FREN - French and Francophone Studies Major
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Program Description
Major effective prior to 2011
Modifications Made to Curriculum: Fall 2020, Fall 2023
The learning objectives of the program are:
to reach an advanced oral and written linguistic competency in French (as defined by ACTFL standards);
to enhance cultural and intercultural literacy;
to be able to articulate a well-supported argument, to compile a bibliography, and to analyze primary and secondary sources drawn from literary texts, newspapers, audiovisual materials (including film, radio, advertising, television, and the Internet), as well as academic materials relevant to topics researched;
to be critical, and to be aware, at a level adequate to undergraduate studies and conforming to the principles of a Liberal Arts Education, of ongoing debates, questions, and issues related to the French and Francophone world.
Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations
A student receiving a score of 4 or 5 on the French examination is exempt from course and is considered to have fulfilled the College’s general education language requirement. AP credits in French do not apply to the language-in-context general education requirement.
Requisites
Requirements for the Major (32-36 credits)
I. Prerequisites (Do not count towards Major) (8 credits)
By placement exam, or complete all of the following courses:
course - Fundamentals of Oral and Written French I
course - Fundamentals of Oral and Written French II OR course - Fundamentals of Oral French I in Paris
II. Intermediate French (4 credits)
Complete 4 credits selected from the following:
course - Intermediate French, or placement in upper-level French courses by examination, or through receiving a score of 4 or 5 on the AP exam. Students who place out of course may complete the major with 32 credits.
course - Intermediate French in Paris
course - Intermediate Intensive Conversation in France
III. Advanced French Language and Culture (12 credits)
Complete all of the following:
course - Contemporary French Society and Cross-Cultural Perspectives
course - Contemporary Francophone Cinema
course - Francophone Literature and Culture
IV. Electives (20 credits)
Complete at least twenty credits from the list below. A maximum of 4 credits in English (course; course; course) is permitted. Students may substitute a relevant course on French history or culture from another department with permission of the department chair; this course will count toward the four credits permitted in English. In the category of “Literature, Culture and Current Issues”, students study Francophone cultures through literature, history, film and current issues. The “Intensive Language Practice” category focuses on sharpening and enhancing students’ language proficiency through the practice of creative writing and translation or through on-site language practice in ShortTrecs embedded or not in a course.
A. Literature, Culture and Current Issues
course - Is Another World Possible? Francophone Perspectives (in English)
course - Gender, Sexuality, and the Power of Language in French Texts (in English)
course - Selected Topics in French and Francophone Literature
course - Independent Studies in French and Francophone Studies
course - Paris: The Biography of a Capital
course - The French Asian Connection
course - Voices from Africa and its Diaspora
course - North African Film From Decolonization to Globalization (in French)
course - Worlds of Wonder and Terror: Children’s Literature
course - The French Enlightenment Today
course - French Theatre: Staging the Self and the Other
course - Selected Topics in French and Francophone Studies Literatures (in French)
course - Specialized Honors I
course - Specialized Honors II
B. Intensive Language Practice
course - ShortTREC Program at the Introductory Level
course - ShortTREC Program at the Intermediate Level
course - Independent Studies in French and Francophone Studies
course - My Word! Creative Writing and Translation Practice
course - International Business in French
course - Francophone Culture of/in the Americas
course - Advanced Conversation in Paris: Contemporary Topics
course - Advanced Intensive Conversation in Paris
course - ShortTrec Program at the Upper Level
course - Specialized Honors I
course - Specialized Honors II
Note:
It is strongly recommended that all French majors spend time studying in France or in a French-speaking country. Students considering graduate studies in French language, civilization, and/or literature should take general-education requirements in a cognate field and additional courses in French and Francophone literature and culture. Students interested in careers in international affairs, business, or law should take courses in the relevant disciplines and programs.