French and Francophone Studies Minor

FACULTY:
Marion Duval, Chair
Laura Burch
Harry Gamble

The Department of French and Francophone Studies offers a program of courses, opportunities, and mentoring with four broad objectives: (1) to develop high proficiency in the French language; (2) to promote knowledge and appreciation of the histories, literatures, and cultures of French-speaking countries; (3) to develop critical thinking and analytical skills; (4) and to prepare students for success in a diverse world marked increasingly by globalization. The Department of French and Francophone Studies actively embraces interdisciplinarity. Majors and minors regularly go on to complete graduate programs in a broad range of fields. Many graduates pursue careers in areas such as teaching, public service, diplomacy, international development, international healthcare, publishing, translation, interpreting, the travel industry, business, banking, and law.

Minor in French and Francophone Studies

Minors take a minimum of six courses beyond the introductory level. Students chart somewhat different routes through the minor depending on theri interests and initial placement. Common core courses include:

FREN 20100 - Conversations With the Francophone World (fall semester)
FREN 20300 - French Composition (spring semester)
FREN 21600 - Advanced French (fall semester)
FREN 22000 - Between the Lines: French/Francophone Text, Image, and Film
FREN 22403 - Contemporary France: Economy, Society, Institutions (spring semester)
and/or
FREN 22406 - Mediterranean Crossings: North Africa and France in Historical Perspective (spring semester)
One 300-level course (must be taken on campus)

Special Notes

Special Notes: general

La Maison française: Students with a strong interest in French and Francophone Studies are encouraged to apply to live in the Maison française, located in Luce Hall. The Maison française offers a convivial, stimulating atmosphere. Weekly cultural and social events allow students to improve their French and broaden their knowledge of the Francophone world. A language assistant from a Francophone country lives on campus and helps organize daily conversations and weekly events. Applications are normally due in late February.
Advanced Placement: Students who receive a score of 4 or 5 on the CEEB Advanced Placement Examination may count this credit toward a major or minor in French and Francophone Studies. Students who have taken the Advanced Placement Examination are still required, regardless of the score received, to take the French placement exam at the College to determine the next appropriate course.

Special Notes: minors

Please note that minors may place out of FREN 201, FREN 203, and FREN 216, depending on their high school preparation in French. In addition, appropriate courses taken as part of study abroad may replace core courses (contingent upon approval by department).
Minors also take a certain number of electives (the number will vary) at the 200-level or above. At least one 300-level elective must be taken on campus. Please see the course catalogue for a full list of offerings.
Study abroad is strongly recommended, without being a formal requirement for the minor. Students are encouraged to discuss study abroad opportunities early on with departmental faculty members and with the Global Engagement Office. Students completing a semester in France or another French-speaking country may count up to three courses taken abroad toward the minor. When registering for courses abroad, students are strongly encouraged to select courses taught in French (and not in English). Please refer to the list of College-endorsed study abroad programs. In particular situations, students may request permission to participate in a non-endorsed program.

Special Notes: the College’s foreign language requirement

Students who wish to meet the College’s foreign language requirement in French by taking summer school courses or by participating in an off-campus program whose courses are fewer than four semester-hours are required to consult the chairperson of the Department of French and Francophone Studies prior to such study. Students who complete such courses may subsequently be required to take the departmental placement exam to demonstrate proficiency through the FREN 10100 or FREN 10200 level.
If a student registers for and completes a course in French below the level at which the French placement exam placed him or her, that student will not receive credit toward graduation for that course, unless special permission was obtained from the instructor of the course and the Department Chair.