The Major in French offers students the opportunity to master skills of language acquisition and textual analysis while developing multicultural awareness of the diversity inherent in the Francophone world. Our program prepares students to think critically, and allows them to gain a broad appreciation and deep understanding of French and Francophone literatures and cultures. Our curriculum includes courses in literature from the Middle Ages until the present day, as well as interdisciplinary courses that look at cultural and historical movements. Most French majors take advantage of the study abroad opportunities offered in conjunction with the Office for International Programs, and participate in extracurricular activities such as French Club or language tutoring and coaching.
For more information about our programs in French, please contact us.
Curriculum
Ten courses totaling 30 credits, excluding FREN 101 Elementary French I–FREN 104 Intermediate French II or their equivalent.
Requirements include:
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Hours |
| FREN 250 | French Composition and Conversation I | 3 |
| FREN 251 | French Composition and Conversation II | 3 |
| FREN 270 | Main Currents of French Literature & Culture I | 3 |
| FREN 271 | Main Currents of French Literature & Culture II | 3 |
| FREN 301 | Stylistics | 3 |
| or FREN 302 | French for Professions |
| FREN 317 | Le Grand Siècle | 3 |
| 12 |
| Total Hours | 30 |
A senior Capstone E-Portfolio is required for graduation.
College of Arts and Sciences Graduation Requirements
All Undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences are required to take two Writing Intensive courses (6 credit hours) as well as complete a foreign language requirement at 102-level or higher (3 credit hours) or a language competency test. More information can be found here.
Additional Undergraduate Graduation Requirements
All Undergraduate students are required to complete the University Core, at least one Engaged Learning course, and UNIV 101. SCPS students are not required to take UNIV 101. Nursing students in the Accelerated BSN program are not required to take core or UNIV 101. You can find more information in the University Requirements area.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Major in French, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate proficiency in speaking, understanding, reading, and writing skills
- Develop analytical skills that will allow them to read and write in French as well as write organized essays with developed arguments
- Develop skills of literary analysis that will allow them to understand major topics in French and Francophone literatures and cultures
- Trace developments over time in literary and cultural movements as well as transformations of political and historical institutions
- Analyze and interpret numerous literary texts in order to better comprehend the representations of cultural identity and make cross-cultural, intercultural connections
- Establish connections between literature, film, and history in France and the Francophone world
- Attain better cultural competency
- Foster a lifelong interest and enthusiasm for French-speaking cultural production
