Laissez les bons temps rouler! (New Orleans French for “Let the good times roll!”) At Loyno, we offer language, culture, history, arts, and total immersion all rolled into one. We know that learning a foreign language is an indispensable part of individual development in the Jesuit tradition. The goal at the heart of our program is to appreciate other languages, literatures, and cultures. “Lagniappe” is a common local French-Creole phrase meaning “a little something extra,” which is exactly what you’ll enjoy by choosing a French program in our city.
Mission Statement for the French Program
French culture is one of the most prevalent and tangible inputs of French Louisiana, particularly evident in the city of New Orleans. In this context, the French Program at Loyola University New Orleans aims to explore the intertwining of French and other local cultural contributions through interdisciplinary approaches like literary and cultural studies, art history, and language study. This method of studying culture intends to capitalize on the complexity of the Francophone heritage in New Orleans and the south of Louisiana to foster a global perspective. It provides students with a broad background in Francophone studies that sharpens their critical and analytical lens from a post-colonial approach. The French program imparts language and themed courses in the target language―from beginners to advanced levels―while also offering an array of English classes about the Francophone world that help fulfill the requirements of the Loyola Core Curriculum. The French Program is a fundamental component of the Ignatian values of engaged and conscious living, of being for others, and of the mandate of magis, according to which more individual and social purpose and undertakings are tokens of one’s spirituality.
Overview of Courses
Our program’s curriculum combines French language courses with a selection of French electives in culture, literature, and film, and finishes with a French capstone. Here’s a sample of what you can expect to learn and do:
- Second-Year French I
Development of basic language skills continues with emphasis on grammar and the acquisition and use of new vocabulary in cultural contexts. Reading and discussion of articles and other writings are undertaken with grammatical exercises and short compositions based on cultural topics. - Advanced Conversation and Phonetics
In this course, students acquire an extensive working vocabulary and fluency through conversation, reading, and discussion of cultural texts. French phonetics and its application to the improvement of pronunciation are also studied. - Culture and Civilization II
A study of the important historical, social, and economic events from the Revolution of 1789 to present, including French aesthetics and artistic traditions in painting, sculpture, and music, and current topics including education and the politics of modern-day France. - La Nouvelle-Orleans
This course examines the French heritage of New Orleans, and explores the French side of our history, institutions, architecture, language, food, and celebrations. The assignments and discussions help students know and appreciate the cultural uniqueness and rich heritage of the city in which they live and study
Curriculum
You will complete 31 credit hours which combine French language courses, a selection of French electives in culture, literature, and film classes, and a French capstone course. Your coursework may vary slightly according to your level, and there is the option to complete a thesis if you are interested.
- FREN A200 Second Year French I
- FREN A201 Second Year French II
- 24 credit hours of French Electives – usually 8 courses, see course descriptions
- FREN A480 Capstone (1 cr)
French Course Information
Find out more about the French major:
- Curriculum Requirements
- Curriculum Requirements By Entering Year
- French Course Descriptions
- Academic Plan (semester break-out)
Teacher Education
Students preparing for teacher certification in French take focus-area courses for teacher education in addition to the language courses in the French major. See the degree plan here, and the list of teacher-education course descriptions here.
Academic Plan with Teacher Certification (semester break-out)