Department of French, Francophone, and Italian Studies

Why study French and/or Italian?

Speakers of French and Italian span five continents. French is spoken by over 220 million people. Italian is spoken by over 65 million people. By 2050, it is estimated that there will be over 750 million French speakers, 80% of whom will live in Africa, becoming the world’s most spoken language. French and Italian are the international languages of cooking, fashion, theater, the visual arts, dance and architecture. Thousands of US companies do business with Italy and the Francophone world. In an increasingly mobile and interconnected planet, the study of language, literature and culture has never been more crucial for our students’ success. It provides students with a competitive edge in an increasingly internationalized workplace; for example, four out of five new jobs in the US are created as a result of foreign trade. Above all, learning a second language enables a greater understanding of other cultures while enhancing your own.

Undergraduate French

The Department of French, Francophone, and Italian Studies offers a comprehensive undergraduate program in French language, literature, and culture, as well as Francophone literature and culture from around the world.  In addition to first and second year courses in basics of grammar and conversation, advanced undergraduate courses in composition, literature, and culture are offered every semester. We offer a summer study abroad option in Paris, and a full semester study abroad program in Angers. Our summer and semester-long study abroad programs in Paris and Angers offer a wide variety of levels to students at all stages of linguistic competence. The major prepares students for a variety of careers in teaching or in graduate studies, as well as in fields such as interpreting, international business, art, art history, and travel. We encourage applicants from traditional and non-traditional backgrounds to investigate French as a major or as a minor field.

Undergraduate Italian

The Department of French, Francophone, and Italian Studies offers a comprehensive undergraduate program in Italian language, literature, and culture, leading to the BA in French with the Italian Option or the Minor in Italian. Italian offers courses in basic grammar, composition and conversation, literature and culture. Our summer study abroad program in Florence offers a wide variety of levels to students at all stages of linguistic competence. The major prepares students for a variety of careers in teaching or in graduate studies, as well as in fields such as interpreting, international business, art, art history, architecture, and travel. We encourage applicants from traditional and non-traditional backgrounds to enrich their time at KU through the study of Italian.

Graduate French

The Department of French, Francophone, and Italian Studies offers M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in French and Francophone language, literature, and culture. Graduate study is supported through teaching assistantships offered to qualified candidates, who receive thorough training in language instruction. Excellent facilities, strong library holdings, and a faculty dedicated to both teaching and research assure students of a challenging and professional graduate preparation.