Western Department of French Language and Literature

Our department aims to provide students the basic skills needed in the study of French literature through training in methods of textual interpretation, literary criticism, and the survey of literary sources, while focusing on developing reading comprehension. At the same time, students will acquire a broad knowledge of France and French-speaking cultures, including the historical, ideological, and social contexts behind literary works. Classes taught by native speakers of French ensure a balanced emphasis on reading, writing, and speaking.

The subject matter of our research is not limited to “literature” in the narrow sense of the term, but includes works of art, music, film, and artistic criticism, as well as those dealing with schools of thought, philosophy, and history, as long as they are written in French. Students may choose to study any literature written in French from any period, from the Middle Ages to the present day.

Graduate students in the master’s program are expected to acquire advanced linguistic skills in French and learn practical approaches to research in the seminar guided by all members of the faculty. The Master’s Thesis shall be written in French. Those students who wish to become professional academics will proceed to the doctoral program to develop their research into a doctoral dissertation.

The department encourages students to study abroad in French-speaking regions, and many of our undergraduate and graduate students have studied at universities in France and Switzerland. The department also maintains active interactions with institutions from French-speaking regions, invites researchers to give lectures and organizes international symposia.