French
Understanding a language is more than knowing how to translate; it requires an immersion in its culture and history.
We offer a wide variety of courses that incorporate literature, linguistics and culture into the study of the French language. We strongly encourage students to deepen their knowledge by studying abroad.
Build competency in language and culture
The technology-enhanced program is designed to provide you with a strong competency in the French language and an understanding of French cultures throughout the world. A solid foundation in French will enable you to choose from many career options or admission to a graduate school for advanced study of the language.
Engage in interactive learning and multimedia
Emphasizing an interactive learning environment and maintaining small class sessions, the curriculum includes conversation and composition as well as film, literature, phonetics and linguistics. Audio recordings, videotapes, videodisks and CDs simulate realistic situations for you to explore French, the second language of the Internet and the second global language.
Immerse yourself abroad
Both French major and non-major students are encouraged to study abroad in a francophone location. They may choose from partner institutions in Paris, Aix-en-Provence and Avignon, Grenoble, and Cannes for an academic year, a semester or summer.
At a Glance
Degree Type
Bachelor of Arts
Department
School/College
College of Arts and Science
Next Steps
Interested in this major? Here's what you can do next:
With challenging and relevant courses, outstanding faculty, small class sizes, and an emphasis on hands-on learning, the french program will position you to succeed in your chosen career.
Program Details
Find out what it takes to earn a degree in french and explore the courses.
Highlighted Courses
Get familiar with some of the courses you might take in this major.
FREN 202: Intermediate French
The continued study of spoken and written French, with a thorough foundation in communication skills and grammatical structures through continued use of electronic media. This course is normally the prerequisite for any upper division course in French.
See descriptionFREN 305: French Civilization and Culture
Study of the development of French civilization, including arts, letters, science and political and social institutions, with an emphasis on contemporary life in France.
See descriptionFREN 401: Advanced Grammar and Composition
A functional review of grammar as used for communication skills. Includes the writing of current idiomatic French, free and oral composition and translation on assigned topics.
See descriptionFREN 445: Contemporary French Theatre
A study of representative French playwrights such as Claudel, Pagnol, Romains, Cocteau, Giraudoux, Anouilh, Ionesco, Beckett, Camus, Sartre, Arrabal, Genet and others. Includes general trends of 20th-century French theatre.
See descriptionFREN 447: French Cinema
A study of French cinema from its inception through recently produced films. Typical topics covered are French film pioneers, art films, serials, surrealist and New Wave films, musicals, "classics," French cinematographers, directors, actors, etc.
See descriptionFREN 448: Francophone Literature
An eclectic study of the literatures - poems, lyrics, short stories, film scenarios, plays and novels - and cultures of the francophone world outside of France (e.g., Canada, Africa, Belgium, Haiti, Martinique, etc.).
See descriptionRecommended Minors
Want to add even more value to your degree? Consider one of these minors to gain a unique combination of skills and perspectives.
- Business Administration
- Ethnic and Race Studies
- Global Studies
- Environmental Studies
- Gender and Women’s Studies
- Legal Studies
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Public Health
- Sports Management
- Theatre Arts
We offer hands-on opportunities that give you the freedom to explore your passion through real-world work and prepare for a fulfilling career.
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Collaborative Experiences
The program includes creative individual and group projects, digital tools and the use of social media to enhance language learning and cultural literacy. From beginner to advanced levels, our curriculum is crafted to cater to diverse language proficiency levels.
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Travel Courses
You’ll have the option to take exciting travel courses that span from two weeks to a month abroad. Imagine the opportunity to apply your language skills in real-life situations! French-speaking destinations such as Paris, Martinique and Guadeloupe offer an invaluable chance to deepen your cultural understanding and linguistic competence while making memories that will last a lifetime.
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Honors Societies
Travel scholarships have been awarded to French majors through Pi Delta Phi and Rotary International, allowing them to study and visit in such locations as France, Belgium, Canada and Africa.
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Student Clubs
Students enjoy participating in activities sponsored by the French Club, which affords opportunities to practice verbal skill and experience French culture outside the academic environment.
Ever since I started taking French classes in high school, I became very passionate about the language. Learning French has opened up so many opportunities for me such as studying abroad in France and Morocco, meeting French speakers from around the world, tutoring Cal Lutheran students, and getting involved with the Alliance Francaise back home in Seattle.
Kerstin Westerlund '20
French majors from Cal Lutheran have entered careers as educators, travel agents, and translators and interpreters for governmental organizations, international businesses, Peace Corps and church missions. The growing field of international management has attracted Cal Lutheran graduates who have combined their French degree with business administration or global studies. Graduates in French are able to secure professional employment not only in the U.S., but also in Canada, Africa and European Community institutions, all of which employ the French language second only to English.
Potential Careers
Travel Agents
Plan and sell transportation and accommodations for customers. Determine destination, modes of transportation, travel dates, costs, and accommodations required. May also describe, plan, and arrange itineraries and sell tour packages. May assist in resolving clients' travel problems.
See descriptionTravel Guides
Plan, organize, and conduct long-distance travel, tours, and expeditions for individuals and groups.
See descriptionInterpreters and Translators
Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.
See descriptionAdult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors
Teach or instruct out-of-school youths and adults in basic education, literacy, or English as a Second Language classes, or in classes for earning a high school equivalency credential.
See descriptionForeign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach languages and literature courses in languages other than English. Includes teachers of American Sign Language (ASL). Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
See descriptionTraining and Development Specialists
Design or conduct work-related training and development programs to improve individual skills or organizational performance. May analyze organizational training needs or evaluate training effectiveness.
See descriptionLooking for more career paths? Search these related areas to discover more options.
Employers
Graduates from this major have gone to work at:
- Boutique Search Firm
- Cafla Tours
- Peace Corps
- Progressive Insurance
- Warner Pacific Insurance
Graduate Schools
Our alumni have pursued advanced degrees at:
- Boston University
- Middlebury College
- University of California, Irvine
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Paris
- University of Southern California
As a French major, I immersed myself in many aspects of the program, such as being a Department Assistant, French Tutor, French Club Secretary and organizing the French Film Festival and Francofolie Cultural Event. My professors genuinely cared about the success of my academics and involvement beyond the classroom. I have been able to use these skills in my current role by communicating with several visitors in French. Learning a new culture and language helped me broaden my cultural awareness and respect our differences.
Andrea Delgadillo '18
French Major
Campus Experience Coordinator, California Lutheran University, Office of Undergraduate Admission
This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Some occupations listed above may require a related graduate degree.
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