Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Majors: French and Francophone Studies, mathematics

“With special thanks to two professors, I've had a great experience in the French, Francophone and Italian Studies Department. Associate Professor Kanate Dahouda has been a great mentor, even outside the classroom. He has instilled confidence in me and I admire his humble attitude and view of the world. Associate Professor Court Wells also shows support to all his students. He encourages us to go to any events that a student in our class is a part of, even if it isn't related to the department.”

“The French and Francophone Studies program is dedicated to providing a global perspective on French as a world language. Because 59% of daily speakers of French live on the African continent, we are dedicated to the study of French as a global language. In our courses, students study Northern, Western and Sub-Saharan African, Caribbean, Canadian and Vietnamese culture and language, as well as those of France. Through their studies of language, culture, literature and film in our courses, students learn that French language is a means of access and contact with cultures and experiences coming from five different continents worldwide. In the process, we hope that they will gain cross-cultural understanding of themselves, while fostering their sense of tolerance, diversity and respect for difference.” – Courtney Wells, chair of French, Francophone and Italian Studies.