French and Francophone Studies
French literacy is a passport to a global life.
Why French and Francophone studies are important:
French is spoken on five continents and plays a central role in diplomacy, global business, the arts, and international culture. By studying French and Francophone studies at Muhlenberg, you’ll gain more than language fluency — you’ll immerse yourself in the literature, film, history, and cultural practices of the French-speaking world. Our program blends advanced language study with an interdisciplinary exploration of topics such as politics, art, media, and global issues, giving you the skills to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage with a variety of perspectives.
How French and Francophone studies are taught at Muhlenberg:
You’ll benefit from close mentorship by faculty who are passionate about connecting language learning to real-world contexts. Many students combine French and Francophone studies with another major — such as education, business, international studies, or theatre — broadening their career options in today’s interconnected world.
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French and Francophone studies courses emphasize both linguistic mastery and cultural literacy. You’ll develop reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills while examining literature, media, and art from across the Francophone world. Courses taught in French build advanced communication skills, while courses in English deepen your understanding of Francophone cultures through multiple academic lenses. The program’s capstone experience lets you integrate your studies into a broader multicultural context through advanced coursework or guided projects.
Hands-on experience is at the heart of French and Francophone studies. You’ll participate in language clubs, cultural events, and community-engaged learning opportunities that connect your studies to local and global communities. Most students spend time abroad — either for a full semester or through short-term Muhlenberg Integrative Learning Abroad (MILA) courses — visiting destinations such as France, Madagascar, Morocco, and Senegal. These experiences immerse you in Francophone cultures, strengthen your language skills, and give you a global perspective that will serve you in any career.
Powerful Outcomes
A Muhlenberg education sets you up for success. The liberal arts will hone your ability to think critically, communicate, and problem-solve, skills that are in high demand across all employment sectors.
French and Francophone Studies News
Junior Helps Endangered Bat Species
Sophie Tomov '26 spearheaded a change to the college's bat removal policy in order to make the survival of captured bats more likely.
Read MoreCo-Authoring a Report on Child Care Sets Emma Eglinton ’23 Up for Grad School Success
Eglinton, who’s now studying education policy at the University of Pennsylvania, worked with Assistant Professor of Business Greg Collins on the report, which the state…
Read MoreHow Sweet It Is
Emily Bain ’15, a French and business administration double major, puts her Muhlenberg education to use every day in her role as the marketing manager…
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