Francophone Studies

It is the goal of the French faculty at Colby to introduce students to the visual and literary culture of the French-speaking world. We firmly believe that language is the key that opens many doors and pride ourselves in helping students reach exceptionally high levels of fluency. All of our classes, from day one of the first-semester course through the upper levels, are taught exclusively in French.

Students majoring or minoring in Francophone Studies take classes in language, literary and visual arts, and culture, including history, philosophy, and science—all conducted in French. Classes are small, allowing for individual attention and close collaboration with your peers and professors. Our students are strongly encouraged (but not required as of the class of 2027) to study abroad in a country appropriate for their area of interest. Extend your classroom experience by joining the French Club, dining with your classmates at the French table, and participating in other events that draw us together as a community.

In our increasingly integrative and interdisciplinary curriculum, we try to strike a balance between courses dealing with France and the French-speaking world. In all instances, we look to probe various forms of cultural production that deepen our understanding of the human experience and that awaken our students to values other than their own. We hope to provide a personally enriching and broadening experience that is fundamental to building a career as well as to improving the quality of one’s life.