Studying French at Mizzou opens doors to rewarding careers in business, diplomacy, NGO work, teaching, journalism, and the medical professions. In addition to the French major and minor, many students pair the study of French with double majors or minors in international studies and international business, as well as journalism, health sciences, and global public health. Our graduates are citizens of a francophone community that stretches across the globe; they posess a deep understanding of the contemporary and historical issues that mark the extraordinarily diverse spaces that make up la Francophonie.
We offer flexible, engaging options for our French majors and minors, including:
- Flexible course formats, for example, our signature Passeport Culturel, an exciting new online capstone with project-based learning and credit assigned for attending Francophone events.
- Study & internships abroad: our faculty-led summer program, “Paris and the French Riviera” provides the opportunity explore two of the most iconic and culturally important regions of France. For more information contact Dr. Daniel Sipe at siped@missouri.edu
- Partnerships with local & regional businesses to offer service learning and local internship opportunities.
- Teacher training and certification programs: in cooperation with the School of Education, students in our program can also become certified to teach foreign languages in our BA+Education program (BALT), and at the Master's Level educators can continue to develop their knowledge in our MALT. For more, contact Dr. Dawn Heston at hestond@missouri.edu.
- Graduate Studies: For information on the MA program in French Studies and for details on application process and admissions procedures into either the graduate program in French (MA or MALT), contact Professor Mary Jo Muratore, Director of Graduate Studies in French at muratorem@missouri.edu.
- Course Offerings: a wide variety of courses in literature, film, gender & cultural studies. Recent courses include: Francophone African and Haitian literature and culture; Race and feminism in France; the “city” in French literature; Contemporary France; Francophone cinema; and Francophone literature, cinema, and public health.
- Participate in a vibrant francophone community by attending fun extra curricular activities through our Passeport culturel program.
- Showcase your French skills by participating in our chapter of Pi Delta Phi, the oldest French studies national honor society. To apply, email Prof. Muratore.
SLLC’s French program reflects the international importance of the French language and the cultural diversity of the French speaking world. French is the official language of over 29 countries worldwide, and is spoken by 274 million people around the globe, including: Canada; the Caribbean and Latin America (Haiti, Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana); the Indian Ocean countries of Madagascar and Mauritius; North Africa (Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria), several West African countries (Senegal, the Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Benin, Cameroon, and many others), and in Europe, not only France, but also Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Monaco. French is the procedural language of the European Union and the only language used for deliberations at the EU Court of Justice. It is also one of the main “working languages” of the United Nations.
For more information, please contact: Prof. Valerie Kaussen, kaussenv@missouri.edu
Jane M. & Bruce P. Robert French Study Abroad Scholarship Application
Award:
This scholarship is designed to support students participating in a practical learning experience or activity in a French-speaking country. It is open to current French majors and minors. Awards will be granted in March. Travel must take place during the 12-month period following the granting of the award. The evaluation committee will consider academic excellence, need, and the pertinence of travel to academic and career goals. We encourage underrepresented communities to apply. Priority will be given to applicants who will be participating in a faculty-led program in a francophone country. The minimum award is $1000 and the maximum is $2500.
Requirements:
· Application Essay
· Major or minor in French
· Proof of participation in a program or activity in a French-speaking country
· Award recipients agree to present an exposé based on their experience
Application Essay: Clearly indicate the following information on your essay:
· Your name
· Your major / minor
· Your current standing (freshman, etc.)
· Label clearly and answer both of the following questions:
Essay question:
Which specific aspect of this experience appeals to you? And what do you hope to learn from this experience? You may also wish to address how you hope to apply the knowledge and experience you gain from this program in your personal and/or professional life. (500 words maximum)
Send applications to Dr. Daniel Sipe (siped@missouri.edu) by February 15. Award winner(s) will be informed by March 1.
Wilkins Graduate Summer Fellowship
The School of Languages, Literatures & Cultures is pleased to offer two competitive summer fellowships to graduate students studying French and Francophone cultures & literatures. These two fellowships offer $4,000 to support SLLC graduate students pursuing a summer research project in French or Francophone countries. Stipends may be used for travel to remote research sites as well as for on-campus summer research.
Awards: Two $4000 summer stipends are awarded annually to outstanding French graduate students
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be graduate students from SLLC pursuing a research project in French or Francophone studies
- Previous awardees are ineligible
- Students with summer teaching are ineligible
Application:
- CV or résumé
- Budget
- 1 page prospectus outlining project rationale and expected contributions of summer research to overall degree completion
For more information, please contact: Prof. Megan Moore, mooremegan@missouri.edu
Campbell Award for French and Francophone Study Abroad
This award is available to students participating in an abroad experience in a francophone environment. Award: $1000
How to apply:
- Students are nominated by member of the French faculty (you are encouraged to ask a member of the faculty to nominate you).
- Nominations must be received by February 15.
- Awards will be announced in March.