The word "language" itself is of french orgin,a fact that suggests the dramatic reach and importance of French throughout history and in the modern world. French is the language of much of the world's greatest literature and philosophy. It is widely spoken in such regions as Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, a legacy of the colonial era. It preceded English as the international language and so remains deeply woven into the discourse of history and diplomacy. English itself bears the centuries-old imprint of Norman French, and Canada's history and culture, from the colonial era to contemporary politics, is in part a story of the clash and interplay between French and English.
In the tradition of the liberal arts, the French program at Hamilton encourages students to escape the confines of a single language and grow toward a larger understanding of the world. Majors are expected to reach a level of near-fluency in their language skills, as well as to gain a real understanding of French literature and civilization. Faculty members and former students in French regard study abroad, particularly through the College's Junior Year in France program, as critical to the personal and intellectual growth of majors in the field.
The study of French is of great practical value for those interested in careers in international affairs, business, education, scholarship and other fields that require competency in a major foreign language. Just as important, though, is the appreciation it encourages for other cultures and, by comparison, one's own heritage. We share a world in which dialogue, coherent communication and mutual understanding are critical.
The College's Junior Year in France program is one of the College's most popular and successful study-abroad options. It is highly regarded for its academic excellence and cultural immersion. And, of course, it allows students to spend a full school year in one of the world’s most exciting and vibrant cities.
French is by its nature a broad, interdisciplinary field that draws on a variety of perspectives and traditions: language, literature, the arts, history, politics and cultural study. The diverse, accomplished faculty builds on these perspectives to offer stimulating courses and culturally authentic viewpoints. Classes are small, with intensive one-on-one guidance and discussion.
Have you enjoyed any of these authors and writings — Hugo's Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Flaubert's Madame Bovary, Arthurian legends, Heloise, Zola, Molière, Racine, Diderot, Rousseau, Baudelaire, Sartre, Camus? They're all French in the original. A working knowledge of French will allow you to read some of the world's most enduring literature the way it was written.
The study of French is of great practical value for those interested in careers in international affairs, business, education, scholarship and other fields that require competency in a major foreign language. Just as important, though, is the appreciation it encourages for other cultures and, by comparison, one's own heritage. We share a world in which dialogue, coherent communication and mutual understanding are critical.
The College's Junior Year in France program is one of the College's most popular and successful study-abroad options. It is highly regarded for its academic excellence and cultural immersion. And, of course, it allows students to spend a full school year in one of the world’s most exciting and vibrant cities.
French is by its nature a broad, interdisciplinary field that draws on a variety of perspectives and traditions: language, literature, the arts, history, politics and cultural study. The diverse, accomplished faculty builds on these perspectives to offer stimulating courses and culturally authentic viewpoints. Classes are small, with intensive one-on-one guidance and discussion.
Have you enjoyed any of these authors and writings — Hugo's Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Flaubert's Madame Bovary, Arthurian legends, Heloise, Zola, Molière, Racine, Diderot, Rousseau, Baudelaire, Sartre, Camus? They're all French in the original. A working knowledge of French will allow you to read some of the world's most enduring literature the way it was written.
The study of French is of great practical value for those interested in careers in international affairs, business, education, scholarship and other fields that require competency in a major foreign language. Just as important, though, is the appreciation it encourages for other cultures and, by comparison, one's own heritage. We share a world in which dialogue, coherent communication and mutual understanding are critical.
The College's Junior Year in France program is one of the College's most popular and successful study-abroad options. It is highly regarded for its academic excellence and cultural immersion. And, of course, it allows students to spend a full school year in one of the world’s most exciting and vibrant cities.
French is by its nature a broad, interdisciplinary field that draws on a variety of perspectives and traditions: language, literature, the arts, history, politics and cultural study. The diverse, accomplished faculty builds on these perspectives to offer stimulating courses and culturally authentic viewpoints. Classes are small, with intensive one-on-one guidance and discussion.
Have you enjoyed any of these authors and writings — Hugo's Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Flaubert's Madame Bovary, Arthurian legends, Heloise, Zola, Molière, Racine, Diderot, Rousseau, Baudelaire, Sartre, Camus? They're all French in the original. A working knowledge of French will allow you to read some of the world's most enduring literature the way it was written.
The study of French is of great practical value for those interested in careers in international affairs, business, education, scholarship and other fields that require competency in a major foreign language. Just as important, though, is the appreciation it encourages for other cultures and, by comparison, one's own heritage. We share a world in which dialogue, coherent communication and mutual understanding are critical.
The College's Junior Year in France program is one of the College's most popular and successful study-abroad options. It is highly regarded for its academic excellence and cultural immersion. And, of course, it allows students to spend a full school year in one of the world’s most exciting and vibrant cities.
French is by its nature a broad, interdisciplinary field that draws on a variety of perspectives and traditions: language, literature, the arts, history, politics and cultural study. The diverse, accomplished faculty builds on these perspectives to offer stimulating courses and culturally authentic viewpoints. Classes are small, with intensive one-on-one guidance and discussion.
Have you enjoyed any of these authors and writings — Hugo's Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Flaubert's Madame Bovary, Arthurian legends, Heloise, Zola, Molière, Racine, Diderot, Rousseau, Baudelaire, Sartre, Camus? They're all French in the original. A working knowledge of French will allow you to read some of the world's most enduring literature the way it was written.
