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: Catherine Clark
French Concentration: Eva Dessein
Global Languages French Studies group: Cathy Culot | Leanna Rezvani | Isadora Nicholas | Eva Dessein
Fall 2023
| 21G.301/351 | French I |
| 21G.302/352 | French II |
| 21G.303 | French III |
| 21G.304 | French IV |
| 21G.308 | Writing (like the) French |
| 21G.310 | French Conversation: Intensive Practice |
| 21G.312 | Basic Themes in French Literature and Culture |
| 21G.341 | Contemporary French Film and Social Issues |
| 21G.346 | Topics in Modern French Literature and Culture |
21G.312 Basic Themes in French Literature and Culture: Exploring Francophone Culture Through Comics
This course looks to broaden students’ understanding and appreciation of the world of French language comic books and graphic novels, known as bandes dessinées, from its invention in the 19th century to its current status as the 9th art. We will explore the history and phenomenon of bandes dessinées, examine the characteristics of the genre and learn how to connect the texts to the images. We will examine how the bande dessinée provides a unique space for identity construction and cultural critique, involving national identity and mythology, gender and sexuality, and colonial and postcolonial discourse. Taught in French.
21G.346 Topics in Modern French Literature and Culture: North America through French Eyes
The course offers an analysis of the keen interest shown by France and the French in North American cultures since the eighteenth century. France contributed to the construction of both Canadian and American nations, but has also constantly defined its identity by way of praising or criticizing North American cultures. The course will trace this ambivalent relation, exploring various themes such as liberalism, entertainment and the media, trade and cultural goods, transatlantic intellectual encounters, translation, etc. The course will use materials drawn from literature (e.g. Tocqueville, Céline, Beauvoir, Dubois), cinema (e.g. Tati, Chomet) and also comics, TV shows and series as well as political debates (minority rights, bioethics, pensions).
Spring 2024
| 21G.301/351 | French I |
| 21G.302/352 | French II |
| 21G.303 | French III |
| 21G.304 | French IV |
| 21G.315 | A Window onto Contemporary French Society |
| 21G.320 | Introduction to French Literature |
| 21G.321 | Childhood and Youth in French and Francophone Countries |
| 21G.346 | Topics in Modern French Literature and Culture |
| 21M.846 | Topics in Performance Studies: Staging Frenchness |
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.
21M.846 Topics in Performance Studies: Staging Frenchness
Exploration of contemporary stagings of France and French identities that includes Francophone plays and productions within France and in other Francophone nations and communities. Focus is on staging of gender, race, nation, culture and religion through theater, with some consideration of parallel performances of Frenchness in other mediums (sports, pop music, film, television, and social media). Coursework includes readings, research, discussion, and writing, with some in-class reading of scenes. No final exam. Course materials in English (research/reading can be done in French if desired). No prerequisites and no experience in French or theater required.
Classroom/time: Weds evenings 7-10pm