French

Bachelor of Arts

Understanding a language is more than simply knowing how to translate; it requires an immersion in its culture and history.

We offer a wide variety of courses that incorporate literature, linguistics, and culture into the study of the French language. In addition to working interactively with their faculty mentors and each other, we strongly encourage students to study abroad.

The Curriculum

California Lutheran University’s French curriculum offers students many educational opportunities through course work, study abroad and extracurricular activities on and off campus. A solid foundation in French enables the Cal Lutheran graduate to choose from many career alternatives or admission to a graduate school for advanced study of the language.

The technology-enhanced program is designed to provide students with a strong competency in the French language and an understanding of the French cultures throughout the world. Emphasizing an interactive learning environment and maintaining small class sessions, the curriculum includes conversation and composition as well as film, literature, phonetics and linguistics. Audio and videotapes, videodisks and CDs simulate realistic situations, while students and faculty explore French, the second language of the Internet and the second global language.

Both French major and non-major students are encouraged to study abroad in a francophone location. They may choose from partner institutions in Paris, Aix-en-Provence and Avignon, Grenoble, and Cannes for an academic year, a semester or summer.

Students enjoy participating in activities sponsored by the Cal Lutheran French Club and the French national honor society, Pi Delta Phi, which afford opportunities to practice verbal skill and experience French culture outside the academic environment. French majors may be selected as tutors or chosen as departmental assistants. Several scholarships have been awarded to Cal Lutheran French majors through Pi Delta Phi and Rotary International, allowing them to study and visit in such locations as France, Belgium, Canada and Africa.



Programs

Offered as a major (BA) and a minor.


Recommended Minors

Want to add even more value to your degree? Consider one of these minors to gain a unique combination of skills and perspectives.


The Experience

Ever since I started taking French classes in high school, I became very passionate about the language. Learning French has opened up so many opportunities for me such as studying abroad in France and Morocco, meeting French speakers from around the world, tutoring Cal Lutheran students, and getting involved with the Alliance Francaise back home in Seattle. 

Kerstin Westerlund '20

The summer before my junior year at Cal Lutheran, I took French classes for two months in northwestern France. I returned to southern France for the fall semester and continued my French courses in Aix-en-Provence. The idea of adding a language as a second major can be daunting to people, but without my French major I would've never had the chance to live abroad and communicate with people from around the world!

Bailey Hendrix '21
Your Future

French majors from Cal Lutheran have entered careers as educators, travel agents, and translators and interpreters for governmental organizations, international businesses, Peace Corps and church missions. Also, the growing field of international management has attracted Cal Lutheran graduates who have combined their French degree with Business Administration or Global Studies.

Graduates in French are able to secure professional employment not only in the United States, but also in Canada, Africa and European Community institutions, all of which employ the French language second only to English.


Our alumni study at:
  • Boston University
  • Middlebury College
  • University of California, Irvine
  • University of Edinburgh
  • University of Paris
  • University of Southern California
Our alumni work for:
  • Boutique Search Firm
  • Cafla Tours
  • Peace Corps
  • Progressive Insurance
  • Warner Pacific Insurance
Career paths:
  • Bilingual Reservation Agent
  • Campus Experience Coordinator
  • Community Organizer
  • English Teacher
  • Field Organizer
  • French Teacher
  • Research Assistant
  • Sales Agent

of Cal Lutheran graduates find a job or enroll in graduate school within nine months

More Career Outcomes



As a French major, I immersed myself in many aspects of the program, such as being a Department Assistant, French Tutor, French Club Secretary and organizing the French Film Festival and Francofolie Cultural Event. My professors genuinely cared about the success of my academics and involvement beyond the classroom. I have been able to use these skills in my current role by communicating with several visitors in French. Learning a new culture and language helped me broaden my cultural awareness and respect our differences.

Andrea Delgadillo '18
French Major
Campus Experience Coordinator, California Lutheran University, Office of Undergraduate Admission

Want to learn more?

Let us know and we'll send you information about our academics, campus life, admission process, and more!

©