As the second most frequently taught foreign language in the world after English, French is clearly a global language. French cultural, economic and diplomatic influence is felt not only in the U.S. where over 1.9 million speak the language at home, but in many parts of the world. French is the foreign language spoken by our largest trading partner (Canada), and is also the language of more than 300 million native and secondary speakers in 44 francophone countries, and the only language other than English spoken in five continents. The study of the French language and literature and French culture and history, is an essential element in the understanding of the meaning of Western civilization, and the appreciation of the francophone world and heritage.
During the Reformation, French Huguenots arrived in Charleston to escape religious persecution in Europe. Many of these forefathers graduated from the College of Charleston, where French has been offered as part of the curriculum since the university's earliest years.
French courses were originally offered as part of the Department of Languages until 1994 when the French Department became its own entity. Currently, the French faculty is comprised of eleven tenured or tenure-track professors and nine adjunct faculty. The department continues its strong tradition of preparing students for a world where languages play a capital role in many professions including teaching, medicine, law, business, and economics. In 2001, the French Department received a Commendation of Excellence from the Commission on Higher Education in recognition of its excellent program, one of the best in the nation.
The Commission on Higher Education stated that "these programs, in terms of their instructional excellence and their utility throughout the curriculum at the College stand as models, not only for programs in South Carolina, but indeed throughout the nation. Certainly the foreign language programs at the College of Charleston convincingly demonstrate how vision, leadership, and teamwork can inspire a whole generation of students to rise to the challenges, enjoyments and responsibilities of the global village."