The Department of French Language was established concurrently with the founding of the College of Languages, then known as the Higher Institute of Languages, in 1958. Following the Institute’s transformation into a college, the Department continued its academic activities and was subsequently incorporated into the College of Arts in the late 1960s as part of the European Languages Division.
In 1987, the College of Languages was re-established, and the Department of French Language became one of its principal academic units. Throughout its history, the Department has been served by a distinguished body of French and Iraqi scholars whose academic expertise contributed significantly to the advancement of French language studies in Iraq. Under their supervision, the first generation of Iraqi specialists and academics in the field of French language and literature was educated and trained.
Evening studies were introduced during the 1994-1995 academic year, providing educational opportunities to a large number of students, hundreds of whom successfully completed their degrees through this programme.
In the spring of 1992, the Department witnessed the successful defence of the first Master’s thesis in French Literature to be awarded by an Iraqi university. Subsequently, it launched, for the first time, a Master’s programme in French Literature for the 1993-1994 academic year. Furthermore, a Higher Diploma programme in Translation was established during the 1995-1996 academic year. After an interruption exceeding fourteen years, postgraduate studies were reinstated in the 2018-2019 academic year.
In collaboration with the Consultancy Office for Languages and Translation, the Department offers continuing education courses in the French language, provides translation services for official documents, and contributes to the evaluation and assessment of scholarly research submitted by other universities and academic institutions.
Leadership in French language education and excellence in scientific research.
The Department of French Language at the College of Languages, University of Baghdad, is a specialized academic institution dedicated to the teaching of the French language and its literature. The department is distinguished by qualified faculty and modern curricula that align with contemporary academic developments. It seeks to prepare qualified academic cadres with distinguished linguistic and research skills capable of contributing to the labor market through translation, intercultural communication, and the promotion of cultural and scientific understanding among peoples. This is achieved through the development of educational programs, encouragement of scientific research, and adoption of modern teaching methodologies and advanced educational technologies.
Update academic curricula to reflect the latest trends in language education, with emphasis on practical and communicative skills.
Strengthen cooperation with French universities and promote student and faculty exchange programs to enrich academic experiences.
Utilize modern educational technologies to provide a flexible and effective learning experience that meets international quality standards.
Encourage faculty members and students to conduct research that contributes to the advancement of knowledge in French culture and related fields.
