The Bachelor of Arts in French and Francophone Studies, Interdisciplinary Option, provides students with a thorough basis in the study of French language, history, literature, politics, and culture within a global context. This major provides a unique opportunity for students to address the cultural, economic, social, and political dimensions of Francophonie. The Interdisciplinary Option reinforces California State University, Long Beach’s established and recognized record as a leader in offering students a global pedagogical experience that can be transferred to the working world of the present and the future. Students completing the B.A. in French and Francophone Studies (Interdisciplinary Option) will acquire an interdisciplinary understanding of history, culture, and society of France that will prepare them for a broad range of career options both at home and abroad. These include international law and business, teaching, government and Foreign Service. In addition, the solid background in French and Francophone history and literature provides a strong foundation for further study at the graduate level in a variety of M.A. and Ph.D. programs. To meet new demands for professionals, the Bachelor of Arts in French and Francophone Studies (Interdisciplinary Option) combines courses from French literature and related fields in the arts and humanities.
The Interdisciplinary Option will enable students to draw from a multifaceted disciplinary basis to interpret cultural phenomena and trends in a variety of global contexts. As the only California State University to approach French and Francophone Studies at the undergraduate level from both global and cross-disciplinary perspectives, California State University, Long Beach recognizes the cooperative and symbiotic relationship connecting the disciplines of history and literature with respect to a comprehensive understanding of the Francophone World. French and Francophone Studies Interdisciplinary Option majors are required to develop a program of study in consultation with the program advisor. In addition to assisting students in the development of their program and providing advice on post-graduate options, the program advisor and director maintain close contact with each student in the major. Courses for the program have been selected to foster synergistic growth in French and Francophone language, literature, culture and history. Students begin the major at the third-year level, after they have completed two years of college French (or have acquired the equivalent competency). At the third year they will take advanced language and composition, survey courses in French and Francophone literature, and the appropriate courses in the interdisciplinary option selected. During the senior year, students will take French Civilization, specialized courses in the literature and history of France and the Francophone world, and the French and Francophone Studies Capstone course. Furthermore, students majoring in French and Francophone Studies will be encouraged to avail themselves of the opportunity to participate in a study abroad or internship programs.
Career Possibilities
Arts Management • Art Historian • Customs Inspector • Immigration Officer • Importer/Exporter • Foreign Service Officer • International Marketing Representative • Travel, Tourism, and Leisure industry • Social Worker • Linguist • Foreign Correspondent • Community Organization Worker • Lawyer • Librarian • International Student Advisor • Educator • Peace Corps Worker • Interpreter• Translator • CIA/FBI Agent • Proofreader • Copy editor • NGO Staff • Fashion & Design • Museum Studies • Wine industry
