French Minor
Did you know that by 2050, the most-spoken language in the world will be French? French is officially spoken in 33 countries and is currently the language most translated into in the world. The only language spoken on the five continents besides English, French has a rich history that has affected nearly every field, from art and music to politics and business. With fluency in French, you will be able to read philosophers in their native tongue, speak to people from all over the world and be more competitive on the job market. That’s right, many employers prefer individuals who can speak and write in French fluently. So study some French, and voila, the world will be yours!
Why Choose a French Minor at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½?
The Eastern Shore is home to nearly 20,000 immigrants from the Francophone island of Haiti, and Maryland is among the top 6 states for Haitian settlement in the United States. Local schools, businesses, hospitals and volunteer organizations in the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ area seek college graduates who can speak French.
Is a French minor useful? At ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, our language programs have been colorfully designed to include literature, history, cultural studies and applied linguistics to give you experience you can take anywhere. Critical thinking infuses everything we do, from language learning to understanding poetry to study abroad.
Our program is distinctive because we have:
- Talented and dedicated faculty. Our professors come to ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ from some of the best institutions in the nation for graduate study in literature, culture and pedagogy. Many of your professors will speak three or four languages. Your classes will be taught by expert educators who are active in their respective professions.
- Small classes with the latest technology. Class sizes in our department never exceed 20 students, allowing individual students more one-on-one time with their professors. Our dedicated language classrooms are also equipped with the latest technology available, so students get the most out of their class time.
- Multicultural events. ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ students can enjoy the French Week celebration each fall and the Cinco de Mayo festival each spring. Film festivals, language clubs, guest lectures, art exhibits and University-sponsored theme dinners all create a stimulating learning community.
For a more in-depth study, ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ also offers a French major.
It’s essential for me to get students excited about the French language and Francophone cultures, all while teaching them transferable skills that will serve them in their civic and professional lives.