The French & Linguistics major enables students to combine the study of human language from a variety of perspectives with the study of French language, literature, and culture. In their linguistics courses, students explore the formal structures of language (sound system, internal structure of words, syntactic organization, and representations of meaning) as well as language universals, variability across languages, social dimensions of language use, and historical language change. At the same time, they achieve an understanding of the essential elements of French grammar and pronunciation, further develop their abilities to express themselves with clarity and precision in spoken and written French, and improve their listening and reading skills. They gain an understanding of French and Francophone cultural and literary traditions and learn to analyze and appreciate great literary and cultural works. Integrating the two components of the joint major, coursework in French linguistics focuses on the historical development of French, on variation in the uses of French in different parts of the world, or on the distinguishing characteristics of French in relation to other languages. Class projects and interactions with faculty provide frequent opportunities for making connections between the major's two primary areas of study. Study abroad is strongly encouraged and, with careful planning, easily accommodated.
Learning Outcomes
The ability to identify and describe with precision the empirical patterns found in sets of language data, and to construct well-reasoned linguistic analyses by formulating, testing, and refining hypotheses about these patterns.
Linguistic mastery of some aspect of modern-day French (phonetics, phonology, or syntax, e.g.) or of the historical development of the language.
Proficiency in the French language at an advanced level, with respect to reading, writing, speaking, and understanding of spoken French.
Critical and analytical engagement with French/Francophone cultural and literary traditions, practices, genres, and great works.
