The Department of World Languages and Literatures offers a range of French language courses at the beginning, intermediate and advanced levels, and a variety of courses on French and Francophone cultures, history, literature and cinema.
Courses in the French studies major are to be selected in consultation with the major advisor. Study abroad with SMU-in-France, a faculty-led summer program, is strongly recommended.
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of French majors and minors study abroad
undergraduate majors at Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences
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WL 3317
Introduction to French gastronomy through history and culture.
FREN 4385
Offers experience in organizations where knowledge of a foreign language and/or the culture of the language communities is relevant.
WL 3388
Examines how Francophone artists grapple with social, political and technological change through utopian or dystopian visions of the future.
Get practical experience to develop industry skills and build a professional network.
Expand your personal and academic experiences by studying in another part of the world. Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in different cultures and gain global perspectives.
Explore interests, develop leadership skills and connect with like-minded peers.
Apply your classroom knowledge to real-world issues while making a positive impact.
Our French studies majors have the opportunity to specialize in pathways such as fashion media and sport management. Recent French alumni have found roles abroad with EY Paris or locally with Goldman Sachs. French studies majors often complete internships abroad or in Dallas in a wide range of French corporations, cultural institutes and educational settings. Many add a second or third language through prestigious fellowships such as the State Department’s Critical Language Scholarship.
Our faculty offers strong preparation for living and working in a rapidly globalizing world. This group of educators offers expertise in French culture, cinema and language development. Research topics include Francophone African cinema, modern literature and French romanticism.
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A 57,687-square-foot facility utilized by Dedman College as both academic and office space.
Request more info about Bachelor of Arts in French studies.
The opportunities are vast, but according to a recent Indeed article, a degree in French studies can land you a job as a curator, French translator, French teacher, archivist and much more.
French companies dominate international banking and finance, and pharmaceutical, luxury consumer goods and fashion industries. Many major companies, including LVMH Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton, L’Oréal, Michelin and Danone are headquartered in France. Dallas ranks second in the United States among cities with major French companies (second only to New York City), and a knowledge of French is a major asset in seeking employment. SMU offers courses in professional and business French that will prepare you for the job market.
We offer many opportunities to study abroad and complete internships locally and internationally. SMU-in-France: Language, Culture & Internships is a six-week program designed for beginning, intermediate and advanced language students who seek to satisfy the language requirement or their degree requirements in an immersion setting. Internships are also available for intermediate and advanced students. The program is held in the historic city of Aix-en-Provence.
The B.A. in French studies combines courses in advanced language with courses in literature and culture. Compared to the French major, which is ideal for students working to achieve advanced French proficiency and a deep understanding of Francophone literature and culture, the French studies major offers a wider range of elective courses, ideal for students who wish to apply their study of French to a specific discipline or in interdisciplinary fields.
Yes. Nearly all of our French studies majors combine their coursework with a second or third major. The French studies major complements a major in pre-law, pre-health, finance, journalism, fashion media, film studies, political sciences, international studies, history and more!
Even students who have no previous background in French language or literature can successfully complete a B.A. in French studies. Students can begin by completing the Second Language Requirement by taking beginning French courses on campus, online or abroad with SMU-in-France.
Yes. A bachelor’s degree in French studies combined with first-hand immersion in global culture, history, film, art, literature and business prepares students for a variety of career opportunities.
Additionally, the French Club, one of the most active student groups on campus, organizes a variety of events in the course of the year. These include taking part in the World Languages and Literatures International Film Festival; a major cheese-tasting event; and panel discussions on opportunities for French majors and minors in international business, education, etc. In these at French and French-speaking American professionals share experiences, information and advice with students.
The courses offered include French phonics, literature, civilization, culture and much more. A study in French language combined with first-hand immersion in global culture, history, film, art, literature and business prepares students for a variety of career opportunities.
Internships available through the French program are for credit and open to junior and senior French majors and minors who seek to put their language and cross-cultural skills to work in a professional environment. Students experience job negotiations in a cross-cultural and bilingual setting when they are placed in a variety of organizations and companies such as the Alliance Française de Dallas and the European American Chamber of Commerce.
