At NYU, the Institute of French Studies is part of a network of intellectual sites focusing on France and the Francophone world – the Institute of French Studies itself, the Department of French Literature, Thought and Culture, La Maison Française and NYU Paris. These form the most comprehensive American academic complex devoted to the study of French and Francophone culture, past and present. Through the wide range of public activities regularly organized, NYU plays a preeminent role in the cultural exchange between the French-speaking world and the United States.
A. The Institute of French Studies
Affiliated with NYU's Department of History, the Institute of French Studies is an interdisciplinary, graduate program in history and the social sciences devoted to the study of modern and contemporary France and francophone countries. The Institute's program focuses on history, culture, society, and politics and emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach that draws on the strengths of the humanities and social sciences faculty at New York University.
In addition to its Ph.D. and MA programs, the Institute awards a Certificate of Achievement in French Studies to students who take qualifying courses in contemporary France.
B. The French Department
At both the graduate and undergraduate levels, the Department of French Literature, Thought and Culture offers an extensive range of courses in French and Francophone language, literature, and civilization.
The Department of French Literature, Thought and Culture at New York University has a large faculty of almost 40 members. Together they represent a broad spectrum of specialization in all areas of French literature, historical culture, critical theory and philosophy, the history of ideas, cultural studies, film and Francophone studies.
C. La Maison Française
La Maison Française of NYU, founded in 1957, is situated just north of Washington Square at the entrance to the historic Washington Mews. For over sixty years, La Maison Française of New York University has served as a major forum for cultural exchange between the French-speaking world and the United States. Directed by Professor François Noudelmann, its rich program of lectures, symposia, concerts, screenings, exhibitions, and festivals provides an invaluable resource to the university community, as well as the general public. One of the most active French centers on an American campus, La Maison Française of NYU is recognized as a Center of Excellence by the French Embassy in the United States.
D. NYU Paris
Founded in 1969, NYU Paris is today one of NYU’s largest global academic center. It serves as a year-round international study-abroad program for undergraduate students and also hosts a graduate Research Institute.
Fellowships funded by the Provost’s Global Research Initiatives at NYU Paris enable IFS doctoral students to immerse themselves in the heart of French intellectual and cultural life. IFS MA students usually study at NYU Paris during our summer session.