The Francophone Studies section of the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures is an active group of professors and students who bring the French-speaking world alive through a wide range of cooperative activities. Classes range from beginning language to advanced seminars on literature, history, film and other aspects of French and Francophone culture. Small classes ensure that students have ample opportunity to speak French. Some courses include a community outreach component, such as partnerships with local schools, interviews of French-speaking war veterans and work with local Franco-Americans.

Bowdoin students of French have the opportunity to study away for a year or a semester in a variety of exciting programs in France and Francophone Africa. Study Away is an integral part of students? experience as a French major at Bowdoin. Students find that their experiences abroad teach them as much about themselves and their own culture as they do the foreign culture they live in while abroad.