BA in French in New Haven United States | Yale University

The French Department fulfills two interconnected roles: teaching French language skills across all proficiency levels and guiding students toward a comprehensive understanding of France's literary traditions and cultural heritage, as well as those of other Francophone nations. As a liberal arts discipline, the French major allows students to immerse themselves in one of the globe's most culturally significant traditions. Our program features courses covering literary masterpieces, influential writers, and cultural developments across ten centuries and multiple continents. Students can also take interdisciplinary classes examining connections between literature and diverse fields like history, legal studies, medicine, religious studies, political science, translation, and artistic expression. We urge majors to investigate all historical periods and literary styles in French, employing various critical methodologies. Proficiency in a foreign language coupled with sophisticated literary analysis skills creates opportunities in numerous professions. A French degree serves as excellent preparation for careers spanning law, international relations, media, education, research, and creative industries. Alumni have gained admission to prestigious law schools and graduate programs in French and comparative literature, while others have pursued careers in corporate sectors, public service, K-12 education, NGOs, and global institutions.