In the eighth century, the emperor Charlemagne, "the father of Europe," declared that, "to speak another language is to possess a second soul." There's something wonderful about studying another language, being able to think and express yourself in a new way. Using that skill to communicate with people whose culture and life experiences are very different from your own can be very exciting.
More than 250 million people in more than 50 countries speak French. It is an official language in 29 countries and maintains its status as a major language of culture, diplomacy, and economics. The Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, established in 1970 and usually referred to as "La Francophonie," includes 57 member states on four continents. French is a passport to much of the world!
You may want to study French language and culture to get in touch with your family's history or to learn about the rich cultural legacies of France in Europe and across the globe. Perhaps you're looking forward to traveling through some of the countries and regions of Europe, Africa, North America, or Asia, where French is spoken and you want to build your language skills. Or, maybe you're interested in a diplomatic or global business career that involves multinational companies. Whatever the basis of your interest, a major in French in the University of Oregon's Department of Romance Languages will help you to expand your knowledge and horizons.
The Department of Romance Languages is a diverse multicultural and multilingual unit with a first-rate faculty from around the world. As a major or minor, you will gain an extensive knowledge of languages and cultures and will have invaluable opportunities for intellectual growth. You'll also be able to engage in a wide variety of extracurricular activities, including lectures and film festivals, language conversation groups, study abroad programs, and internships.