Cultivating Advanced French Proficiency by Mastering the Finest Aspects of French Culture
The French language has a rich history; it evolved from Latin and has been influenced by many different cultures, such as the indigenous Celtic (Gallic) peoples as well as Germanic migrants. Since the early modern period, France has continued to influence the world, in politics, diplomacy, literature, art, and philosophy. Even after the introduction of the euro, France continues to impact the world as a major European nation.
The French Literature Course is a place to conduct in-depth research on literature, thoughts, and language, based on this linguistic history and transition of ideologies and culture. The course consists of the following two specialized areas: French Literature and French Language Studies. Students read academic studies and papers according to their respective research themes. During this process, it is essential for students to not merely understand the content, but also to process and utilize that knowledge.
French faculty members provide thorough guidance on how to analyze texts and write essays to students who are not sufficiently confident in their skills in French. Students also have the opportunity to study for a year at our partner institutions, to enhance their linguistic proficiency and to be exposed to French research methodologies. Moreover, French researchers are frequently invited to our campus to offer seminars.
In these ways, students can improve their command of the French language while cultivating rich sensibilities and judgment as they complete their theses based on their distinct viewpoints. In addition, students can study literature, philosophy, and language from broader perspectives by analyzing the connection among language and literary works to history, society, and culture. Thesis advisors as well as graduate and undergraduate faculty members are prepared to support graduate students in various ways to meet this objective.