The study of French and Francophone language, literature, culture, cinema, linguistics and intercultural competence. In addition to reading, speaking and writing proficiency in the language, the French major offers students knowledge of great works of literature, philosophy, history, film and popular culture from the French speaking world. French is an analytical language which structures thought and develops critical thinking for graduate school and the job market. Spoken by more than 200 Million people on the five continents, French is the second most widely learned foreign language after English. Due to the economic growth of Africa, where the largest percentage of French speakers reside and the importance of Canada (officially bilingual) as a major trading partner to the U.S., French is projected to become one of the most significant global languages.