The French major introduces students to France’s remarkable literary and cultural heritage, from the middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the Classical Age to Enlightenment philosophy, the rise of modernist and postmodern aesthetics, and contemporary writings dealing with post-colonial cultures and identities. Third year courses in advanced grammar, creative writing and linguistics help students to improve their linguistic competence and heighten their awareness of language as a highly complex and constantly evolving feature of French society. In addition to advanced courses on French and Francophone literatures of various periods, the department also offers courses concerned with other forms of knowledge and modes of artistic expression: film, art history, philosophy, popular culture, law, and science. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the many opportunities available for study in France. The Education Abroad Program runs centers in Paris, Bordeaux, and Lyon, which feature the ability to study in French universities while earning UCSB transferable credits in summer, semester, and year-long programs. Students who major in French benefit from all the advantages of a liberal arts education, and are equipped to pursue careers in media, law, international commerce and finance, education, government service, travel and tourism, and communications. It is important to keep in mind that many professional careers require training beyond the undergraduate level, and students with such interests should discuss their plans with an advisor as early as possible.
