The French Department offers courses in the French language as well as in French and Francophone literature and culture. The Department aims to develop the four skills of listening, reading, writing, and speaking within the classroom and through the study abroad program in France and other French-speaking countries.  Students combine their study of French language, literature and culture with other areas of study such as Art History, Economics, Film, International Business, International Studies, Law, Music, and Romance Languages.

Major Requirements

Ten courses above the introductory level, including those listed below plus a Senior Evaluation

· one semester of Advanced French Language and Culture

· one semester of Introduction to the Analysis of French Texts

· five electives in French literature and culture

· with approval from the Chair, one course from another department, provided it deals significantly with French history and/or culture.

Senior Evaluation 

The Senior Evaluation is a thesis written during the two semesters of the senior year.  Students register for Senior Evaluation I (1 credit) during the first semester of the senior year, and, in consultation with their faculty advisor, fully develop the topic for their thesis, collect primary and secondary resources and write a detailed outline.  During the three-credit Senior Evaluation II, completed during the second semester of their senior year, students write the thesis. 

Minor Requirements

Five courses above the introductory level. With advance approval from the Chair, one of these courses can be taken in another department , provided it deals significantly with French culture. 

Note: All course work to be counted toward the major and minor must be taken for a letter grade and must receive a grade of C or better.

Departmental Honors

Departmental Honors are conferred upon graduating seniors who have maintained a French grade point average of 3.5 and have received a minimum grade of A- for the Senior Evaluation I and II.