Bachelor of Arts in French

French at WMU gives you more than one way to build advanced language skills while exploring the literature, cultures and communities of the French-speaking world. You can make French the center of your degree or add it to another field through a flexible minor.

The Department of World Languages and Literatures at Western Michigan University offers:

• French major: Progress from intermediate French into advanced study of communication, literature, linguistics and culture. In French Conversation and French Phonetics, you will develop greater fluency, improve your pronunciation and learn to communicate more naturally and confidently. Courses such as Life and Culture in France and Life and Culture in the Francophone World explore the histories, arts, societies and traditions of diverse French-speaking communities, while Close Reading in French strengthens your ability to interpret literary and cultural texts in their original language.
• French minor: Build a substantial foundation in French while completing another major. After progressing through intermediate language study and Introduction to Advanced French Studies, you can choose courses in conversation, phonetics, literature, culture, linguistics, translation or professional communication. The minor allows you to connect French with fields such as business, international studies, education, political science, history, journalism, law or the arts.

Students can also explore the structure and development of the language through Introduction to the Study of French Linguistics, practice carrying meaning across languages in the French-English Translation Practicum, or connect French directly to professional goals through Business French. Business French develops advanced written and spoken communication and prepares students for the internationally recognized Diplôme de français professionnel B2 from the Paris Chamber of Commerce.

Language majors complete WMU’s baccalaureate-level writing requirement through an approved course such as Global Issues through Literature and Film or East and West Literary Relations, connecting French study with wider literary, cultural and global questions.

Program requirements may vary by WMU undergraduate catalog year, and only courses completed with a grade of C or better count toward the French major. No student may graduate under a catalog that is more than 10 years old. Students with previous French experience should follow the department’s placement guidelines to begin at the level that best matches their preparation.

Go into greater detail on program outcomes and include job positions and companies/organizations for recent WMU graduates. Introduce WMU's Career and Student Employment Services and the resources offered by that office specifically related to this program. 

From Academic Undergraduate Programs Page:   Recent WMU graduates with degrees in French are working in many different industries and types of organizations, including:

• Airlines
• Businesses and banks
• Charitable organizations
• Education, all levels
• Hotels
• International exchange programs
• Media
• Museums
• Non-governmental organizations such as the Peace Corps
• State and federal government
• Travel and tourism establishments

Sample job titles include:

• Artists
• Authors
• Cultural officers
• Customs and immigration officers
• Diplomats
• English teachers in France or a Francophone country
• Filmmakers
• Foreign correspondents
• Guides

French students at WMU can take their learning beyond the classroom through immersive study abroad, conversation practice, cultural programming and academic support. Programs in Lyon and Besançon allow students to use French in daily life while experiencing the cultures they study firsthand. Closer to home, French Table, student activities, film events and community organizations create opportunities to practice the language, meet others with shared interests and explore the diversity of the Francophone world. Advising, tutoring, placement services and university-wide academic resources help students build confidence and connect their French studies to future academic and professional goals.

Advising and Academic Planning: For questions about French coursework, program requirements, language placement or study abroad credit, contact Dr. Viviane Ruellot, the French program advisor. Students are encouraged to reach out early when selecting future courses, considering study abroad or reviewing the requirements for their catalog year.

For general questions about course scheduling and degree planning, students can also contact Tom Mills.

Tutoring and Student Success: The Department of World Languages and Literatures offers free tutoring for all 1000- and 2000-level French courses. Tutors can help students strengthen grammar, pronunciation, conversation, reading and writing skills or prepare for assignments and exams.

Students can also connect with Student Success Services for additional academic support, study strategies and resources throughout their undergraduate education.

Placement and Previous Language Experience: Students who have previously studied French should follow the department’s placement guidelines before enrolling. Placement helps students begin at the level that best reflects their existing experience rather than automatically starting with introductory French.

Eligible students may also ask about opportunities to earn retroactive credit or demonstrate proficiency through a monitored test-out examination.

Study Abroad: French students are strongly encouraged to consider an approved study abroad experience. The French Language in Lyon program offers an intensive summer experience that includes French coursework, cultural activities and the opportunity to live with a French family. Students seeking a longer immersive experience can spend a spring semester studying at the Centre de Linguistique Appliquée in Besançon.

Students interested in applying study abroad credit toward the French major or minor should speak with Dr. Viviane Ruellot before making plans. Programs and courses must be approved before the experience begins.

French Opportunities and Community: Students can continue developing their French while connecting with others through opportunities such as:

• French Table, which provides a relaxed setting for conversation practice.
• French Club, which may offer activities centered on French language and culture.
• The Francophone Film Festival, which introduces films and perspectives from French-speaking communities around the world.
• Alliance Française de Kalamazoo, which connects students with French language and cultural programming in the wider community.
• Pi Delta Phi, the national French honor society recognizing achievement in French and Francophone studies.

Meet students who have taken exciting Study Abroad journeys

WMU offers institutional scholarships and grants that can help make a college education more affordable. Students interested in scholarship opportunities should review WMU’s financial aid resources and speak with the appropriate advising office about available options.