French is the first or second language in more than forty countries and is spoken by 125 million people around the world. Becoming proficient in French increases students chance to communicate in a non-English speaking country. In fact, the mastery of this language has become increasingly valuable for employment in international law, finance, trade, banking, and communications as well as for graduate studies in the humanities and social sciences.<br><br>The French department at Drew seeks to provide students with all levels of proficiency in the French language. Conducted entirely in French, our language courses make extensive use of an array of multimedia tools that foster intensive student participation. For non-French speakers interested in French studies, we also offer several courses in English. French course work, extracurricular activities and study abroad not only enhance language competence but also link the study of the language with students other areas of interest. After a language sequence in our Department, students may take courses that provide global perspectives, and that train them for literary and cultural studies or for the understanding of visual and performing arts, based on their other academic focus. <br><br>The French curriculum integrates the study of literature's, cultures, and societies of contemporary France, Francophone Africa, and the Caribbean with innovative pedagogues that make the best use of current technologies and multimedia. Our instructors are either native speakers or have lived and studied in French-speaking countries for extended periods.