Why Study French at K?
At K, you do not just learn French; you immerse yourself in the culture through study aboard, departmental activities, and engaging courses.
Studying French at K is so much more than just learning the language. With the availability of e-translators, the goal of contemporary French learning has evolved beyond grammatical knowledge to encompass new skills on how to think, understand, and grow both professionally and within your own life.
K offers a French Major and French Minor.
The department empowers you to learn the language through culture; from the Antilles to Quebec, from Africa to the Indian Ocean, there is a breadth of global traditions and cultural productions to draw from. Through courses like French Pronunciation, Creative Writing in French, Professional French, Afro-Perspectives, and Advanced Literature and Cultural Studies, you will explore how Francophone studies intersect with other disciplines: political science, history, sociology, science, art, etc.
Outside of the classroom, you have opportunities to practice your French with our native-speaking teaching assistants who host language labs and fun activities, such as café talks, film nights, field trips, and swearing nights for uncensored learning. Kalamazoo College is also a top school for study abroad, with French students getting to immerse themselves in the language and culture with programs in Strasbourg, Lyon and Rennes, France, as well as Dakar, Sénégal.
The global awareness, language, and critical thinking skills developed in the French department set the foundation for you to have a successful career. Notably, our alumni work in international trade and organizations such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization, high school and college instruction, publishing, science, international banking and other fields.
What can you do with a French and Francophone Studies degree?
Below are some of the careers, employers, and graduate schools of our French alumni.
Careers
- French/English Teacher
- Foreign Service Officer
- College Advisor
- Attorney
Employers
- Teaching Assistant Program in France
- Americorps
- ACLU of Illinois
- U.S. Department of State
Graduate Schools
- Oxford University
- Columbia University
- University of Strasbourg
- Wayne State University
Meet the Current Departmental Student Advisor
Elle Bernas (she/her)
Majors: French and Psychology
Study Abroad: Strasbourg, France
Best Adjective to Describe You: Passionate
What drew you to the department?
I have always been passionate about learning French, but the structure and personnel of the department really drew me in. Not only are the professors engaging, but the class topics and materials are captivating to learn about. Furthermore, the TA program allows you to have daily practice with French exchange students in both a classroom setting and as a part of the weekly events sponsored by the department. All of these features add to an immersive experience which is optimal for the acquisition of any language!
What is the best thing about being a part of your department?
The French department truly becomes a community. The professors truly care about their students, and the TAs are there not only to help you with your French but also to make their own connections and friendships. The events that the department puts on are fun to be a part of and people genuinely want to engage (apart from the extra credit incentive). Also, the French department is relatively small, so you will be able to progress in your French alongside the same people– and there is no bond quite like the one formed while struggling with French grammar. Participating in these events, reaching out to your professors/TAs, and diving into the course material with your peers builds a strong Francophone family on campus!
What has been your favorite class at K?
19th Century Philosophy with Chris Latiolais. This class has been profoundly life changing. Not only was the course material profound, but the small class size allowed for extremely engaging conversation and a true family that was created in those 10 weeks.
What is your favorite thing about K?
The tight-knit community.
How have you taken advantage of the flexible curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?
Although I came in undecided, I wanted to continue in French but was not sure in what capacity. I was able to take French classes while also exploring other fields including philosophy, political science, ANSO, and English. I was able to settle on French and Philosophy after falling in love with both departments. The open curriculum allowed me to both have time to explore and ultimately pick two majors and be able to finish them in 4 years.
What is your Senior Integrated Project (SIP)?
Philosophy SIP looking at Maurice Merleau-Ponty and Friedrich Schiller.
What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
Live abroad in a Francophone Country and eventually attend Law School.