Professor of French and Francophone Studies
Ph.D., Brown University
Baldwin Wallace University has discontinued the French and Francophone Studies major and is no longer accepting applications as of spring 2024. BW will continue to offer a minor and elective courses in French and Francophone Studies. View majors.
Undergraduate Admission
(440) 826-2222, admission@bw.edu
OVERVIEW
Known for being the international language of politics, French also has application for science, technology, transportation and finance. It is an outstanding major offering diverse career opportunities.
Today, it is spoken on five continents and is the official working language of the United Nations, NATO, European Union, International Red Cross, World Health Organization, UNESCO and International Olympic Committee, among others.
Baldwin Wallace's French and Francophone Studies major offers a practical approach to language study that connects it to real life. You'll learn about current events, intercultural communication and sensitivities, French literature and civilization.
Coursework is comprehensive and integrates reading, writing, speaking and language comprehension.
Experiential learning is central to the program. You can attend cultural events and culinary field trips, join student organizations and participate in a French language table.
Study abroad offers outstanding opportunities for year-long, semester, six- or two-week immersion experiences. You can visit France, Quebec or other French-influenced areas.
Also complementary to your coursework are internships, independent study projects, service-learning activities and co-curricular involvement.
FRANCE AMONG TOP GLOBAL BUSINESSES
A main trading partner with the U.S., France is among the leaders of the world market. It ranks fourth in the Fortune Global 500, behind the USA, China and Japan. There are more Fortune Global 500 companies headquartered in Paris than in Beijing, New York, London or Munich.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Government, education, business and nonprofit sectors seek individuals who are fluent in two or more languages. Examples of positions include:
- Arts-related manager
- Curator/archivist
- Linguist/interpreter
- Foreign service associate
- Fashion buyer
- Teacher
- Banking/finance manager
- Travel industry coordinator
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A TEACHER?
If you would like to become a French teacher, BW has an outstanding teacher education program.
STUDY OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE BOOSTS SKILLS
Benefits of learning a foreign language are multi-fold and include:
- Career marketability
- Effective oral and written communication
- Critical thinking and analytical reasoning
- Global awareness and intercultural competence
- Cultural appreciation
CURRICULUM
Offered as a major and minor, French and Francophone Studies blends comprehensive coursework with dynamic practical application.
It is an outstanding companion major or minor to other disciplines, including the fine arts, science, business, international studies, sociology, political science, history and philosophy.
French courses are open to students of all majors. If you have previously taken classes in French in high school, you will be required to complete a placement test prior to registering for courses.
Within the Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, BW offers a Spanish major and minor as well as courses in Arabic, Chinese, German and Italian.
The French and Francophone Studies major prepares students to:
- Communicate in languages other than English
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of other cultures
- Use foreign language in connection with other disciplines
- Demonstrate knowledge of the nature of language and culture
STUDENT EXPERIENCES
Experiential learning bridges classroom study with real-world opportunities. You can enhance your studies through internships, co-curricular activities and other learning opportunities that include:
Student Clubs and Organizations
French Club
The club offers a forum for students and others interested in French social, cultural and language activities, including cinema, video, music, cuisine, discussions and more. Other BW foreign language clubs include the German Club, Italian Club, Middle Eastern Culture Club and Spanish Club.
Language Tables
Language tables are a great opportunity to practice your foreign language skills outside the classroom. All language levels are welcomed.
International Film Series
An annual event on campus, the International Film Series showcases films representing a variety of cultures.
French Recognition Society
The Baldwin Wallace French Recognition Society recognizes students whose accomplishments in the study of French have proven to be excellent. Society membership is extended to students who have sophomore standing or higher, are enrolled as a French and Francophone Studies major or minor, have at least a 3.0 GPA in French courses, a 3.3 GPA overall and have completed (or enrolled in) at least two courses beyond French 202. The BW French Recognition Society is an organization unique to BW that honors students who have excelled in French language studies.
ALUMNI SUCCESS
Selena
Ventura
'13
is
French-speaking
customer
support
specialist
at
Sherwin
Williams
in
Cleveland.
A
French
and
international
affairs
major,
Selena
studied
abroad
in
Aix-en-Provence.
Her
current
position
includes
travel
to
Canada
and
work
with
a
variety
of
countries.
She
is
from
Lakewood,
Ohio.
Ashley
Freytag
'12
is
missionary
for
Fellowship
of
Evangelical
Churches
in
Kedougou,
Senegal.
BW
faculty
challenged
the
Wauseon,
Ohio,
native
to
think
critically
about
the
world
and
become
involved
in
Model
African
Union,
an
experience
that
helped
her
realize
her
passion
for
international
missionary
work.
FACULTY
Full-Time Faculty
Nadia Sahely
Professor
Ph.D., Brown University
Adjunct Faculty
Anthony Celhay
Lecturer
M.A., Kent State University
Emma Guzowski
Lecturer
M.A.,The Ohio State University