French Language and Area Studies
Part of the Division of French and Italian, the French Program of the Department of Classical and Modern Languages and Literatures awards the B.A., M.A. and dual B.A/M.A. degrees in French. The program offers introductory and intermediate language classes, and advanced courses in conversation, composition, and grammar. Other courses address a variety of topics, including French and Francophone culture and civilization, cinema, and literature. To complement their studies in Lubbock, students are encouraged to study abroad in programs connected with the University. Several scholarships are available for French majors. The M.A. in French is a comprehensive program that continues to build on language competency through the development of oral and written expression and prepares students broadly across the fields and in all literary genres. Graduate Teaching Assistants, many of whom are international students, also have the opportunity to acquire pedagogical and professional skills through an intensive teacher-training program that includes hands-on classroom instruction and faculty mentoring.
Why Study French?
A program of study in the humanities not only broadens one's cultural literacy, but also leads to the development of one's ability to express oneself coherently and competently, tangible skills which serve all students regardless of their projected professional goals. As the global economy grows, learning a second language is increasingly important—even essential. Many American firms do business internationally and expect highly literate people to increase their competitive edge. A major or minor in French, coupled with a degree in music, business, law, engineering, political or social science, to name just a few examples, enhances the resume and guarantees that edge for college graduates seeking employment at home or abroad. Public education, local and federal government, foreign service, and industry are just a few of the professional sectors needing people qualified in French. If French remains one of the languages best suited to discovering and understanding the world, it is because la Francophonie is extremely broad: 55 states and governments in Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, and the Caribbean, constitute the membership of the International Organization of French-speaking Countries.
There are a number of student activities available to French students.
CMLL's French faculty come from diverse backgrounds and specialize in a broad range of research interests.
ENROLLMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR NONDEGREE STUDENTS AND MEMBERS OF THE LUBBOCK COMMUNITY: Persons possessing a bachelors degree or higher may take undergraduate language courses as a Nondegree Student. Admission is simple: Obtain an application at www.ttu.edu/gradschool, apply for admission as a Post Graduate (PRGD) Nondegree Student, pay the $50 application fee, and submit transcripts of all previous college level study. When admitted enroll in the appropriate language course. Once admitted you may register indefinitely in undergraduate TTU courses. For more information contact the CMLL Academic Program Advisor, Liz Hildebrand, liz.hildebrand@ttu.edu, 200 Foreign Languages Building, 806-742-4055.