ChooseWhy Choose This Program?
Why Study French Transnational Studies at Goucher?
Studying language means more than just learning a new vocabulary—it means engaging new cultures, perspectives, and ways of thinking across the entire globe. You will immerse yourself in French, speak it, read it, write it, think it, and put it to use in the world, both at home and in the many francophone places where it is spoken every day. The French Transnational Studies Program connects deep exploration of language with the kind of interdisciplinary study that enables you to put your learning into practice through study abroad, service-learning, and internship opportunities.
LearnWhat Will You Learn?
What Will You Learn?
This flexible and interdisciplinary major includes an experiential, individually tailored project abroad as a central component. The major will give you the skills to read, write, and speak the language accurately with nuance in a range of settings from informal to professional (through an internship), and to interpret authentic French-language media within cultural and historical contexts. In addition, majors will analyze today’s global movements and transnational realities through literary, cinematic, social, and historical lenses to yield insights about the language and cultures of the French-speaking world. Learn More
DoWhat Will You Do?
What Will You Do?
Students pursue a wide variety of internationally focused careers that range from language-centered work (translation, teaching, academic research) to fields that increasingly value intercultural experience such as law, business, international development, and public health. Recent graduates include college professors, directors of admissions, attorneys, cinematographers, and a francophone program officer for the Bill and Melinda Gates Institute. In short, with a major in French transnational studies, you will gain valuable skills that will translate into a broad range of rewarding careers post-graduation.
Faculty
Major & Minor Program Contact
Mark Ingram, Department Chair, Professor of French Transnational Studies
Full-Time & Part-Time Faculty
Flo Martin, Professor of French Transnational Studies
Francesca Roth, Adjunct Professor of French Transnational Studies
Fiona Sparks, Adjunct Professor of French Transnational Studies
Professor Emeritus or Emerita or Emeriti
Henriette Leanos, Associate professor of French Transnational Studies
Kathryn St. Ours, Associate Professor of French
Study Abroad
By studying abroad, choosing three-week intensive courses led by Goucher faculty or semester programs suited to their academic plans, Goucher language students gain a global perspective that enhances their course of study. Visit the Office of Global Education website for more information.
Programs
IFE Field Study and Internship
The semester-long IFE program places students in a work environment in Paris, Brussels, or Strasbourg, usually in a government agency, business, or nonprofit organization. Students also conduct field research, delving into an issue and producing a 30-page independent study in French under the guidance of a French scholar.
French Theatre in Paris and Marseille
A three-week experiential introduction to the dynamic world of the contemporary French theatre in Avignon, Marseille, and Paris. Develops language and theatre skills in immersion settings and explores theatre as a window into contemporary French society. The capstone production (in which students may perform) is part of the Goucher Theatre Program's fall season. Visit the French Theatre in Paris and Marseille page for more information.
Take a look at our introduction to the French Theatre ICA (PPTX)
Opportunities & Internships
Internships
Internships help students explore possibilities, apply classroom learning, and gain experience. Explore internships and credit options.
Internships in Francophone Europe
IFE allows students to choose from a wide range of internship opportunities in France's parliament and ministries, museums, social and environmental groups, and other organizations, and immerse fully in the day-to-day life of contemporary France.
Témoignages d'étudiants
Madeleine Hobbs https://youtu.be/-9rZ1Vj5foU
Mandile Mpofu https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9h7jYv7DyQ
Student Employment
Student employment connects students to both on and off-campus opportunities. The Career Education Office provides resources and support to students with or without Federal Work Study to find jobs, submit applications, and learn more about the job search process. Students have access to Handshake — a website for job postings, events, resumes/cover letters, and career management.
Major & Career Exploration
Exploring career options, choosing a major, and making career decisions is a multi-step process in which all students are encouraged to engage early and often. Goucher students have a variety of resources available through the Majors and Career page to assist them in this process.
Job Search
A Goucher education prepares students for today’s job market and beyond. Students can explore job opportunities and access job search resources through the CEO Job Search page.
Graduate & Professional School
Students access resources for searching and applying to graduate and professional school through the CEO Graduate and Professional School page, through faculty and staff members, or utilizing their own resources, network and tools.
Middlebury College 4+1 B.A./M.A. Programs
For French Transnational Studies and Spanish majors who want to expand their studies with immersive graduate experiences abroad, earn your B.A. and M.A. in only five years.
Alumni Profile
John Hoobyar '11
John Hoobyar '11
Read My Story“My French professors at Goucher set the bar high for being able to read, write, and think in the language. They also encouraged us, their students, to each pursue our individual interests in the language.”