French Study Abroad - French Major

French

The French major at Hollins strives to give students a strong foundation in all aspects of French language and culture. Students graduating with a major in French will be able to express themselves articulately in oral and written French, understand and appreciate cultures and values of the French-speaking world and exhibit analytical skills.
    Hollins French majors are well prepared for careers in fields such as education, business, marketing, government, or tourism. They will also have the solid academic background necessary for graduate school in French or international business, among other fields. An opportunity for internships reinforces the experiential side of the French major. A French major can complete her degree requirements by taking courses that focus on language and literature, or on business, international relations, and current events. Another track of study leads to certification to teach French at the secondary school level.
    Innovative, imaginative teaching is the hallmark of the department. Technology exists comfortably alongside more traditional forms of instruction.
    At the beginning level, we place emphasis on oral comprehension and speaking skills to prepare you for subsequent immersion in the language and culture. At the next level, depending upon your interests and needs, you may choose from courses in conversation and composition, grammar, literature, or culture. At the upper level, you may choose from a number of studies, including language, literature, global studies, business, and teaching.

Special Program

Advanced French students in Paris can take advantage of a special program offered through The Sorbonne.

Written and corrected by the faculty at The Sorbonne in Paris, The Sorbonne exams set a worldwide standard of proficiency and are one of the best ways to demonstrate competency to prospective employers.

Learning beyond the classroom

Cathedral

Hollins offers abundant opportunities for students of languages to practice their craft and broaden their experience. Here are a few:

La Maison Française: where students speak the language daily and share common interests

French language assistants: residents of La Maison Française who participate in everyday student life and offer conversation groups for elementary- and intermediate-level classes

French tables: informal weekly gatherings of students in the dining hall

French and/or International Film Festival

French Club: Le Cercle Francais is a dynamic club that plans numerous activities including crepe parties, a Christmas service in French, films, and receptions

French National Honor Society: membership in the widely recognized francophile organization, Pi Delta Phi

Internships: French majors have interned at French chambers of commerce, French embassies, law offices, and museums in Paris.

Hollins graduates: Where are they now?

Graduates in French benefit from Hollins' worldwide alumnae network. Majors go on to interesting careers all over the world. Here's a sampling:

Director of Film Acquisitions at HBO/CINEMAX

Acquisitions editor, VanNostrand Reinhold Publishing

President of Curry College (Conn.) and former president of the American University of Paris

Assistant professor of French at West Georgia College

Corporate attorney in Hong Kong

Foreign Service officer at the American Embassy in Brussels

Deputy press secretary for former president George Bush

Executive director, French-American Chamber of Commerce, New Orleans

Export traffic manager

Strategic planner and research analyst

Lebanese Embassy, Washington, D.C.

Peace Corps volunteers in Zaire and Guatemala