French holds an important position among the world's languages. More than 200 million people around the world -- in North and South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and Indochina -- speak French. French remains, with English, one of the two languages into which all documents must be translated in the United Nations. Thus, students considering careers in business, diplomacy, the church, or teaching wisely choose to complete a major in French, sometimes along with another major.
Studying French and other Francophone culture, civilization and literature, students develop oral and written languages skills, analytical thinking, and familiarity with diverse philosphies and perspectives, all of which are central to liberal arts education with a global perspective.
The French section of the Department of Romance languages offers a variety of courses, on campus and abroad, in French language, culture/civilization, and literature for beginning, intermediate, and advanced students, both majors and non-majors.
St. Olaf provides an honor house, La Maison Française, that frequently hosts cultural and social activities, promoting discussion of French and Francophone lectures, films, musical groups, celebrations, and more.
Questions?
Contact us!
French Department
Tomson Hall 329
1520 St. Olaf Avenue
Northfield, MN 55057
507-786-3247 or -3230
507-786-3732
bothun@stolaf.edu
Wendy Allen
Professor of French
Department Chair
wallen@stolaf.edu
Photo Credits:
Robert Doisneau, www.poffet.net
What our Graduates are Doing: Laura Reeck, '94, Associate Professor of French, Allegheny College
Analyzes established Beur authors, classics of that literature and more recent writers and works. A must-read for anyone interested in contemporary French Studies, immigrant literature, comparative literature, postcolon-ial studies, and Arab studies. Examines novels by Azouz Begag, Farida Belghoul, Leïla Sebbar, Saïd Mohamed, Rachid Djaïdani, and Mohamed Razane.
French at St. Olaf
Why choose French? Why study French in my first year? Who are the members of the French faculty? Will study of French help me in my chosen major? What international study programs require knowledge of French? Is it possible to study more than one language?
Find out the answers to these and other questions by following the link to FAQs.
