French (BA)

College of Arts and Sciences

Program Website

Program Description

The French major prepares students to engage with the literatures and cultures of the French-speaking world. Along the way, students will develop proficiency in oral, aural, and written French, while becoming astute critical readers and thinkers in both French and English.

Administration of the French Major

Students are admitted to the major by the Director of Undergraduate Studies, who will then assign an advisor suited to each student's particular interests.

Honors

The honors program encourages well-qualified students majoring in French literature and culture to do independent work in French beyond the required course work for the major. The preparation of the senior honors essay, generally spread over two semesters, provides a unique learning opportunity, since it allows for wide reading and extensive rewriting to a degree not possible in the case of course papers.

To be eligible for honors, students must have a general grade point average of at least 3.00 and a grade point average of at least 3.5 in the French major; they should also have given evidence of being able to conduct independent research.

No special seminars or courses are required of honors students, but they will have regular meetings with the faculty advisors who have agreed to supervise their work. They may receive course credit by enrolling in FREN 4290 Honors Work in French FREN 4300 Honors Work in French , but these independent study courses must be taken in addition to the courses that meet the minimum requirements for the major. At the end of the senior year, each honors student is examined orally on the honors essay by a jury consisting of his or her faculty advisor and one other faculty member. The senior essay is to be made available for reading by the jury on or before April 15. The awarding of honors is determined by the student's grades in the major and the quality of the honors essay.

Study Abroad in France

French majors or other interested students may study in France for one or two semesters during their junior year. Opting for one of several study abroad plans recognized by the Department of Romance Studies facilitates the transfer of credit. Information about these plans is available from the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Applicants are expected to have completed FREN 2095 French Intermediate Composition and Conversation II before departure. Taking a 3000-level course in the Department of Romance Studies is, however, highly recommended. Students interested in studying in France are encouraged to consider the special benefits offered by EDUCO, the program in Paris cosponsored by Cornell, Emory, Tulane, and Duke Universities. EDUCO offers advanced students a challenging course of study and the experience of total immersion in French life and culture in Paris. Participants in this program may spend the year or the semester as fully matriculated students at the Universities of Paris VII or IV and other institutions of higher learning in Paris, including the possibility of study at the Institut d’Études des Sciences Politiques (Sciences Po), selecting courses in many fields from the regular university course offerings. Students begin the academic year with an intensive three-week orientation in French history, society, and daily life. While it is possible to enroll in the EDUCO Program for one semester, admission will be offered first to students planning to study abroad for the full academic year. Up to three courses taken abroad may count toward the French major.

EDUCO maintains a center in Paris with full support staff. The resident director, chosen annually from the Cornell, Emory, Tulane, and Duke faculties, teaches a special seminar each semester, provides academic advice, and helps ensure the quality of the courses. The center, which includes a small library and word-processing facilities, is regularly used by students for special tutorials, seminars, and lectures, as well as informal gatherings.