French
The French program provides students with a comprehensive and immersive experience in French language, literature, and cultural studies. Through structured language courses and a wide-ranging exploration of Francophone texts and traditions, students gain fluency while deepening their understanding of the intellectual, historical, and artistic contributions of French-speaking communities. The curriculum spans topics from medieval literature to contemporary film and philosophy, enabling learners to analyze how French culture has evolved across regions and eras. With a strong emphasis on linguistic mastery and critical reading, students are prepared to interpret, communicate, and engage with complex cultural content.
The program also highlights the global dimension of French, inviting students to study voices from Africa, the Caribbean, Canada, and other parts of the Francophone world. Through elective offerings and interdisciplinary connections, learners explore how themes such as colonialism, gender, migration, and identity unfold within French-speaking contexts. Opportunities for study abroad, faculty-guided research, and community engagement enrich the student experience, allowing for meaningful cultural immersion and academic growth. By combining advanced language instruction with cross-cultural analysis, the program equips students to think critically and empathetically within an international framework.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: French
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 02 January 2026
- Location: Johns Hopkins University, United States
- Field of Study: French studies
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Language Foundations and Cultural Introduction
- Elementary and Intermediate French
- Introduction to French Literature and Culture
- Grammar and Oral Expression
- Writing in French: Style and Structure
Year 2 – Intermediate Fluency and Literary Perspectives
- Advanced French Conversation and Composition
- Survey of French Literary Periods
- Themes in Francophone Film or Theatre
- Elective in Cultural History or Linguistics
Year 3 – Advanced Topics and Global Contexts
- Contemporary French Society and Media
- Postcolonial Francophone Studies
- Seminar in Literary Analysis
- Study Abroad or Independent Research
Year 4 – Capstone and Professional Preparation
- Senior Thesis or Cultural Research Project
- Advanced Seminar in French Thought
- Translation and Interpretation Studies
- Portfolio Development and Graduate Advising
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the French program are equipped with the communication, analytical, and intercultural skills to pursue careers in a wide array of global fields. Many enter professions such as international education, translation and interpretation, diplomatic service, and cultural outreach, applying their language proficiency in multinational contexts. Others contribute to publishing, journalism, nonprofit leadership, or global marketing, where their understanding of French language and Francophone cultures enhances their effectiveness. Alumni are also well prepared for graduate study in comparative literature, linguistics, international relations, or global studies. With training in close reading, critical thinking, and cultural empathy, students gain a foundation that supports success in both academic and applied environments—especially in roles that demand fluency, nuanced perspective, and interdisciplinary insight.
Why Choose This Program
This program is ideal for students seeking to explore the French-speaking world through a curriculum that values both linguistic excellence and cultural depth. At Johns Hopkins University, learners benefit from personalized instruction, close faculty mentorship, and access to a vibrant intellectual community dedicated to the humanities. The curriculum promotes practical experience through writing, speaking, research, and cultural engagement, allowing students to apply their skills in real-world and academic settings. The program also encourages interdisciplinary exploration, connecting French with fields such as history, philosophy, political science, and gender studies. Whether students are interested in global careers or scholarly inquiry, they leave the program with the confidence and fluency to engage critically with diverse Francophone societies—and to contribute meaningfully to an increasingly interconnected world.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 410 516 8000
Email: admissions@jhu.edu
Address: Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
