We conduct almost all of our courses in French. These courses span literature and culture from the Middle Ages to the present, and they emphasize significant authors or problems rather than chronological surveys.
Our majors select courses from a wide range of historical periods (Middle Ages to the present). Most students double major, combining their interest in French with practically every other one of the College’s 40 majors.
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Almost all Amherst French majors study in France or Senegal for at least one semester.
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French-speaking students of all ability levels may live on campus in the French House, an academic theme house and home to the department’s teaching assistants.
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Our students have the chance to converse weekly at the French Table in Valentine Dining Hall.
French has been taught continuously at Amherst since before the Massachusetts Legislature granted the institution its charter in 1825.
Work intensively on French grammar, with emphasis on acquiring basic active skills—speaking, reading, writing and vocabulary building—using a multimedia program.
Survey the different genres of French literary and non-literary texts (significant short stories, poetry and films), review French grammar, and train in composition, conversation and listening comprehension.
Learn about exchange fellowships available in Paris and Dijon, and about prizes awarded annually to French majors.