The Department of French has two distinct but complementary missions: to provide instruction in the French language at all levels of competence, and to lead students to a broad appreciation and deep understanding of the literatures and cultures of France and other French-speaking countries. The major in French is a liberal arts major, designed for those who wish to study one of the world's richest cultures in depth. The department offers courses devoted to authors, works, and literary and cultural movements that span ten centuries and four continents. The curriculum also includes interdisciplinary courses on relations between literature and other areas of study such as history, law, medicine, religion, politics, translation, and the arts. Majors are encouraged to explore all periods and genres of literature in French, as well as a wide variety of critical approaches. Excellent knowledge of a foreign language and a mature, informed appreciation of a foreign literature open doors to many professions. The French major provides ideal preparation for careers in a wide range of fields from law and diplomacy to journalism, teaching, academia, and the arts. Recent graduates have gone on to selective law schools and graduate programs in French and comparative literature. Others work in business, government, primary and secondary education, and a variety of nongovernmental agencies and international organizations.