Explore the literature, culture, and history of the French-speaking world. Learn a language that is rich and coveted worldwide in higher education, medicine, international relations, diplomacy, business, and travel.

Why French & French studies at Sewanee?

The Department of French and French Studies at Sewanee offers an exceptional opportunity to study and experience the rich literature and culture of the French-speaking world. We develop each of the pillars of the National Foreign Language Standards: communication, cultures, connections, comparisons, and communities. Language classes are designed to help you develop skills in speaking and writing French as well as in reading literary texts. We integrate culture, history, and technology into our classes, creating a cross-disciplinary approach to the curriculum. 

As a result of our course of study, you’ll obtain an operative level of oral and written proficiency and will be capable of reading important French works and reacting to them critically. As a student of French, you will also have opportunities to take skills learned in the classroom further.  The French House offers a variety of extra-curricular activities that represent French culture. French majors and minors may live in the French House for at least one semester, sharpening their skills with complete language immersion.

FIRST DESTINATIONS: French & French studies MAJORS

Sewanee graduates secure positions in a variety of fields. French is both the language of love and reason. It opens up the world, and there is no limit on what you can accomplish once you speak it. Sewanee prepares you for your profession and your passion. Below is a sampling of recent graduates' first job.

  • Advertising Coordinator, The Advertising Research Foundation, New York City, NY.
  • Lectrice for the Departement D'anglais, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France.
  • Education Associate, French and Spanish Teacher, Children's Museum of Denver, Denver, CO.
  • Wine Distributor, Burlington Wine, Burlington, VT.
GRADUATE SCHOOL & PREPROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS: FRENCH & FRENCH STUDIES MAJORS

Sewanee graduates enjoy extraordinary acceptance rates to top graduate and preprofessional programs–about 95 percent to law school and over 85 percent to medical school. Below is a sampling of where Sewanee grads continue their education.

  • M.A. in Language Acquisition, Middlebury College/The Sorbonne.
  • M.A. in International Relations, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
  • J.D. University of Maine.
  • M.A. in French, Middlebury College.

Sewanee In Paris Program

The French Department’s rich course of study facilitates cultural experiences beyond Sewanee. Each Fall, accompanied by a Sewanee faculty member, students apply place-based learning abroad in France. The Program consists of four full courses and also includes two weekend trips—one to Burgundy and one to Normandy—providing cultural opportunities to attend plays, concerts, and dance performances in some of Paris's great performing arts centers. Keep up with students' adventures by following their blog!

A Sampling of Courses

Contact

Aymeric Glacet
Professor of French and French Studies

aglacet@sewanee.edu

Gailor Hall 213, Ext. 1524

Connecting the Dots