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Francophone Studies
What is Francophone Studies?
This is a general program that focuses on the French language and related dialects and creoles. You will learn to speak, listen to, read, and write the language you are studying. You will learn the grammar, syntax, punctuation, and pronunciation of the language. Also you will study the culture and literature produced in the country and in other areas where the language is spoken. In this way you will learn the importance of the language and you will develop a sensitivity and appreciation for the culture.
Foreign languages and literatures free the individual to discover the content and value of other cultures, to enrich personal experiences through contacts with others on their own terms, and to enter into worlds of thought and expression that would otherwise be inaccessible. Languages thus play a key part in reducing ethnocentricity.
In an age when almost instant communication links the peoples of the world, when the relationships among nations are evolving rapidly and when Americans are increasingly aware of the riches of their diverse cultural heritage, the ability to use a second language acquires a new importance. Any level of proficiency in a foreign language supports both international understanding and basic contacts with various language groups in the United States. High-level ability promotes meaningful, accurate communication.
Working in Francophone Studies
Characteristics and Skills Necessary for Success
- Desire to learn about French people and culture
- Good ear for language and communication patterns
- Good communication skills both orally and written
- Desire to study abroad
Click HERE for a table on Career Areas, Employers, and Strategies for Employment
Sample Job Titles
French Teacher
Travel Guide
Foreign Service Officer
International Trade Economist
Interpreter/Translator
Speech Pathologist
Foreign Social Worker
Customs Inspector
Learning More About Francophone Studies
- Visit the Career Services office and check out our Career Resource Library
- Visit the SLU Modern Languages and Literatures Department website
- Check out Modern Language and Literature course descriptions in the Catalog
- Talk with a professor in Modern Languages and Literature about the major. Click here for a list of possible questions to ask.
- Perform an informational interview with a professional in the field. Click here for information on how to find a professional, contacting them, and a list of possible questions.
- Get connected with SLU alum in the field through SAINTSLink, participate in Shadow-a-Saint or complete an Internship.
Additional Resources
Spotlight on Careers
American Society of Interpreters
P. O. Box 9603
Washington, DC&; 20016
(703) 998-8636
American Translators Association
Foundation for International Human Relations
P. O. Box 18206
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 659-5552
LatPro
National Association for Bilingual Education
OneSmallPlanet.com
OverseasJobs.com
Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
The Riley Guide
U.S. State Dept.
Related Majors and Minors at SLU
African Studies
African-American Studies
Asian Studies
Canadian Studies
Caribbean & Latin American Studies
Estudios Hispanicos (Spanish)
European Studies
Foreign Languages
German Studies
International Studies
International and Intercultural Studies
Japanese Studies
Latin American Studies
Multi-Language
Native American Studies
Spanish
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