What Will You Learn?
In addition to all levels of language instruction, we offer an in-depth examination of the cultures of many French-speaking countries. Students will also gain practical skills, like French for the professions.
French and Francophone Studies
The French and francophone studies program is designed to help you acquire knowledge of the languages, literature, and cultures of France and francophone countries (where French is the common language). Through beginning, intermediate, and advanced language courses, you’ll develop the skills to read, write, speak, and understand French. Courses on the literature and cultures of French-speaking communities in France and in other countries of Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, North and South America, as well as the French possessions in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, instill an appreciation of francophone cultures in their diversity. In keeping with the broader liberal arts mission of John Carroll University, the French section seeks to train students in the skills of both critical analysis and written and oral argument, which you can use in graduate school or in your professional and personal lives. All students are also strongly encouraged to study in a French-speaking country.
Program Highlights
Nancy Conrady, PhD, named 2020 Outstanding Part-Time Faculty
Dr. Conrady, who earned her doctorate in modern languages from Middlebury College, has taught French at John Carroll for many years. Her colleagues and students praised her for her innovative teaching and her dedication to student learning. One student commented, “Her passionate and thorough teaching style truly helped me to not only understand the material but to be fully engaged in learning.” Another student wrote, “Her lesson plans were always well organized and her patience with students unparalleled. She was able to incorporate our struggles and interests into her lesson plans with ease.” In addition, her colleagues and students reflected on the many ways Dr. Conrady has extended learning experiences outside the traditional classroom, including the French Club and the Concours de la Maison Franraise de Cleveland (French language contest) at JCU. She has also taken students abroad and helped to facilitate a meeting of JCU students with French officials at the Elysee Palace in Paris to deliver a “Proclamation of Solidarity” after the 2015 terrorist attacks there. About this experience one of her former students wrote, “[Dr. Conrady’s] actions had garnered us a meeting with one of [Francois] Hollande’s closest advisers and a tour of the presidential palace; this is an honor seldom given to French citizens, let alone tourists.”
Congratulations to the Class of 2020
2020's graduating class of French & Francophone Studies students are accomplished leaders, enthusiastic volunteers, and dedicated students. Their diverse experiences at JCU have prepared them to confidently meet careers and academic pursuits in a multicultural world. Please join us in celebrating the Class of 2020.