French

An abundance of riches

Did you know that French is the primary language of 70 million people? That France is the world’s fifth largest economy? That a French novelist won the 2008 Nobel Prize for Literature? That a French film won the 2012 Academy Award for Best Picture?

In keeping with all that’s worth knowing about French, we offer a program of courses designed to develop high proficiency in French language skills and to inculcate a knowledge and appreciation of the culture and literature of French-speaking countries. All courses in the department are taught in French. Outside the classroom, students have the opportunity to hone their language skills and cultural understanding by living in the French House, by dining at the French tables, and by participating in activities of the department and the French House.

Why Wooster?

Students can tailor the major to their specific interests, focusing on literature, film, civilization, language and linguistics, or foreign language education. For those interested in a career in international business, Wooster offers an integrated program of study that incorporates French and business economics.
Virtually all majors study abroad for a semester or a full year to improve their fluency and experience Francophone culture. In recent years, study abroad opportunities have included Paris, Besançon and Toulouse in France, Senegal in West Africa, and Quebec. Many of the study-abroad programs include an internship component with a corporation, or teaching English to French students.
Wooster students have won major prizes ten years running in the annual French contest of the Maison Française de Cleveland.
Students and faculty gather weekly at the French table for lunch and conversation.
Advanced French students can choose to live in the French House.
Students who plan to teach French at the secondary level may obtain Ohio licensure through the college's education department.