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French

Understanding a language is more than 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. We strongly encourage students to deepen their knowledge by studying abroad.

Overview
Build competency in language and culture

The technology-enhanced program is designed to provide you with a strong competency in the French language and an understanding of French cultures throughout the world. A solid foundation in French will enable you to choose from many career options or admission to a graduate school for advanced study of the language.

Engage in interactive learning and multimedia

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 recordings, videotapes, videodisks and CDs simulate realistic situations for you to explore French, the second language of the Internet and the second global language.

Immerse yourself abroad

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.


At a Glance

Degree Type

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Languages and Cultures

School/College

College of Arts and Sciences

Next Steps

Interested in this major? Here's what you can do next:

The Curriculum

With challenging and relevant courses, outstanding faculty, small class sizes, and an emphasis on hands-on learning, the french program will position you to succeed in your chosen career.

Degree requirements

Find out what it takes to earn a degree in french and explore the courses.


Highlighted Courses

Get familiar with some of the courses you might take in this major.

FREN 202: Intermediate French

The continued study of spoken and written French, with a thorough foundation in communication skills and grammatical structures through continued use of electronic media. This course is normally the prerequisite for any upper division course in French.

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FREN 305: French Civilization and Culture

Study of the development of French civilization, including arts, letters, science and political and social institutions, with an emphasis on contemporary life in France.

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FREN 401: Advanced Grammar and Composition

A functional review of grammar as used for communication skills. Includes the writing of current idiomatic French, free and oral composition and translation on assigned topics.

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FREN 445: Contemporary French Theatre

A study of representative French playwrights such as Claudel, Pagnol, Romains, Cocteau, Giraudoux, Anouilh, Ionesco, Beckett, Camus, Sartre, Arrabal, Genet and others. Includes general trends of 20th-century French theatre.

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FREN 447: French Cinema

A study of French cinema from its inception through recently produced films. Typical topics covered are French film pioneers, art films, serials, surrealist and New Wave films, musicals, "classics," French cinematographers, directors, actors, etc.

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FREN 448: Francophone Literature

An eclectic study of the literatures - poems, lyrics, short stories, film scenarios, plays and novels - and cultures of the francophone world outside of France (e.g., Canada, Africa, Belgium, Haiti, Martinique, etc.).

See description

View all required courses



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

We offer hands-on opportunities that give you the freedom to explore your passion through real-world work and prepare for a fulfilling career.

  • Collaborative Experiences

    The program includes creative individual and group projects, digital tools and the use of social media to enhance language learning and cultural literacy. From beginner to advanced levels, our curriculum is crafted to cater to diverse language proficiency levels.

  • Travel Courses

    You’ll have the option to take exciting travel courses that span from two weeks to a month abroad. Imagine the opportunity to apply your language skills in real-life situations! French-speaking destinations such as Paris, Martinique and Guadeloupe offer an invaluable chance to deepen your cultural understanding and linguistic competence while making memories that will last a lifetime.

  • Honors Societies

    Travel scholarships have been awarded to French majors through Pi Delta Phi and Rotary International, allowing them to study and visit in such locations as France, Belgium, Canada and Africa.

  • Student Clubs

    Students enjoy participating in activities sponsored by the French Club, which affords opportunities to practice verbal skill and experience French culture outside the academic environment.

Student photo

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

Career Paths

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. 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 U.S., but also in Canada, Africa and European Community institutions, all of which employ the French language second only to English.


Potential Careers

Travel Agents

Plan and sell transportation and accommodations for customers. Determine destination, modes of transportation, travel dates, costs, and accommodations required. May also describe, plan, and arrange itineraries and sell tour packages. May assist in resolving clients' travel problems.

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Travel Guides

Plan, organize, and conduct long-distance travel, tours, and expeditions for individuals and groups.

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Interpreters and Translators

Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.

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Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors

Teach or instruct out-of-school youths and adults in basic education, literacy, or English as a Second Language classes, or in classes for earning a high school equivalency credential.

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Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach languages and literature courses in languages other than English. Includes teachers of American Sign Language (ASL). Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

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Training and Development Specialists

Design or conduct work-related training and development programs to improve individual skills or organizational performance. May analyze organizational training needs or evaluate training effectiveness.

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Looking for more career paths? Search these related areas to discover more options.

Employers

Some of the organizations our graduate work for include:

  • Boutique Search Firm
  • Cafla Tours
  • Peace Corps
  • Progressive Insurance
  • Warner Pacific Insurance

Graduate Schools

Our alumni have pursued advanced degrees at:

  • Boston University
  • Middlebury College
  • University of California, Irvine
  • University of Edinburgh
  • University of Paris
  • University of Southern California
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
Campus Experience Coordinator, California Lutheran University, Office of Undergraduate Admission

This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Some occupations listed above may require a related graduate degree.

How We Prepare You for Success

We have 20,000+ employer contacts for jobs and internships, with over 200 listings posted each week.

Our excellent career counselors in the Career Services center will get in touch with you during your very first term on campus. They offer over 50 workshops each year on resume writing, interviewing, salary negotiations, applying to graduate schools, and other critical skills to help you begin your career successfully.

After you graduate from Cal Lutheran, you receive free access to Career Services for life, as a valued member of our alumni family.

Learn more about career outcomes

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

Cost & Financial Aid

We work with students and families to make sure everyone who is admitted to Cal Lutheran can afford it.


Tuition & Fees

You and your family might have questions about how you’ll cover the costs of college. We can tell you this — it costs less than you think.

Read our financial aid guide

Scholarships & Grants

We offer a range of awards based on academic merit and financial need. This is money that does not need to be repaid.

View scholarships and grants

Financial Aid

If you're new to the financial aid process, you probably have a lot of questions. But don't worry — we're here to help guide you all the way.

Learn about financial aid

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