French & Italian

The department teaches you to become comfortable communicating in French and Italian and exposes you, on every skill level, to the literature and culture of those who speak these languages around the world.

In French, at the elementary and intermediate levels, you begin by mastering fundamental skills of reading, speaking, and writing. More proficient language students undertake more advanced study of the French language, French history and culture, and contemporary issues facing French-speaking nations. We encourage all students to study abroad, where they typically see dramatic progress in their language skills. The College sponsors programs in the French cities of Aix-en-Provence and Avignon, and you can also take advantage of study abroad programs offered in collaboration with other colleges.

Gettysburg's program in Italian offers language courses on the beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels, as well as courses on such topics as modern Italy, Italian culture, and Italian cinema. Many students with an interest in Italian take part in our semester-abroad program in Florence, Italy.

Why Learning a Language is Important 

Department Majors and Minors
Major in French
Minor in French
Minor in Italian Studies