Why study French?
Speakers of French span five continents. French is spoken by over 220 million people. By 2050, it is estimated that there will be over 750 million French speakers, 80% of whom will live in Africa, becoming the world’s most spoken language. French is the international language of cooking, fashion, theater, the visual arts, dance and architecture. Thousands of US companies do business with the Francophone world. In an increasingly mobile and interconnected planet, the study of language, literature and culture has never been more crucial for our students’ success. It provides students with a competitive edge in an increasingly internationalized workplace; for example, four out of five new jobs in the US are created as a result of foreign trade. Above all, learning a second language enables a greater understanding of other cultures while enhancing your own.
Minor in French
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| |
| Intermediate French I and II | |
| Intermediate French II |
| Intermediate French II, Honors |
| FREN 301 | French Written and Oral Communication 1 | 3 |
| FREN 326 | Introduction to French Literature | 3 |
| |
Minor Hours & Minor GPA
While completing all required courses, minors must also meet each of the following hour and grade-point average minimum standards:
Minor Hours
Satisfied by 18 hours of minor courses.
Minor Junior/Senior Hours
Satisfied by a minimum of 12 hours from junior/senior courses (300+) in the minor.
Minor Graduation GPA
Satisfied by a minimum of a 2.0 GPA in all departmental courses in the minor. GPA calculations include all departmental courses in the field of study including Fs and repeated courses. See the Semester/Cumulative GPA Calculator.
Summer Language Institute in Paris
The department conducts a 4-week summer institute in Paris focusing on French language and culture. Students take courses in intermediate and advanced French language at L’Etoile, a private language institute in the center of Paris. Before the stay in Paris, students spend four days touring Normandy. Some scholarship aid is available. Consult the department or the Office of Study Abroad for information.
Summer Program in Florence, Italy
The department conducts a 4- or 8-week summer program for elementary, intermediate, or advanced students of Italian. Students take courses in language and culture at an institute where all instructors are native speakers. Students live with Italian families and usually have weekends free to travel. Consult the department or the Office of Study Abroad for information.
Semester and Year Programs in France
A semester program is available in cooperation with CIDEF, the language institute of the Université Catholique de l’Ouest in Angers. Consult the department or the Office of Study Abroad for information.
Year-long programs at French institutions are available through the International Student Exchange Program. Consult the Office of Study Abroad.
Semester Program in Rome, Italy
The department conducts a semester program in Rome for elementary, intermediate, or advanced students. Students take courses in Italian language and culture in a private language institute. All instructors are native speakers, and students live in shared apartments with other students at the institute. Consult the Office of Study Abroad for information.
Semester Program in Florence, Italy
The department conducts a semester program in Florence for elementary, intermediate, or advanced students. Students take courses in Italian language and culture in a private language institute. All instructors are native speakers, and students live with Italian families. Consult the Office of Study Abroad for information.
