World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures Degree: French

Ready to take the next step?

Studying French opens doors to a world of opportunities. More than 50 countries and territories use French as their primary or secondary language. Fluency in the language and culture can enhance career prospects in education, business, healthcare, diplomacy, and many other fields.

At Gardner-Webb University, our comprehensive Bachelor of Arts in World Languages program, with a Concentration in French, immerses students in the language and its rich heritage. It fosters essential skills in interpersonal, interpreting, and presentational communication. Our students engage with vibrant Francophone communities and participate in cultural events. Most also soak up the language and culture through unique study abroad experiences in Europe and Québec.

CURRICULUM

 

What You’ll Learn

This undergraduate degree program will help you become fluent in speaking and understanding French while exploring Francophone cultures. It not only prepares you for interacting with people in French, but also deepens your understanding of the unique traditions and perspectives that shape Francophone communities worldwide.

Ready to take the next step?

Contact Info

Dr. Tamara A. Cox

Professor of French, Second Language Education Program Coordinator, MOSAIC French Club advisor, and Pi Delta Phi representative

World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

[email protected]

(704) 406-4499

Campus Box: 7266

119 Lindsey Hall

Program hours
1
Years (avg.)
1
Class Type

Face-to-face

Total Credit Hours

120 hours required

Transfer Credits

Transfer in up to 60 semester hours

Accreditation

Gardner-Webb University is accredited by SACSCOC and CHEA

Available Programs

Bachelor of Arts in World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures Degree Program: French Concentration

Students complete 42 semester hours, not including Real World French: Get Ready! (FREN 101) or Real World French: Get Set! (FREN 102).

The major requires courses in four tiers:

  1. Foundation courses (9 hours)—linguistics, intercultural communication, literature, and film studies
  2. French language, literature, and culture courses taught in the target language (21 hours)
  3. Comparative courses (9 hours)
  4. Senior capstone (3 hours)—students explore, research, develop, and present a thorough analytical essay on a topic relevant to the major

For a more in-depth look at minor requirements, visit our Academic Catalog.

WLLC Minors

The minor in Cultural Studies helps students better understand the history, culture, and politics of the country they choose. It comprises five French language courses and the online course, Aspects of French Culture and Language (FREN 300).

Students may not major in French World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures and also minor in Cultural Studies in French. Also, courses in the minor may only be used for one minor program (Cultural Studies or Languages).

For a more in-depth look at minor requirements, visit our Academic Catalog.

This minor prepares students to understand and communicate with people from different cultures:

  • Real World French: Let’s Go! (FREN 201)
  • The Science of Language: an Introduction to Linguistics (WLLC 101)
  • One World, Many Voices: an Introduction to Intercultural Communicative Competency (WLLC 102)
  • The Art of ‘Reading:’ Introduction to Literary and Film Studies (WLLC 103)

two 300-level courses from the comparative tier of the department’s major.

For a more in-depth look at minor requirements, visit our Academic Catalog.

Students may also add a minor in:

For a more in-depth look at minor requirements, visit our Academic Catalog.

Additional opportunities

Preparing for the Future

Through classes, internships, and other activities, our students improve their language and interpersonal skills, preparing them for careers and travel around the world.

Gardner-Webb’s World Languages degree with a Concentration in French also offers opportunities for meaningful service work, building social connections, promoting bilingualism, and encouraging personal and professional growth.

Research Projects

During the fall semester before graduation, students complete a capstone (senior seminar) class, which includes a research paper and presentation. In the spring semester, they present their essay at a conference.

Career Preparation

We mentor our students, from course selection to applications for internships, study abroad, and undergraduate research experiences.

Related Programs

World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures Degree: French

World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures Degree: German

World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures Degree: American Sign Language

World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures Degree: English as a Second Language (ESL) Education

World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures Degree: American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreting

Why Choose World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures At Gardner-Webb?

The Gardner-Webb World Languages bachelor’s degree, focusing on French, prepares you to confidently interact with French speakers, engage in Francophone communities, and pursue a career centered around this enduring language.

Students who know French can better help communities in need both in the U.S. and around the world. Moreover, being bilingual expands your network and even boosts brain health by enhancing neuroplasticity and cognitive abilities.

Related Clubs & Organizations

Mosaic French Club

Pi Delta Phi

outcomes

What You’ll Do After Graduation

Earning a degree or minor in World Languages can improve your job prospects in careers that require cultural awareness and effective communications. Plus, you’ll develop critical thinking, adaptability, and self-motivation skills that employers value.

Here are just some of the careers you might consider:

  • Interpreter
  • Translator
  • Education/ Teacher
  • International Business
  • Nursing
  • Politics
  • Public Relations/ Media
  • Mental Health Counselor
  • Journalist
  • Legal Environments
  • Counseling Minority Groups
  • Pastor/ Missionary
  • Non-Profit Work

Recent News & Student Stories

Admissions & Aid

We’re here to help! Once you’ve found the program that’s right for you, learn how to apply and become one of the approximately 96% of our students who receive financial aid.

Department of World Languages, Literature, and Cultures

The Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures offers many ways to learn about and connect with others.

Meet Our Faculty

College of Arts and Sciences, World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

Jessica Grant

Asst. Professor of American Sign Language
[email protected]
(704) 406-4418

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World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

Dr. Tamara Cox

Professor of French L2 Ed. Program Coordinator
[email protected]
(704) 406-4499

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World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

Russ Gribble

Instructor of American Sign Language
[email protected]
(704) 406-2516 ; 704-313-9430

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English Language and Literature, World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

Deborah Hill

Administrative Assistant, English & World Languages
[email protected]
(704) 406-4411 ; (704) 406-3035

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World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

Dr. Bernhard Martin

Chair, World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures Professor of German
[email protected]
(704) 406-4415

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World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

Robert Moore

Interim ASL director , Instructor in American Sign Language
[email protected]
(704) 406-4472 ; 704-313-0456

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World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

Dr. Charles Moore

Professor of Spanish
[email protected]
(704) 406-4416

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World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

Dr. Teresa Phillips

Professor of Spanish
[email protected]
(704) 406-3223

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