French


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French

The goal of Hamilton's French Department is to encourage an appreciation of the heritage and culture of French-speaking peoples and help students develop language proficiency necessary for a mature understanding of France and Francophone countries, past and present.

Overview

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. More ...

Academic Program

Study Abroad Opportunities

The French program encourages a range of research skills and activities: laboratory work in language proficiency, outings to nearby Quebec, and literary scholarship in Hamilton's extensive Burke Library holdings. At the center of the program, though, is the Junior Year in France. Students study for a full academic year at the Université de Paris III and other more specialized institutions; the curriculum is known for its academic rigor and attention to individual learners' needs. Students are immersed in the language, culture and history of the French as they enjoy the intellectual and social experience of a lifetime.


The Senior Program

The Senior Program serves as Hamilton's integrating and culminating intellectual experience. At its center is the senior project, an extended research effort in which students use the knowledge and methods gained in their first three years of study. Each senior French major works closely with at least one faculty member while completing the project, which includes a senior research course and major paper. Seniors also demonstrate language proficiency in French with an interview. More ...


Resources

The department sponsors the French Club; a newsletter, La Gazette; a weekend cultural excursion to Montreal; weekly radio shows; and a series of lectures, films and presentations revolving around French culture, history and language. Up-to-date computer facilities, language laboratories, an audiovisual center and a recording studio are available for student use. Qualified Hamilton seniors are invited to join the College's chapter of Phi Sigma Iota, the foreign language honor society.