Building the skills students need to engage with global communities both locally and internationally

The Department of French and Italian comprises four languages—French, Italian, Swahili, and Arabic—each with their own learning goals and curricula but with a common commitment to helping students achieve communicative and cultural competencies. Through the study of language, cultural customs and traditions, literature, and film, students build the skills they need to engage with global communities both locally and internationally. Study Abroad programs build upon coursework and offer students even further opportunities to develop intercultural skills and explore professional opportunities. Small class sizes allow faculty and students get to know each other well, and each program hosts weekly conversation hours and events that help to build that community of learners.

Bachelor of Arts in French

The Bachelor of Arts in French prepares students for a variety of careers stateside or abroad, including secondary school teaching, or graduate study in language, literatures, and cultures. French courses will advance speaking, reading, and writing skills and provide a broad background in the literatures and cultures of France and the French-speaking world.

Learning Outcomes

  • understand any spoken language and read all forms of the written language;
  • communicate effectively, in both oral and written discourse, considering varying registers and cultural contexts;
  • reflect with critical insight on a range of topics in French literature, history, and contemporary culture; and
  • critical understanding of cultural differences as well as shared values between French culture and their native cultures.

Want to get started?

Learn more about the program, including courses, curriculum, and requirements here.

Bachelor of Arts in Italian

The Bachelor of Arts in Italian teaches students about the language, literature and culture of Italy, preparing students to thrive in today’s global community, as well as providing a critical appreciation of the historical and contemporary importance of Italy. Italian courses enhance speaking, reading, and writing skills and provide a broad background in the literature and culture of Italy.

Learning Outcomes

  • understand any spoken language and read all forms of the written language;
  • communicate effectively, in both oral and written discourse, considering varying registers and cultural contexts;
  • reflect with critical insight on a range of topics in Italian literature, history, and contemporary culture; and
  • critical understanding of cultural differences as well as shared values between Italian culture and their native cultures.

Want to get started?

Learn more about the program, including courses, curriculum, and requirements here.

Minor in Arabic Studies

The undergraduate minor in Arabic studies includes courses in language, as well as complementary courses in history, politics, and religion of Middle Eastern cultures. Language courses focus on developing the four communicative skills—speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

Learning Outcomes

  • gain critical Arabic language skills useful in over 20 countries; 
  • develop intermediate to advanced fluency in Modern Standard Arabic; 
  • study one or more Arabic dialects;
  • discover many aspects of Arab culture, including social and religious customs, traditions, music, family and social life; and
  • learn cross-cultural skills to enable respectful engagement with Arab communities in the US and across the world.

Want to get started?

Learn more about the program, including courses, curriculum, and requirements here.

Minor in French

The undergraduate minor in French includes courses in language, literatures and cultures of France and the francophone world. Language courses focus on developing the four communicative skills –speaking, listening, reading, and writing, while upper level courses expand upon these skills and help to foster critical analysis skills through the study of cultural products, including literary texts and films.

Learning Outcomes

  • show intermediate to advanced proficiency in speaking, understanding, reading and writing French;
  • demonstrate knowledge of content areas (French grammar; French and Francophone literary, cinema, visual and other forms of cultural expression);
  • be able to analyze and discuss a variety of forms of French and Francophone cultural production;
  • recognize and reflect in an informed way on cultural differences that distinguish French and Francophone cultures from their own and to understand the values they share; and
  • develop an intellectual awareness and reflective sensibility that will contribute to their lifelong learning.

Want to get started?

Learn more about the program, including courses, curriculum, and requirements here.

Minor in Italian

The undergraduate minor in Italian includes courses in language, literature and culture. Language courses focus on developing the four communicative skills—speaking, listening, reading, and writing, while upper level courses expand upon these skills and help to foster critical analysis skills through the study of cultural products, including literary texts, films, and food.

Learning Outcomes

  • show intermediate to advanced proficiency in speaking, understanding, reading and writing skills;
  • demonstrate knowledge of content areas (Italian grammar, Italian cultural expressions, Italian cinema etc.);
  • analyze and discuss various forms of cultural production from the target language-speaking world;
  • recognize and reflect in an informed way on cultural differences as well as shared values between Italian culture and their native cultures; and
  • develop an intellectual engagement and reflective sensibility that will contribute to their lifelong learning.

Want to get started?

Learn more about the program, including courses, curriculum, and requirements here.