Major in French

A major in French means opening the door to French and Francophone cultures, amazing travel experiences and a language spoken by 338 million people in the world. It creates possibilities for interacting with others at the national and/or international level in industries such as business, politics and education.

Program Highlights

• A variety of Study Abroad programs in France and French-speaking countries, some of which include volunteer learning experiences or business internships in France, Belgium and Senegal.
• French conversation courses are capped at 15 students while other French courses are capped at 20 students.
• Faculty mentors who value and support students’ intellectual growth and success at Siena and after graduation.
• Some courses taught in English, including French Cinema and French Literature in translation, in order to foster diversity and multicultural awareness among students who do not speak French.
• Travel courses to France allow students to experience what they learn in the classroom firsthand.
• Undergraduate research opportunities, including independent studies and tutorials, where students work on specific research projects ranging from culinary specialties to literary, socio-political and filmic works.

Skills Developed

• Ability to communicate in French with confidence.
• General knowledge of key elements of the French language (geography, family life, educational system, etc.)
• Awareness of key historical events related to the French language.
• Ability to interpret texts linguistically and stylistically.
• Ability to analyze authentic cultural materials such as literary pieces, news broadcasts and films.
• Critical thinking by making intercultural connections, as well as comparing and contrasting cultures.
• French writing skills for social, academic and professional purposes.

A Siena education is an education with soul. Located in Loudonville, New York—just 10 minutes from the state capital of Albany—the Siena experience is built for a new generation of leaders eager to create a more just, peaceful, and humane world. It empowers them through a transformative journey of intellectual, spiritual, and personal discovery.

At Siena education isn’t something you get, it’s something you get to do. With 40 majors, 80-plus minors and certificates, and prestigious joint-degree programs in liberal arts, science, and business, Saints have over 1,200 unique ways to reach their personal and professional goals. But that’s just the beginning. Our 3,000 Saints engage personally with top scholars in a dynamic, customized learning environment. From internships to research to service, they get real-world experience now, not later. The result: sought-after graduates prepared to succeed in an ever-changing global society.