Welcome to the French & Francophone Studies program in the IU School of Liberal Arts, where you can explore one of the world’s most influential languages and cultures. With a variety of courses, you’ll find a welcoming place to grow, while advancing your language skills and diving deeper into French and Francophone cultures. Thanks to strong connections with the French-speaking community and rich cultural resources across Indianapolis, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to engage beyond the classroom.
French is an official language in 29 countries, giving you access to a truly global community. In this program, you strengthen your speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills while exploring the history, politics, literature, film, and artistic traditions of French‑speaking societies worldwide. You also develop analytical, communication, and intercultural abilities that help you thrive in an increasingly connected global landscape.
Because French is used across continents and in fields ranging from business and medicine to tourism, international relations, and global organizations, your coursework prepares you for careers that value cultural awareness and multilingual communication.
Minor in French & Francophone Studies
When you pursue a French & Francophone Studies minor in the IU School of Liberal Arts, you gain the language skills and cultural insight needed to navigate an increasingly interconnected world. Your coursework takes you from introductory to advanced study in language, linguistics, culture, and literature, with opportunities to explore applied areas such as translation and Business French. As you build proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, and understanding French, you also deepen your ability to analyze texts, interpret cultural perspectives, and communicate across global contexts.
French is spoken on five continents and plays a major role in international organizations, global business, science, engineering, technology, diplomacy, and the arts. By studying French and Francophone cultures, you develop the intercultural competence and communication skills that employers value in fields such as international business communication, tourism, education, nonprofit work, technology exchange, and translation.
The French minor pairs seamlessly with majors in the School of Liberal Arts and across the IU Indy campus, including business, biology, political science, art, history, and other interdisciplinary fields, giving you a competitive edge after graduation. Whether you’re preparing for a global career or simply expanding your cultural and professional skillset, you’ll be equipped with skills that travel with you wherever you go.
More information
For more information about French & Francophone Studies, please contact the program director, Kathryn Lauten.
