French and Italian

Major

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The French major consists of 30 hours of coursework at the level of 301 or above, including at least 12 hours at the 300 level (beyond 301) and nine hours at the 400 level. AP credit (French 300) can be counted toward the major. French 301 or the equivalent is the prerequisite for taking courses at the 300 level and two 300-level courses are the prerequisite for taking courses at the 400 level. It is strongly encouraged that majors take 371, 372 or 373 before advancing to corresponding 400-level literature courses.

Minor

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The minor consists of at least 17 hours of coursework, including two 300-level courses (beyond 301), and one course at the 400 level. Courses at the 100 and 200 level are not counted toward the minor, but 300 (AP credit) and 301 may be counted.

Special Restrictions for the Major and Minor

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Students may count a French course offered in English toward the major or minor, providing they complete the reading and all written work for the course in French. Students may count toward the French major or minor only courses in which they receive a grade of P (or CR) or of C– or higher.

Transfer of Credit

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The department will accept up to 15 hours of approved transfer credit toward the major of 30 hours. Nine hours of the major credit must be taken in residence at the advanced level, i.e., French 309 or above, including at least one 400 level course. For the minor, up to eight hours of approved transfer credit may be applied to the minor, but at least six credits must be taken in residence at the advanced level.

Honors

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The Honors Program in French provides qualified majors with the opportunity to complete a special project during their senior year. An Honors Project entails independent study in French, in consultation with a faculty sponsor, completed over two semesters (six credit hours). Qualified students are invited to apply to the program during the second semester of their junior year. Admission is determined on the basis of faculty recommendation and overall and major GPA. Further information on the Honors Program may be obtained from the departmental office. See also the statement on Honors in the “General Information” section of this catalog.

Related Disciplines

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Students who major in French often complete a major in a related field. The department welcomes and encourages this exchange between disciplines. French majors have also majored in fields as diverse as Art History, Biology, Comparative Literature, Economics, English, Environmental Studies, History, Music (both within the College and Conservatory), Neuroscience, Philosophy, Politics, Spanish, and Religion. As students plan their major or minor in French, they should keep in mind the manner in which other disciplines can enrich their major coursework. A knowledge of Latin is highly desirable for all majors and minors, as well as various related courses in Art History, Classics, Comparative Literature, Creative Writing, English, History, Philosophy and Politics. The International Studies Concentration provides an appropriate grounding in the social sciences for majors interested in international affairs.

La Maison Francophone

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An important element in the department’s program is La Maison Francophone. The Faculty-in-Residence is assisted by two French exchange students. There are rooming accommodations for forty men and women. Regular programming includes French language dining, films, lectures and discussions on Francophone culture, French-language television, and various other cultural and social activities.

Study Abroad

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The department expects all majors to study abroad at the appropriate time in their college career. The Office of the Dean of Studies has an approved list of programs and the faculty members of the department advise students in choosing a program that best suits student needs.

Winter Term

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The department sponsors a number of group and individual projects each year. There is always a group project based at La Maison Francophone. In the past, projects have been designed to review the language at the beginning and/or intermediate level—both individually and in groups, to do selected readings in French literature, to survey French art in relationship to literature, to study French cuisine and so on. From time to time, the department sponsors an intensive beginning language project in French which enables students successfully completing the project to enter French 102 second semester. For information on possible Winter Term projects, consult the department chair. (See also “Winter Term” in General Information section.)