The French program combines a rigorous emphasis on grammar and composition with a comprehensive exploration of French literature from the 14th Century to the present. French is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world today and is vital to any student interested in an international career. France, one of the five permanent members on the U.N. Security Council, is a world leader in scientific and medical research. When world leaders travel to Brussels, the seat of the European Union, or to Geneva, home of United Nations institutions such as UNESCO and the International Red Cross, they negotiate in French. International development organizations rely on French speakers. More Africans now speak French than Europeans. French-speaking Quebec is a major US trading partner. Many French majors at Redlands choose to double in another major where French is an important asset, such as Education, Art History, International Relations, Global Business, Government, Music, Philosophy, History, Comparative Literature and other language majors.

Students completing the major in the French program will demonstrate both an advanced proficiency in the language and the capacity to read, discuss, and analyze works of Francophone literature. Students will also demonstrate competency in negotiating Francophone culture. By graduation, French majors will be able to: I. Language 1. Relate written and oral information accurately and clearly enough to be understood by sympathetic native speakers of French without misrepresentation or confusion; 2. Compose written arguments in French with logic and clarity. II. Literature 1. Compellingly interpret key texts in Francophone literature with respect to literary conventions and historical contexts; 2. Apply different critical and interpretive approaches to literary texts with depth, clarity and relevance. III. Cultural Competence 1. Differentiate without bias American and Francophone cultural norms in an historical context; 2. Demonstrate a sensitive knowledge and understanding of Francophone cultural behavior in order to function effectively within Francophone culture.