Whenever possible, the courses are conducted in the language that is studied. The aim of instruction is reading, writing, aural and oral proficiency, and an understanding of the life, literature, and culture of the country. Lectures and films in the language studied are offered during the school year for the benefit of the students in the department. Language laboratories supplement class work.

Majors in French will be able to:

• Grasp advanced French grammar and stylistics: the spontaneous production of grammatically correct French in writing and in conversation (corresponding to the ACTFL's parameters for "Advanced" speaking: a set of reading skills that allow them to analyze a wide variety of literary styles and texts across different genres and time periods. They will be able to contextualize French and Francophone literature, culture and, to a lesser extent, history.