French

Why pursue a French degree at North Central College?

French speakers are in high demand in international business, marketing, education, government, travel and art/fashion industries worldwide. Learning French extends beyond language fluency building critical thinking skills that are transferable to many career fields. Individuals that can speak, read, write and understand French will find that the knowledge of the French language is often a priority to a potential employer over other job skills for positions they may be applying for. This program is designed to provide robust language skills along with the experiences necessary to succeed in a global work environment.

At North Central College you will acquire the skills necessary to live and work in an international community. You will also gain exposure to cultural perspectives that will provide an in depth understanding of the French culture and how to operate within it. Whatever you choose to do with what you learn, studying French is sure to provide a wide variety of rewarding employment opportunities as a result of this in demand skill.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN

• Researching information related to foreign markets, humanitarian service, law, labor relations, marketing and news to assist international companies with making informed business decisions
• Providing leadership in the hospitality industry for hotels and restaurants with locations, clients or customers in France or French-speaking countries
• Working or studying abroad using both English and French languages to educate others

then a degree in FRENCH might be for you.

Why study French history at North Central College?

In the Classroom

Coursework topics:

• 28 or more credit hours taught in French
• Contemporary France
• French Enrichment
• French Literature
• French Poetry
• French Practicum
• French Women Writers
• History of France
• Internship
• Professional Portfolio 
• The Maghreb
• Vichy France

Beyond the Classroom

As a French major, you can:

• Use short-term learning opportunities to conduct research through a Richter Grant or May Term travel to French-speaking areas.
• Expand your linguistic and cultural proficiencies by studying abroad for a term though our exchange program in Angers, France.
• Earn an English language learner (ELL) minor to qualify to teach English abroad in a French-speaking country or teach ESL in Illinois schools.
• Travel to countries like Haiti to volunteer for ministry and service
• Participate in the French Club and the annual Modern and Classical Languages Festival.
• Take advantage of on-campus tutoring options and the Roberta I. Myers Language Resource Center for individualized tutoring or audio and video support
• Qualify for induction into Phi Delta Phi, the International French Honor Society, or Phi Sigma Iota for students studying more than one language.

More Department information