French Studies Major & Minor

Overview

Students who major or minor in French Studies engage deeply with global Francophone perspectives as they develop analytical abilities and communication skills in French. Our majors and minors value the interdisciplinarity of the curriculum, which includes courses in language, literature, culture and civilization, film, linguistics, and business. French Studies majors and minors thrive in our engaging classes, whose size offers the possibility for deep exchange around a variety of subjects relevant to today’s changing world.

The French Studies Department has something particularly special. It feels like we all have a common goal, and we have to be both vulnerable and diligent to achieve it. That is unlike any other subject matter I’ve studied at this school, and it has brought me so much joy. I’m very proud to call myself a French Studies major.

Rebecca Fouché, French Studies major (’20)

French Studies Major Requirements

The major in French Studies requires a minimum of 27 credit hours of French courses numbered above 214, including:

I. FRH 216: Studies in French and Francophone Literature and Culture. (Offered every semester and every summer in Tours.)

II. One of the following:

  • FRH 315: Introduction to French and Francophone Studies. (Offered every fall.)
  • FRH 350: Studies in French Language and Culture. [6 credits] (Offered every fall in Dijon, France.)

III. FRH 319: Composition and Review of Grammar. (Offered every spring.)

IV. One of the following: (One of these three courses is offered once per year, in alternating semesters with FRH 370.)

  • FRH 363: Trends in French and Francophone Poetry
  • FRH 364: French and Francophone Prose Fiction
  • FRH 365: French and Francophone Drama

V. FRH 370: Seminar in French and Francophone Studies (Offered once per year, in alternating semesters with the genre course.)

VI. 4 additional courses / 12 additional credits for a total of at least 27 credits

What I appreciate the most about being a French Studies major is the inclusive and encouraging classroom environment. I have always felt supported by my professors and peers to learn, engage in discussions and share my thoughts.

Caitlin Cregan, French Studies major (’21)

French Studies Minor Requirements

The minor in French Studies requires a minimum of 18 credit hours of French courses numbered above 214, including:

I. FRH 216: Studies in French and Francophone Literature and Culture. (Offered every semester and every summer in Tours.)

II. One of the following:

  • FRH 315: Introduction to French and Francophone Studies. (Offered every fall.)
  • FRH 350: Studies in French Language and Culture. [6 credits] (Offered every fall in Dijon, France.)

III. FRH 319: Composition and Review of Grammar. (Offered every spring.)

IV. 3 additional courses / 9 additional credits for a total of at least 18 credits

The French Studies minor has pushed me to grow as a language student more than I could have ever imagined. Not only have I gained skills in the language and an appreciation for the cultures, but I’ve gained a greater confidence in myself as a French speaker, writer, and student.

Grace Bolin, French Studies minor (’22)
A student reading Kiffe kiffe demain outdoors

Sample Electives

  • FRH 320: French Conversation
  • FRH 321: Introduction to Translation
  • FRH 322: French Phonetics
  • FRH 329: French for Business Communication
  • FRH 330: French for Management
  • FRH 343: Modern French
  • FRH 345: Language and Society
  • FRH 360: Cinema and Society
  • FRH 361: Special Topics in French and Francophone Film Studies