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French

School of Liberal Arts

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Language, Culture, and Global Perspective

Today's political and economic realities make it clear that a comprehensive education must include an understanding of cultures beyond our own. Marist's French program affords students three distinct features: a tradition of exploring the meaning, structure, and use of language; a historical foundation of thought, literature, and fine arts that has influenced Western culture; and a rich diversity of African, North American, and Asian cultures that continue to use French as a primary or secondary language of expression.

Real-World Learning Experiences

The French program in the Department of World Languages and Cultures provides both a major and a minor in one of the world's most widely spoken Romance languages. The French curriculum focuses on developing language proficiency, cultural competence, and critical reasoning skills through immersive study abroad experiences, community-based learning, and internships tailored to each student's interests. The French program equips students with the linguistic skills and cultural awareness necessary to make meaningful contributions in a global context.

French + Business Administration

Combining the French minor with the Business Administration major can help students thrive in international markets. Proficiency in French can enhance students' ability to navigate cross-cultural negotiations, global marketing, and international management. Through study abroad experiences and internships, students gain real-world business experience, preparing them to become strategic, globally aware leaders.

French + Political Science

A double major in French and Political Science provides students with an understanding of global governance and diplomacy. Students who pursue a double major develop the skills needed for international relations, cultural exchange, and policy analysis. Through Marist's varying opportunities, students can explore global political systems firsthand while developing the communication and analytical skills essential for careers in diplomacy, law, government, and international advocacy.

French + Italian or Spanish

Students can pursue French with an Italian or Spanish degree, expanding their cultural insights, linguistic proficiency, and career opportunities. In today's competitive job market, bilingualism is a powerful asset that employers seek and value. Students increase their marketability and global opportunities by combining French with another language.

French + Journalism

Combining French with a Journalism concentration prepares students to tell stories across borders and cultures. This complementary combination equips students to conduct interviews and report on international issues with authenticity and cultural understanding. Through study abroad opportunities, internships, and hands-on experiences, students sharpen their writing and investigative skills while gaining a global perspective on news and communication - vital skills needed to succeed in fields such as international reporting, foreign correspondence, translation, and global media production.

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Meet Dr. Shanaaz Mohammed, Assistant Professor of French

Dr. Mohammed integrates modern technologies to introduce students to innovative and compelling ways of using the French language. She exposes students to the rich diversity of the French-speaking world, which extends beyond France to include countries in Africa and the Americas, the Caribbean, and the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Students leave her class with new perspectives on culture, greater confidence in their ability to communicate, and a more nuanced, enlarged sense of the world and the place of French in it.

Learn More About Dr. Mohammed

Study Abroad Develops Fluency and Negotiating Cultural Differences

The French program works closely with Marist Abroad to provide global experiences that help students develop linguistic fluency and gain experience negotiating cultural differences. Ranked #1 nationally for Study Abroad, Marist students are encouraged to take advantage of more than 75 program offerings. While abroad, students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture, develop cross-cultural communication skills, and enhance their professional and personal development.

Learn More About Marist Abroad

The Weiss Language Center

The Weiss Language Center is an integral part of our World Languages and Cultures department, directly supporting students in the research and development of language. It serves as a place for students to collaborate, innovate, and problem-solve. The Center is directed by Dr. Kevin Gaugler and is staffed by talented students who are trained in instructional technologies for the language arts. Students of the World Languages and Cultures Department can utilize the Weiss Language Center as a resource to support their academic studies throughout their collegiate journey. 

Discover the Weiss Language Center

Choose "And" in Your Academic Pursuits

You can expect an enriching environment at Marist that will inspire your academic pursuits. Here, you'll be empowered to choose "and," not "or " when it comes to your education by combining majors, minors, and concentrations to fit your interests through a distinct blend of liberal arts and pre-professional studies. Here are some examples of how Marist students embraced the power of "and":

  • French minor and Finance Major = Foreign Currency Investment Advisor
  • French major and Education major = Teacher
  • French minor and Global Studies major and = Foreign Correspondent
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The Value of a Marist Education

Marist cultivates the intellectual growth and well-being of its students through unique and personalized combinations of coursework and experience in and out of the classroom. These experiences provide valuable personal growth and occupational expertise to reflect students' individual passions. 

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Employed or attending grad school 6 months after graduation

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Of Marist Graduates Participated in one or more internships

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Graduation rate, higher than the average for public and private colleges

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Marist study abroad is the national leader for academic year programs, per Open Doors Report.

Top 10 Regional Universities-North

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Top 20 for Most Innovative Universities-North Region, per The Princeton Review.

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