Program of Study French faculty in the Department of English, Foreign Languages, and Journalism serve as students' primary faculty advisors, ensuring that students complete a well-rounded course of studies in the French language. Majors courses are taught so that students graduate with computer literacy in French, an understanding of the ethical structure of the French discipline, and an awareness of French culture and history. Majors are required to complete at least one study abroad experience as a part of their course of studies. Faculty French courses are taught by experienced faculty utilizing a total immersion approach. French faculty are active participants in professional associations, including the American Association of Teachers of French and the Foreign Language Association of Missouri.
Faculty members travel and study abroad every year.
Undergraduates are encouraged to participate in the Summer Study in France program, successfully directed for over 15 years by a MWSC French faculty member. Honors students in foreign languages are encouraged to join the college's chapter of Alpha Mu Gamma, foreign language honor society. Missouri Western is the only college in the state which requires its majors to complete a study abroad component. Students receive up to nine hours of credit for their participation in the Summer Study in France program. Under the direction of MWSC French Professor Susan Hennessy , students spend seven days in Paris and four weeks attending language school and living with French families in Annecy, France, a small city in the foothills of the French Alps.