The mission of the Department of French and Francophone Studies is to help students acquire knowledge of the language, literature, and cultures of France and French-speaking countries. Through beginning, intermediate, and advanced language courses, students develop the skills to read, write, speak and understand French. Courses on the literature and cultures of French-speaking communities in Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, and North America instill in students an appreciation of Francophone cultures in their diversity.

In keeping with the broader liberal arts mission of the college, the Department seeks to train students in the skills of both critical analysis and written and oral argument. The Department strongly encourages all students to study in a French-speaking country. Students have the opportunity to study in Davidson’s own yearlong and semester programs in Tours in the Loire Valley.

New members were inducted into Pi Delta Phi French Honor Society, May 1, 2013.

2013 Senior French Majors
and French Department Faculty 

Seniors Paul Avinger, Blake Candler, Elle Gurskis, Jennifer Knight, Bettina Lemm, Jane Morrison, Kate Sachse, Sara Simon, and Martha Macon Smith with professors Carole Kruger, Frank Jacobus, Caroline Fache, Florin Beschea, and Henry Buckley.