Program Overview

Designed to develop cross-cultural awareness and to foster international understanding, the French and Francophone Studies (FFS) Program adds an exciting dimension to the traditional liberal arts curriculum. The French and Francophone Studies major differs from the French major in two respects: its interdisciplinary nature and its greater flexibility in accommodating students’ areas of interest. The FFS major answers the needs of students with a strong interest in cultural issues in general and in French and Francophone history and society in particular. By allowing students to take coursework in English, the FFS major allows them to benefit from the many courses in various departments that focus on France and the Francophone world.

The FFS Program is an interdisciplinary, integrated program that understands the term “French” in its broadest sense. It thus reflects the diversity of the field of French studies, which explores varied cultures of Francophone expression: Canada, the Caribbean, North and West Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Reaching beyond disciplinary and national boundaries, the program encourages students to choose from a large selection of courses in the humanities, the arts, and the social sciences. In this way, it provides both a meaningful course of study and an outstanding preparation for graduate or professional schools and for careers in international business and finance, law, journalism, diplomatic service, nonprofit and other international organizations, health, teaching, or the arts.

Major

The major in French and Francophone Studies requires a minimum of 30-33 credit hours in the following areas:

1. Foundations in Language (8 hours)
  • Students entering at the 200-level of French language: FRCH 201, FRCH 202.
  • Students entering at the 300-level of language study complete 21 credits in courses from the Electives section below:
2. Foundations in Culture: Introduction to French and Francophone cultures (9 hours)
3. Electives: Related Courses in French and Other Disciplines (15-21 hours)

Students select from courses that focus on French and Francophone cultures in FRCH and other disciplines (art history, political science, history, etc.). These are chosen from the approved list (see below) and in conjunction with a program advisor. No more than 9 of these credits may be chosen from FRCH courses.

Minor

The minor requires 17 credit hours. Students entering at the 200-level of language competence take:

  • Required courses: FRCH 201, FRCH 202, and 3 FRCH courses.
  • At least 6 credit hours should be taken in disciplines other than FRCH. Students entering at the 300-level of language competence take five courses at the 200- and 300-levels in FRCH and from the approved list. At least 3 credit hours should be in courses from FRCH taught in the French language, and at least 6 credit hours should be taken in disciplines other than FRCH.