French at Butler
French is spoken on five continents and in many countries, as a
native tongue, language of instruction, government, and business.
It is one of the main languages of diplomacy and of important
international organizations.
The French program at Butler features both small classes (10 -
20 students) providing opportunities for personal interaction with
professors, and a wide range of courses from beginning French to
culture and literature courses covering all periods and genres from
the Middle Ages to the contemporary era. We also offer specialized
courses such as French for Business, Francophone Literature, and
Cinema. Our program boasts 60 majors and minors and is served by 3
full-time professors, two of whom are native French speakers. In
addition, we also have several very well qualified part-time
instructors. Our professors are accessible and are always ready to
discuss our program with prospective students and their
parents.
Most of our majors and many of our minors study abroad, and we
approve a large number of study-abroad options. Because Butler is a
university, and not just a liberal arts college, and because Butler
encourages multiple majors, our French courses are enriched by the
presence of students also majoring in Dance,
Music, Business, Theater, the Sciences, International Studies, Anthropology, etc. Many of our
students combine a French major with International Studies,
International Management, Political Science, Education, Arts, or
any of the fields in the Humanities. Some of our students opt for
the French and Business Studies major.
Indianapolis welcomes a large Francophone and Francophile
community. Students are encouraged to develop their skills by
participating in off-campus activities, like French movie showings
at local theaters, or in the variety of events sponsored by the
Alliance Française of Indianapolis: conversations groups, Bastille
Day celebration, Holiday parties, public lectures to name but a
few. Local theaters and concert halls as well as Clowes Hall on
campus regularly feature French-related programs.
After graduation, our majors choose a variety of paths. Some
become teachers, others go on to graduate and professional schools.
Others still find jobs in nationwide American as well as foreign
companies where they can apply their French skills.
We are enthusiastic about our program and our community. We
trust that you will be too! Please do not hesitate to contact us
with any questions you may have.