Studying French means learning the language not only of France, but also of Canada and twenty-seven other countries. French is the second language of three Arab nations, and one of the official languages of the United Nations and the European Union. More than 125 million people worldwide communicate in French. Studying French also means broadening your knowledge in other areas of study: history, anthropology, political science, literature, geography, linguistics, philosophy, and theology.

Studying French at Calvin College means more than simply acquiring linguistic competence; it involves improving one's memory and self-discipline, enhancing verbal and problem-solving skills, developing multicultural sensitivity, and, overall, learning what it means to live as a Christian in the Kingdom of God.

The Department of French offers courses of study for students interested in continuing their work on the graduate level, for those interested in careers in which foreign language plays a key role, and for those interested in teaching French at the secondary or elementary school levels. Programs in the department include major and minor concentrations in French, major and minor concentrations in secondary and elementary education, and K-12. To be eligible for a major concentration in general French studies, a student must have completed at least two courses in French with a minimum grade of C (2.0), and must have completed 101, 102, 121, 122, or the equivalent. To be admitted to the Teacher Education Program, a student must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 in the courses required for the major and/or minor.

Mission: In acknowledging the privileged role in the created world which language and culture play in achieving God's purposes and in recognizing the responsibilities of Christians to serve God and others in every aspect of life, the Department of French is committed to teaching language, literature, and culture; to providing appropriate service related to such teaching; and to engaging in scholarly exploration of the French language and francophone literatures and cultures.