A concentration in French studies prepares students for careers in government, the tourism industry, business and marketing, translation and interpretation and education. France is known for its fashion, food and culture and is a leader in global health and trade. The Detroit metro area has its roots in French culture; Detroit is across the river from Windsor, Canada (where French is an official language) and is currently home to over 300 French company operations.This Department offers courses and programs of instruction in fourteen different languages. In addition to language learning and Global Studies, the Department focuses on the cultures and literatures of ancient Greece and Rome, as well as the modern world, in courses taught both in languages indigenous to these regions as well as in English translation. The study of other languages, literatures, and cultures not only provides important perspectives on the world, but also sharpens analytical and reasoning skills, deepens understanding of English, and enhances the quality of one's writing. Linguistic and broadly-based cultural studies provide excellent grounding for various professional programs, including law, business, medicine or health sciences, teaching at the high school or university level, library and information science, and museum practice. Languages, literatures, and cultures are also excellent foundations for students interested in pursuing careers that do not require post-graduate education, for example, in government, publishing, tourism, and business, any field in which intelligence, communication skills, and a broad liberal education are valued.
