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French and Francophone Studies

AU French faculty

The French faculty at American University is committed to providing a program of study that explores the diversity of French and Francophone cultures and prepares students to be linguistically, culturally, and professionally competent in our increasingly interdependent societies and markets. Our skill courses, ranging from elementary to advanced, offer rigorous language training that enables students to acquire a command of conversational French. Our special topics courses contain professionalizing courses (such asFrench Translation,BusinessFrench, andDiplomaticFrench), as well as courses designed to deepen our students' critical thinking through cross-cultural and interdisciplinary approaches such asWest African Francophone Cinema,Gender and Sexuality in the Maghreb,Paris and Sociopolitical Dissent. In addition to our courses, we also offer an active event calendar that allows students to interact with French and Francophone scholars, writers, artists, and social actors. Our French Club is exemplary of how we create community and involve our students in our program.

“Learning French was one of the best investments I made in my professional future. Through the Boren Scholarship, I was able to spend a year in Senegal working on my language skills, and the professional fluency I gained after years of study opened up many career opportunities. I still use French almost every day in my job managing a judicial assistanceprogram for the US Government in Africa today.”Maria Adamou, Program Analyst, DOJ. Class of 2019.

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News & Notes

The French Program hosted the 2024Albertine Cinémathèque Film Festival.

French film poster collage including Aline, Indes Galantes, Nocturno, Chocolat, Saint Omer, Nous, Gagarine, and Revoir Paris.

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Student Testimonials

Dylan Rasnick

Dylan Rasnick.I have been fascinated with all things French my whole life. This passion continued to my studies at AU (2012 – 2016) when declared a French minor. However, after receiving guidance from my French professors and administrative staff, I changed my French minor into a major. I share this because it demonstrates the passion the French department imparts on its students. Knowing French has not only helped me expand my critical understanding of global issues, but it also has given me opportunities to participate in exchanges, challenge my perceptions, and appreciate the importance language holds in our globalized world.

What were your initial impressions of French study and have they changed as you have continued with your studies?

I came to AU with high school AP French under my academic ‘belt’ so I thought I knew what studying French at American would entail. However, I was quite wrong. While I thought the courses would be a continuation of grammar, conjugation, and reading, I was pleasantly surprised to find that each French course I took at AU afforded me opportunities learn about interesting, pressing topics within the Francophone world. As I progressed through the program, I was given more opportunities to delve into my academic interests – to the point I was able to defend my undergraduate thesis (in French!) in front of a panel of French faculty.

Has your study of French enabled you to apply for any scholarships or merit awards?

While I did not apply for scholarships or merits awards at AU, I was able to participate in the French Language Immersion Study Abroad with MICEFA; something I would not have been able to join if I did not have the foundational French abilities, I learned during my first two years at AU. Moreover, knowing a second language has assisted me in obtaining each of the jobs I’ve had since graduating in 2016.

Are there any other ways that you have been able to apply your French skills outside of the classroom while studying at AU?

Most certainly! I apply the French skills I acquired at AU in many areas outside of the classroom. First, during my study abroad with AU, I lived with a host-family where we only spoke French. Second, I used my French skills during my Global Development & Education graduate program, as knowing French allows me to interpret government policies from French-speaking countries. Finally, knowing French allows me to better appreciate the plethora of Francophone culture like films, books, and music (I recommend Dalida, Angèle, and Mylène Farmer).

Do you plan to continue to develop and apply your French skills following the completion of your undergraduate studies at AU? If so, in what ways might you use French in the future?

As a graduate, I can confidently say that I continue to develop and apply my French skills since receiving my Bachelors in 2016. During my tenure as an international education practitioner, I used my French almost daily. I plan to use my French in my future work in the global development arena.

Are there any other things about your study of French that you would like to add?

Studying French was one of the best decisions I made during my time at AU. The French department constantly encourages you to expand your language ability in whichever form you are interested in. Instead of focusing solely on conjugation and repetition, you are provided the tools to deeply dissect, critique, and appreciate the French language as well as the many countries, peoples, organizations within the greater Francophone world. Je vous conseille de profiter bien de ces offerts!

Olivia Geveden

Olivia Geveden PictureI initially fell in love with the French language during an immersive exchange program experience in high school. However, it was American University’s French programthat kept this fire fueled. The support of the professors in tandem with my study abroad in Paris during my senior year allowed me to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for French culture.

What were your initial impressions of French studies, and have they changed as you have continued with your studies?

Transferring from a public high school to a private University was a daunting experience. In particular, language classes intimidated me because I was unsure of where I fit. However, every professor I had in the French program at American University hasoffered their time, resources, and support to meet where I am – this incited my ability to turn intimidation into excitement and challenges into growth.

Has your study of French enabled you to apply for any scholarships or merit awards?

I applied for the Gilman Scholarship to study abroad offered by theU.S. Department of State. I was selected for the scholarship but ultimately was not able to accept it due to COVID-19. Generally speaking, the study of Frenchhas opened up a number of doors that otherwise would be closed if I had not studied the French language.

Are there any other ways that you have been able to apply your French skills outside of the classroom while studying at AU?

I have attended several events at the French Embassy allowing me to transfer my knowledge from inside the classroom to real-world scenarios. In addition, my study abroad experience gave me practical usage of these skills.

Do you plan to continue to develop and apply your French skills following the completion of your undergraduate studies at AU? If so, in what ways might you use French in the future?

Yes, absolutely. French is a language that I have invested a lot of time into and grown to love. As someone who is attending the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., pursuing a Master of Arts in Security Studies, equipping myself with a second language is undoubtedly advantageous to my career aspirations.

Are there any other things about your study of French that you would like to add?

The support of the French programhas immeasurably shaped my character and understanding of culture. They work collaboratively to ensure that they meet students where they are at while challenging them to evolve in their cultural and practical comptencies. The dedication and willingness to support students are what distinguishes the French program from other language departments. They cultivate a learning environment amoung peers that allow for intentional growth within the language. It is this dedication that has catalyzed my love for cultural studies.