French and Francophone Studies

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

Liz Ballinger

Liz Ballinger (She/They)

Majors: French and Psychology

Minor: Studio Art

What is the best thing about being part of this department?

Support and encouragement to learn more than just a language.

What is your advice to first-years and sophomores about getting connected to this department?

Go to the events! They may seem scary, but no one is going to judge you for how you speak the language. The more you speak the better you’ll get!

What has been your favorite class at K?

The FREN-435 class last spring, Rethinking the World! We learned about different social movements, art, and music from around the Francophone world. I was able to do my final presentation on the history of the Pride March in France and the United States.

How have you taken advantage of the open curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?

I’ve had the chance to take classes I never would’ve thought of taking, like Chinese Sci-Fi, Bell Ringing, and French Theatre: Evil and Ethics, and so many more. The number of topics you can learn so much about in 10 weeks is amazing!

What is your Senior Integrated Project (SIP)?

A literature review on the symptom differences of ADHD in men and women.

What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?

I would like to go into a doctorate program in psychology.

French Department News