According to the International Organisation of La Francophonie (IOF), there are about 300 million French speakers around the world.
- French is the fifth most common language globally and, together with English, it is the only language spoken on all five continents.
- French is the fourth most common language used on the web.
- Of citizens represented among IOF member countries, 60 percent of French speakers are under 30 years old. About 49 million people around the world are learning French as a foreign language.
Why choose a French studies minor at Marian?
Earning a minor in French studies at Marian University will enable you to explore the language, literature, and culture of France and the Francophone world.
- Our program emphasizes practical and humanistic goals, preparing you not only for an increasingly globalized workplace but introducing you to the rich cultural and literary tapestry of the French-speaking world.
- In addition, you can participate in faculty-led short-term (Maymester) study-abroad courses as well as semester-based and summer study abroad experiences. Studying and/or interning internationally is a great way to get first-hand experience in French and gain cross-cultural skills. Both will make you more marketable.
- We also have an exchange program with Sciences Po University in Rennes.
Indianapolis has a number of connections to French business and cultural organizations.
- In 2014, French billionaire Vincent Bollore launched BlueIndy, an electric car-sharing service that is one of the largest of its kind in the U.S. In fact, Marian University is one of several BlueIndy hubs across the City of Indianapolis.
- The Indianapolis Motor Speedway attracts a number of French auto fans as well as professional IndyCar racers, like Simon Pagenaud and Sebastien Bourdais.
- Alliance Francaise d'Indianapolis offers language instruction as well as internship opportunities for students.
Take one French course and get credit for up to three
- Complete Marian University's Language Placement Test before you attend your New Student Orientation session.
- If you test into FRE 102 or higher, register and complete one of our French courses with a "C" or better.
- You will earn credit for that course in addition for back credits for two or three courses.
Don't lose what you learned in high school! If you want to earn a minor in French at Marian University, take the required courses during your freshman and sophomore years, if possible.
What will you study?
To earn a minor in French at Marian, you will complete 18 credits above the 100-level determined in consultation with your academic advisor.
You'll complete courses such as:
- FRE 220: Readings in Contemporary French Culture
- FRE 230: Oral Communication in French
- FRE 310: Written Communication in French
- FRE 315: France: The story of a nation
- FRE 316: France and the French today
- FRE 320: Cinema: Experiment, Technique, and Art
What career paths are available?
Being fluent in French will give you more career options after graduation. It pairs very well with bachelor's degrees in fields like the arts and sciences, business, and education.
Arts and Sciences
Depending on your plan of study and your career goals, earning a minor in French can be useful for:
- Foreign service officers who work in international affairs, government relations, immigration, diplomatic, economic, and policy-making operations.
- Journalists and foreign correspondents who report on foreign affairs, trade, and diplomatic relations.
- Humanitarian aid workers and healthcare professionals, especially those who serve in African countries.
- Professional athletes, including auto racers and cyclists.
Business
As it relates to business, French is the second most common language for business spoken in the European Union.
- French-speaking countries account for about 20 percent of the world's trade.
- Globally, French ranks third as the most frequently spoken language for international business.
- In 2011, Bloomberg Businessweek ranked French the third-most useful language for business (after English and Mandarin Chinese).
If you are a business major, you may want to choose Marian's French for the professions minor rather than the French studies minor. Talk with your academic advisor about the differences between the two programs and which is the best fit for you based on your career interests and goals.
Teaching Licensure
If your goal is to teach French in high school or educational settings, learn more about our Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Secondary Education.