The French program seeks to cultivate students' understanding and awareness of the cultures of the francophone world through the study of language, literature, and other forms of expression (film, political discourse, art, music, etc.). In the best American liberal arts tradition, we combine the study of a specific discipline (francophone language, literature, and culture) with the development of broader skills of critical analysis and verbal expression. By engaging with another language and culture, students gain a better understanding of themselves and the world in which they live and acquire practical skills that they can apply in a variety of professional contexts. Indeed, many of our students choose to combine the French major with a major or minor in politics, international relations, or business.
Study Abroad Programs
Roughly 4 out of 5 of our majors choose to study abroad. We strongly believe that spending at least a semester studying abroad in a reputable academic program in France or another francophone country is the best way to acquire a practical knowledge of the French language and francophone world. CUA currently offers study abroad programs in Paris, Grenoble, and Aix-en-Provence.
Any CUA undergraduate student may apply for our study abroad programs. Priority will be given first to majors in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures; second to minors in the department; and third, to others. Native-speaking majors in the department may also apply, but preference will be given to non-native speakers. The study abroad programs are especially designed for juniors. To qualify, the applicant must comply with the following:
1. Have a current minimum GPA of 3.0 in courses taken in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, with an overall minimum GPA of 2.5.
2. Have completed the 203-204 language sequence or have the equivalent language proficiency.
3. CUA students must have the approval of the Undergraduate French Advisor and the Dean of the Study Abroad Program in the School of Arts and Sciences. Applicants from other universities should contact the director of the specific program in which they are interested and the Dean of the Study Abroad Programs directly.
Internships
Majors are encouraged to take advantage of the numerous internship opportunities in the DC area. Past student internships have French corporations and the European Union office.
Requirements
Major
Required courses: French 203, 204, 300, 301, 401, 452, and six other upper-division French courses: 306, 309, 315, 317, 321, 322, 323, 329, 330, 341, 503, 531, 535, 553 (or literature courses on the 500 level or above).
Students are also required to take four other courses from the elective options list (above), in a second foreign language, or in a related discipline in consultation with the French Advisor.
N.B. Students with less preparation may begin the program with 103-104, requiring one or two additional semesters of French to reach adequate proficiency to enter the degree program.
Minor
French 203, 204 plus any combination of four courses in language, literature, and civilization from the following: 300, 301, 306, 309, 315, 317, 321, 322, 323, 329, 330, 341, 503, 531, 535, 553 (or literature courses on the 500 level or above). Students should consult the French Advisor concerning combinations of courses that best suit their needs and interests.
N.B. Native speakers of French (francophones) may not enroll in French 203-204 (Advanced Grammar and Composition), 301 (Writing, Reading, and Talking About Literature in French), 329 (French Conversation), or 330 (Practical Phonetics). Upper-level literature courses are open to qualified native speakers with permission of the instructor.
Last Revised 28-Oct-09 09:04 AM.
