widely spoken languages, students will find many opportunities to apply their skills in French. French is an official and/or administrative language in over 50 countries worldwide. In addition it is one of the official languages of organizations such as the European Union, the United Nations, Interpol, and Amnesty International among numerous others.

Students learn French at Trinity in a variety of events outside the classroom; the French table, outings to museums, dinners in faculty homes, and the French Club, which integrates curricular and extra-curricular activities. Students who major in Francophone Studies are strongly encouraged to study in a French-speaking country either through Trinity in Paris or another Francophone program.