French Studies - Lewis & Clark College Quick Links Apply Visit Alumni Library Giving The Source Newsroom Majors Art (Studio) Art History Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Biology Chemistry Classics Computer Science Computer Science and Mathematics Data Science Economics English Environmental Studies French Studies German Studies Hispanic Studies History International Affairs Mathematics Music Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Rhetoric and Media Studies Sociology and Anthropology Student-Designed Major Theatre World Languages Minors Art and Art History Artificial Intelligence Asian Studies Chemistry Chinese Classics Computer Science Cybersecurity Dance Data Science Earth System Science Economics Education English Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation Environmental Studies Ethnic Studies French Studies Gender Studies German Studies Health Studies Hispanic Studies History Japanese Latin American and Latino Studies Law and Policy Mathematics Middle East and North African Studies Music Neuroscience Philosophy Physics Political Economy Political Science Religious Studies Rhetoric and Media Studies Russian Theatre
Associate Professor of French and French Section Head Philippe Brand leading a class lecture.
Home / Academics / World Languages / French Studies French Studies Our program offers an exploration of the language, literatures, and cultures of the French-speaking world. You will learn about the literary traditions of the francophone world, be encouraged to consider the relationship of literature to the world, and become active and critical readers and thinkers. In addition to our expertise in French literature from the Middle Ages to the 21st century, our faculty is deeply committed to excellent teaching and mentoring at all levels. Majors Art (Studio) Art History Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Biology Chemistry Classics Computer Science Computer Science and Mathematics Data Science Economics English Environmental Studies French Studies German Studies Hispanic Studies History International Affairs Mathematics Music Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Rhetoric and Media Studies Sociology and Anthropology Student-Designed Major Theatre World Languages Minors Art and Art History Artificial Intelligence Asian Studies Chemistry Chinese Classics Computer Science Cybersecurity Dance Data Science Earth System Science Economics Education English Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation Environmental Studies Ethnic Studies French Studies Gender Studies German Studies Health Studies Hispanic Studies History Japanese Latin American and Latino Studies Law and Policy Mathematics Middle East and North African Studies Music Neuroscience Philosophy Physics Political Economy Political Science Religious Studies Rhetoric and Media Studies Russian Theatre Why Choose a Degree in French? Spoken by more than 230 million people, French is an official language of diplomacy for many international organizations, including the European Union, the International Olympic Committee, the Red Cross, and the United Nations. A strong knowledge of French language and culture is an asset to students seeking post-grad careers in education, diplomacy, international business, finance, economics, art, and more. Apply Visit What You’ll Study We offer a major and minor in French through the Department of World Languages and Literatures. Our classes are small, focused, and taught by expert faculty. Topics range from French composition and conversation, to major periods in French literature, to examinations of French society during various historical periods. Many of our students earn course credit on overseas programs. In addition to general cultural programs that are open to all students, there are three language-intensive overseas programs for French: two in France— Paris and Strasbourg —and one in Yaoundé, Cameroon . Outside the classroom, the Keck Interactive Learning Center is a language center and community area that is packed with linguistic and cultural resources. The Global Languages and Cultures Living-Learning Community is a unique on-campus housing option with an immersive language-based focus. Our students are supported each year with a visiting French student from the Institut d’Études Politiques who teaches our conversation courses and offers tutoring support. Curriculum Connect With Lewis & Clark! After you hit submit, we will follow up with information about L&C, and you will have the opportunity to share a bit more about yourself. Loading...
Favorite Class
Any Class with Professor Bob Mandel
He is able to teach in a way that feels genuine, and as a student, you get the feeling that he cares you understand the full picture of things.
Politics of Public Memory with Professor Mitch Reyes
Mitch is an amazing professor; he somehow transports your mind outside of the classroom to explore real world events. Through the course curriculum we analyzed public monuments, historical events, education systems and more. More than any other class, I felt as though I could see the real tangible evidence on how rhetoric and communication shapes our understanding of the world around us.
Elizabeth Bennett’s International Political Economy course and Kyle Lascurette’s Theories of International Affairs
They were as challenging, engaging, interesting, and eye-opening as any course I took in law school. I still can’t believe I go to take such incredible classes as an undergrad!
English 450, Modernist short stories, taught by Professor of English Rishona Zimring
I took several classes with Rishona focused on British modernist literature, and they were always my favorites, but in the seminar we got to dive deeper than usual into the works of just three authors. I am very proud of the thesis I wrote on Katherine Mansfield, and it feels like one of my most notable accomplishments from my time at L&C. I found the idea development, research, and writing processes to be invigorating, even though at first they felt very daunting. Working on such a extensive, in-depth project, about something I was truly passionate about, ultimately made me a better thinker and a better writer.
Complement Your Education With One of These Minors The most popular minors for our French studies majors are English , history , and political science . What Students Are Saying About Lewis & Clark The thing that I find most interesting about the International Affairs Department is the level of care that professors show you and the lengths these educators and staff are willing to go for each student. Our small class sizes allow each student to form a personal relationship with professors, which is extremely valuable! John Mbanda BA ’25 International Affairs | French Studies | Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Rwanda More about John My favorite thing about my sociology and anthropology major is the passion that all the professors have for their subjects. Every day in class, they bring their energy and strive to have active discussions. Leah Marquez BA ’26 French Studies, Sociology and Anthropology (double) | Art | Oakland, California More about Leah Politics of Public Memory with Professor Mitch Reyes changed my life. More than any other class, I felt as though I could see the real tangible evidence on how rhetoric and communication shapes our understanding of the world around us. Mal Spicer BA ’23 Rhetoric and Media Studies | French Studies | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma More about Mal What Can You Do With a Degree in French? Our alumni use their BA in French in a variety of endeavors. In addition to receiving Fulbright and other grants to teach English or do research in French-speaking countries, our students pursue careers in teaching, academia, cultural exchange, law, and other fields. Dedicated Faculty Our expert professors are your expert mentors. You will learn directly from faculty (no graduate assistants here!) that are nationally recognized in their fields of study and who love to work with and learn from their students. Your professors will inspire you to be a thoughtful and passionate participant in a diverse world. Your small classes will support you as you explore new ideas, find your voice, and speak your truth. Meet the Professors I love that the common denominator for Lewis & Clark students is a desire and determination to be one’s most authentic self, and to show up in the world in a way that makes it truer and better. Associate Professor of French; Director of Teaching Excellence Program Molly Robinson More about Molly 16% first-generation students at Lewis & Clark College U.S. News Lewis & Clark is on U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 “Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” list . 2,139 As of fall 2024, there are 2,139 degree-seeking students enrolled at Lewis & Clark College. 47 U.S. states represented in our undergraduate student body 19 Average class size for undergraduate students Invest in Yourself A private liberal arts education is often more affordable than you think . Last year, Lewis & Clark distributed over $74 million in assistance from institutional, federal, state, and private sources. Additionally, we’re so confident that our first-year students will graduate with their bachelor of arts degree in four years that if you don’t, we’ll cover the extra semester of tuition . Find Your People Our student-led French Club gathers French speaking students from all over campus and offers a wide variety of activities including conversation groups, movies, karaoke, performances, and game nights in French. One of the oldest journals at L&C, Polyglot gives the opportunity to students of all levels to publish their work in French. Where Lewis & Clark Will Take You My education at Lewis & Clark allowed me to build the foundation to reach this height in my career as a young professional, and supported me in my belief that I could achieve it. Hannah Singleton BA ’21 Sociology and Anthropology; French Studies | Corvallis, Oregon More about Hannah The most important thing I learned at L&C is communication. Communication is the way to express myself, and to know a little more about myself. Also, it is a way to cooperate with others. Aijia Duanmu BA ’18 French Studies More about Aijia As a budding professional in the field of international education, I feel incredibly lucky that I get to work in a field where I can tap into my undergraduate studies on a daily basis. Alaina King BA ’19 International Affairs and French Studies More about Alaina More News and Events → Admissions Academics Financial Aid Alumni
