Explore the literature, culture, and history of the French-speaking world. Learn a rich language that is valued worldwide in higher education, medicine, international relations, diplomacy, business, and travel.

Why French & French studies at Sewanee?

The Department of French and French Studies at Sewanee offers an exceptional opportunity to study and experience the rich literature and culture of the French-speaking world. We develop each of the pillars of the National Foreign Language Standards: communication, cultures, connections, comparisons, and communities. Language classes are designed to help you develop skills in speaking and writing French as well as in reading literary texts. We integrate culture, history, and technology into our classes, creating a cross-disciplinary approach to the curriculum. 

As a result of our course of study, you’ll obtain an operative level of oral and written proficiency and will be capable of reading important French works and reacting to them critically. As a student of French, you will also have opportunities to take skills learned in the classroom further.  The French House offers a variety of extra-curricular activities that represent French culture. French majors and minors may live in the French House for at least one semester, sharpening their skills with complete language immersion.

FIRST DESTINATIONS: French & French studies MAJORS

French is both the language of love and reason. It opens up the world, and there is no limit to what you can accomplish once you speak it fluently. Sewanee prepares you for your profession and your passion. Below is a sampling of recent graduates' first jobs.

  • Advertising coordinator, The Advertising Research Foundation, New York, New York.
  • Lectrice for the Département d'Anglais, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France.
  • Education associate, French and Spanish Teacher, Children's Museum of Denver, Denver, Colorado.
  • Wine distributor, Burlington Wine, Burlington, Vermont.
GRADUATE SCHOOL & PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS: FRENCH & FRENCH STUDIES MAJORS

Sewanee graduates enjoy extraordinary acceptance rates to top graduate and pre-professional programs–about 95 percent to law school and over 85 percent to medical school. Below is a sampling of where Sewanee grads continue their education.

  • M.A. in language acquisition, Middlebury College/The Sorbonne.
  • M.A. in international relations, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
  • J.D., University of Maine.
  • M.A. in French, Middlebury College.

Sewanee In France Program

The French Department’s rich course of study facilitates cultural experiences beyond Sewanee. Each fall, accompanied by a Sewanee faculty member, students apply place-based learning abroad in Nantes, France. The program consists of five courses and also includes several excursions--including a week-long trip to Paris--that provide cultural opportunities to attend plays, concerts, and dance performances in some of France's great performing arts centers. 

A Sampling of Courses

French & French Studies

Programs of Study

Requirements for the Major & Minor in French and French Studies

Calendar for Comps and Senior Seminar
Department Honors and Prizes

Meet some professors

Contact

Kathryn Mills
Professor of French and French Studies & Chair of the Department

kmills@sewanee.edu

Gailor Hall 213, Ext. 1524

News & Events

Connecting the Dots