Why French & Francophone Studies?

Sam Hoffman '97, French and Francophone Studies concentrator:

For me, the French concentration is simply a way to demonstrate to the outside world my efforts in French. It's a lot of work, but all in all, it was worth it. I think that the international nature of an art major and french concentration goes well with my future plans. (I want to go back to Paris) In addition, it was a good way to complement my education at Carleton. I have especially enjoyed the upper-level seminars. I often hate doing stuff just to beef up a resume, and that's not my sole intention. What can I say... I dig French.

Julie Powell '97, French and Francophone Studies concentrator:

When I came to Carleton, I knew that I wanted to continue taking French classes but I didn't necessarily want to major in French. The concentration allowed me to have some guidance in the French classes I took, but did not overwhelm me with requirements or classes that I had to take. It had a good mixture of French Les Deux Magots, Paris. literature classes (something that I was particularly interested in), and it also included classes about French culture, which I had never really studied. I went to Paris and studied the language while living with a family, and I also became involved with the French elections, something as an International Relations major I was really interested in. The Paris program was probably one of the best experiences I've had at Carleton. The French department is also wonderful and I've really enjoyed each professor: they're all very supportive and enthusiastic, whether you're a major, a concentrator, or just someone interested in learning French.

Lauren Heaton '97, French and Francophone Studies major"

We all love French literature, it purrs with resounding frankness and debauchery. But I found myself continually more interested in the "background" introductions to the discussions in those literature courses and found I could pack it all in, the language, the history, the cheeses and the international influence, with the French and Francophone studies major. The semester I spent in Cameroon, the fall of my junior year, whet my appetite for more courses on francophone Africa. My understanding of Africa through French and a French- oriented cultural perspective has been challenging, but I feel it has brought me closer to both cultures than I could have been through literature alone. I have been able to orient this major towards my own interests by taking courses in African development and environmental concerns, the French Revolution, African cinema, International business French, women in Africa and comps, which consisted of a historical analysis of pre-independent Senegal. I have captured the essence of a liberal disclipline.

Peter Everett '97, French and Francophone Studies major:

Coming to Carleton, I was very excited about the opportunity to do the Pau program during my first year. During those ten spring weeks in Pau, I fell completely in love with France, from the grand spectacle of professional cycling to the simple daily baguette. Pursuing this love as a French and Francophone Studies major, I've gone much farther studying culture, history and politics than I would have as a traditional French major. For me, one of the most important values of a liberal arts education is being stretched to think in new and truly challenging ways. This major, which is really an attempt to understand and think like Francophone peoples, has allowed me to do that to an extent enjoyed by few students at Carleton. I think that's an experience that will serve me greatly wherever I go in life (although I would prefer going to the South of France).

Gretchen Suechtiny '00, French and Francophone Concentration:

Being a French and Francophone Concentrator has allowed me to expand my horizons both on campus and abroad. During my freshman year, I went on the Carleton Off-Campus Studies Program to Pau, France and fell in love with the culture and people I met. In true liberal arts fashion, my studies have been an exercise in learning about Francophone peoples and their history, traditions, lifestyles and attitudes. The ability to speak French has allowed me to make friends from a variety of French speaking countries, live in the French house, interact with amazing professors and fellow students, and discover fascinating Francophone musicians. This year, I will spend my winter term in Mali, Africa living with a host family and learning Malian culture. I plan to continue my Francophone studies after college; this concentration has given me tantalizing taste of what's out there, and I can't wait to continue!

Hannah Ficher-Baum '00, French and Francophone Concentration:

Why French and Francophone Studies? I assure you that no one has paid me to say this one of the incentives I had to take classes in the French departemen twas that the professors are simply fantastic. The classes are interesting, energetic and the department seems to have an unparalleled in the students involved. I've had this French thing ever since I was about eight years old. The bug, my parents called it. Needles to say, because of this bug, I came to Carleton with a solid background in French and French culture but I knew that I wanted to explore the French-speaking cultures outside of France. Through my concentration I have explored African film, fiction, and French concepts of the Other. I went to Madagascar as a Junior and I am still registering what I learned from that experience deep into senior year. The concentration serendipitously fit into my course of studies, An English major, I have focused on narrative aspects of literature, basically storytelling and how and why people tell stories. The concentration has enabled me to ask these questions in a broader cultural context.