Whether your goal is to read French literature, study art in the museums of Paris, or use French in your career or for travel, we have you covered. The French program offers all levels of language as well as seminars in French and Francophone literature, culture and film.
About the French Area of Concentration
As you would expect from one of the country’s top undergraduate liberal arts colleges, the French program at New College balances strong work in language with robust study of literature and culture from the French-speaking world. Students may choose an Area of Concentration (AOC) in French Literature and Culture or a Joint-Disciplinary AOC that combines French with another discipline. For students whose primary goal is developing their command of the French language, we also offer Secondary Fields in French Language or in French Language and Culture (which includes a more literary and cultural focus).
Literature courses, available to both French and English speakers, cover topics from medieval romance through 21st-century media. We emphasize critical and creative writing as well as verbal communication, so you might analyze that classic Molière comedy, write a parody of it, perform scenes with your classmates, or debate its relevance to current events. With strong links to fields like Art History, History, and International Studies, the French program lets you explore the vast and influential French-speaking world.
Featured Course
LITER 3477
Women Writing of/from Africa: Feminist Truths, Feminist Fictions
What are the issues that define Feminist thought and activism in Africa? This course examines recent fiction and essays from or about sub-Saharan Africa by women writers. We pair readings from Francophone Africa (Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Rwanda), with works written in English (from Nigeria, Zimbabwe, South Africa and the African diaspora). Our readings touch on the difficult social and political challenges facing the continent—from civil war and genocide, to racism, polygamy, and migration. Two primary questions focus our discussions: What defines African literature? How do we define feminism? This course is cross-listed with Gender Studies.
Recent courses
- Elementary French I & II
- Intermediate French I & II
- Advanced French I & II
- Literary Movements of 19th-Century France
- World War II France in Film and Fiction
- On Stage in Paris and Montréal: 20-21st-Century Theatre
Career Pathways
- Translation and Interpretation
- Education
- Civil and Foreign Service
- Intelligence
- Journalism
- Law
Contact Us
Humanities Division
Phone Number
Email Address
Location
Ace 116
French Language, Literature and Culture Faculty
Dr. Amy Reid
Professor of French Language and Literature
Director of Gender Studies
Study Abroad
Expand your education beyond the classroom and beyond borders by studying and interning abroad.