Francophone Studies

From Language to Global Understanding

The study of foreign languages develops students’ understanding of themselves as world citizens and an appreciation for the world through the study of languages and literatures, linguistics and cultural phenomena. The Francophone Studies minor provides students with cultural competency through courses taught in French and/or English, and focused on the Francophone world — including French-speaking Africa, the Caribbean, North America, Europe, the Middle East and East Asia.

Courses in this program foster critical thinking and analysis and cover a wide range of disciplines: language, literature, arts and culture, film, history, women and gender, economy, politics and international relations.

Ripon College offers majors in foreign languages and in Spanish; and minors in; Ancient, Renaissance and Medieval Studies; Francophone studies; French; and Spanish.

Faculty

Poncelet, Dominique

Professor of French and the Marie Zarwell Uihlein Chair in Classical Studies and Chair of the Department

Requirements for a Minor in Francophone Studies
Total Credits 20 credits
Prerequisites Minimum of four credits and a maximum of 12 credits of courses in French beyond FRE 111, starting with the course in which students are placed by the online placement evaluation.
Elective Courses Depending on the number of credits taken in French language courses, between 8 and 16 credits of courses in Francophone Studies are required. Students who register for a minor in Francophone Studies are not allowed to pursue a minor in French at the same time.
French FRE 111 Elementary French I, 112 Elementary French II, 211 Intermediate French I, 222 Intermediate French II, 300 Departmental Studies in French, 308 Introduction to French and Francophone Literature, 315 French Theatre Workshop, 322 Business French, 329 Contemporary French Issues, 332 French Cinema, 333 Wars, Rebellions and Revolutions in French Cinema, 337 Grammar Workshop, 338 Writing Workshop, 339 Conversation and Pronunciation Workshop, 370 "Tell Me What You Eat...", 402 The Teaching of Modern Languages

Additional Criteria

Course work completed in a French-speaking country, either through an In Focus course or a Ripon College-approved study-abroad program, may be applied toward the French minor upon approval by the members of the French program. Students should consult with their advisor in Francophone Studies before departure about possible courses of study.
Dominique Poncelet is the advisor for the minor in Francophone Studies

Study Abroad: See the Off-Campus Study: Programs Abroad section of this catalog for information about the Ripon-affiliate-programs in Montpellier. Learn More

Career Tracks

Students who have completed a Francophone Studies minor are positioned to work for companies and agencies that serve the growing Francophone population in the United States and worldwide. Career opportunities extend to banking, international business, foreign service and governmental agencies, the military, and non-governmental organizations with international or intercultural orientation.

Foreign language study can lead to careers in a variety of areas, including government, industry and commerce, travel and tourism, interpretation/translation, service, education, arts, media and entertainment.

Some French, Latin and Spanish graduates from Ripon College have gone on to graduate work in their languages. Others have continued their studies in other fields, such as communication studies, nonprofit management, international relations, medicine school, public policy and theology.

Unique Opportunities

College faculty members regularly lead Liberal Arts In Focus study and other travel experiences.

Advising

Ripon College faculty and professional staff are dedicated to helping you reach your goals, whatever they may be and however often they may change along the way. It’s part of our value statement to you.

As a student at Ripon, you will be assigned a faculty adviser based on your area(s) of interest. You will meet with your faculty adviser throughout your time as a student to discuss your current aspirations, plan your course schedule and plot a future trajectory. We also work collaboratively with Ripon College Career and Professional Development to help match your interests and skills to concrete goals and construct a plan for professional success offering personalized career counseling, off-campus learning opportunities and an online job board with potential to connect with local, national and international employers.

Related Areas of Study that you may be interested in

More To Explore

DO MORE YOUR WAY

Become the extraordinary individual you are meant to be at Ripon.