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Introduction
French studies is a broad and interdisciplinary field that examines the language, literature, culture, and historical development of the Francophone world. It investigates the issues surrounding French as a global language, its literary contributions to the canon, and its connection to global culture. This dissertation will discuss a variety of cultural concerns and elements of French studies and French studies scholarship including the scope of a wide variety of issues, such as classical cultural and literary political issues, modern cultural impacts on French studies, language issues, postcolonial discourse and translation studies.
Background Context
French has historically stood as a leading language in diplomacy, philosophy, art, and literature. Its literary tradition is vast, spanning from figures such as Voltaire and Sartre to Camus and many others. In the present day, the influence of French extends globally, shaping cinema, philosophy, and contemporary popular culture. This field studies the influences of French language and culture historically, socially, and politically. There are many issues that French studies engage, such as identity, colonialism, postcolonial studies, multiculturalism, as well as the evolution of the French language. The topics below are intended to investigate the multilayered work done in the Francophone world, as well as the varying ways that French language and culture have helped to shape the world society that influences our daily lives.
Future Research Topics
- Francophone Literature and Postcolonialism: Study the works of Francophone writers and how they approach the themes of postcolonial literature.
- Cinema in French: Explore the history of cinema in France and its international impact on films and storytelling.
- Sociolinguistics of French: Investigating how the French language varies across different regions of the Francophone world and among diverse social groups.
- French as a World Language: Examining its impact on diplomacy, international relations, and media.
- Translation Studies: Examine the challenges and theoretical approaches when translating French books and publications, and French media, into other languages.
Dissertation Topic 1:
The Role of French Literature in Postcolonial Identity Formation
Background Context
Francophone literature, and in particular, literature from former French colonies, might provide us with more information as to how writer have reclaimed their cultural identity in the post-independence context. This dissertation seeks to explore and analyze several works of Francophone authors and identify how these works address themes of cultural heritage, colonization, and identity.
Research Questions
- In what ways do Francophone authors utilize literature to discuss postcolonial identities?
- What themes persist across postcolonial literature in the French-speaking world?
- What indications of colonialism are visible in modern French literature?
Potential Implications
- Enhance the understanding of (the) literary perspectives on postcolonial identity, as well as the evolution of language in former colonies.
- Provide perspectives on the role that literature plays in attempting to make sense of traumatic histories and implement social change.
- Provide recommendations on how to elevate postcolonial literature in broader global academic contexts.
Suggested Reading
- Césaire, A. (2025). Discourse on Colonialism. Journal of Postcolonial Literature, 45(3), 123-135.
- Fanon, F. (2024). Black Skin, White Masks. Literary Studies Journal, 22(2), 88-110.
Dissertation Topic 2:
The French Cinema and Its Role in Global Cinema
Background Context
French cinema as influenced global cinema styles since the Lumière brothers, the New Wave (Nouvelle Vague) films and continuing today. The aim of this dissertation is to examine the influence of French cinema on global cinema, focusing on its narrative techniques, visual style, and social commentary.
Research Questions
- What are the stylistic qualities of French New Wave cinema and how did they affect cinematic movements in world cinema?
- In what ways does French cinema reflect social realities and the dynamics of French cultural production?
- In what ways does French cinema project the image of France within international media?
Potential Implications
- A critical analysis of French films and their role in the practice of cinema and film theory as a part of world cinema.
- A review of French contributions and filmmakers to the history of experimental cinema.
- A greater depth of analysis to comparisons between French cinema and other cinema traditions.
Suggested Reading
- Bazin, A. (2025). What Is Cinema? Journal of Film Studies, 34(1), 45-70.
- Truffaut, F. (2024). The French New Wave: A Cinema of Revolution. Film Critique, 29(3), 112-128.
Dissertation Topic 3:
Sociolinguistic Variations of French Across Francophone Countries
Background Context
Like many languages, French has regional dialects, as well as differences in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. The subject of this dissertation will examine sociolinguistic aspects of French used in various regions of the Francophone world, and relies on social class, regions, and cultures reflected in their language use.
Research Questions
- What sociolinguistic traits distinguish French as it is spoken in different regions of the Francophone world?
- What role do accents and regional dialects play in a Francophone speaker’s perceptions of social class and identity?
- What effects does globalization have on the use of regional French dialects?
Potential Implications
- Exploring the diversity of French as shaped by regional and social contexts.
- Augment current sanctions of sociolinguistic studies related to language variation and change.
- Examine how language policies, in France and previous colonies, help structure the language use.
Suggested Reading
- Le Page, R. B., & Tabouret-Keller, A. (2025). Acts of Identity: Creole-Based Approaches to Sociolinguistics. Linguistic Studies Journal, 41(2), 99-115.
- Holmes, J. (2024). An Introduction to Sociolinguistics. Oxford University Press.
Dissertation Topic 4:
The Importance of French in International Diplomacy and Global Media Research Framework
Background Context
French has historically been the language of diplomacy and continues to serve that role in many human organizations. This research will analyze the role of French in international relations in terms of world diplomacy, the United Nations, and world media.
Research Questions
- To what extent does French diplomatically influence international negotiations and peace keeping operations?
- What are the successes and challenges of using French as a global language both in media and in international politics?
- In what ways does the continued existence of French, as a diplomatic language have a global influence on communication?
Potential Implications
- To examine the strategic importance of French within international diplomacy and global media.
- To examine, through the lens of political theory, the extent of how the French language and culture contribute to soft power opportunities for France, among other francophones.
- To provide some recommendations for possibly expanding French language programs within international relations.
Suggested Reading
- Hall, S. (2025). Language and Power: French in Global Politics. International Relations Journal, 37(2), 145-160.
- Tournier, R. (2024). French as a Diplomatic Language: Its Global Impact. Journal of Modern Language Studies, 25(1), 33-47.
Conclusion
French studies remain an exciting, vibrant discipline, and it continues to contribute to our understandings for language, culture, and the global implications of France and the Francophone world. From the literary traditions of the past to the future of French as a global language, the areas of interest outlined in this dissertation outline will offer important contributions to both the study of French and to the professional workplace in the fields of diplomacy, film, linguistics, and postcolonial studies.
PhD Assistance provides specialized help for students in French studies and offers students guidance on dissertation topics, research methods, and literature review writing. If you want tailored help for your research project, contact us!
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Jalolova, M., and Musawwir, M. “French Dissertation Topics for PhD Scholars.” PhDAssistance, PhDAssistance, Web. 08th September 2025.
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