With over 220 million speakers in 29 countries on five continents, French plays a significant role in the global economy and culture, and in the sciences. Our French and Francophone Studies classes prepare students for a broad range of international engagements, including participation in programs such as MISTI France, Belgium and Switzerland, MIT-Africa, MIT-Middle East and January Scholars in France.
The French and Francophone Studies curriculum offers opportunities to all students from the elementary level to the most advanced courses, spanning language, literature, intercultural studies, critical theory, French politics and society, gender and queer studies, French history, film studies, visual culture, Francophone African Studies, and cultural anthropology. The diversity of course offerings and the personal attention in small group classes create engaging and rewarding experiences for each student.
Subjects in French Studies may be applied to the French major, minor, or Concentration. Learn more about the French program requirements at the Academic Programs page. Advisors for these programs are below. Students uncertain what level of French language to take should refer to placement information. Information on transfer credit is available here.
French Minor/Major: Eva Dessein
French Concentration: Eva Dessein
Global Languages French Studies group: Cathy Culot | Leanna Rezvani | Isadora Nicholas | Eva Dessein
Fall 2025
| 21G.056 | The Making of Modern Europe: 1789 to Present |
| 21G.301/351 | French I |
| 21G.302/352 | French II |
| 21G.303/333 | French III |
| 21G.304/334 | French IV |
| 21G.308 | Writing (like the) French |
| 21G.312 | Basic Themes in French Literature and Culture |
| 21G.320 | Introduction to French Literature |
| 21G.325 | New Culture of Gender: Queer France |
| 21L.S89 | French Modernity |
21G.312 Basic Themes in French Literature and Culture: Science, Mysteries, and the Francophone World
This interdisciplinary course is perfect for intermediate and advanced learners who want to improve their French through exciting, real-world topics. Each week, you’ll explore a new mystery, invention, or debate from the Francophone world — from the scientific breakthroughs of Marie Curie and Louis Pasteur to modern issues like artificial intelligence, genetic editing, and environmental justice in Africa, the Caribbean, and Europe.
You will work with films, articles, podcasts, and creative projects while learning to express your ideas in French with confidence and clarity. Topics include women in science, ethical dilemmas in medicine, futuristic inventions, and the role of culture in how we understand science. Whether you love history, technology, or storytelling, this course invites you to explore science through a cultural lens — and expand your French along the way. Taught in French.
21L.S89 Special Subject: French Modernity
This course will study literary movements in French and Francophone traditions, starting with what’s conceived as the beginning of French modernity in the 19th century. Readings will include the poetry of Baudelaire, Rimbaud, and Hugo for romanticism and its aftermath, a novella (Sarrasine) by Balzac, and a novel by Camus (L’étranger) or a play by Beckett (Fin de partie) for existentialism. Négritude and Francophonie will be represented by selected short texts by Aimé Césaire, Léopold Senghor and other
Spring 2026
| 21G.301/351 | French I |
| 21G.302/352 | French II |
| 21G.303/333 | French III |
| 21G.304/334 | French IV |
| 21G.310 | French Conversation: Intensive Practice |
| 21G.316 | Marseille Unveiled: Digital Stories and Intercultural Encounters |
| 21G.341 | Contemporary French Film and Social Issues |
| 21G.346 | Topics in Modern French Literature and Culture |
21G.346 Topics in Modern French Literature and Culture: French Mediterranean
A note regarding the enrollment policy of the Global Languages: Enrollment limited to 18 for pedagogical reasons. Preference will be given to pre-registered students, including pre-registered undergraduates who were cut from the same class the previous semester due to the enrollment cap. Please note that you have to attend the first day of class to maintain your preference level. In case of over-enrollment, preference will be given in the following order: declared majors, declared minors, declared concentrators, first-years, sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students.