Course Majors

Requirements

  • Complete eight advanced courses or seminars numbered 14 or above for a minimum of 8 credits, plus FREN 091. Note that AP and IB credits will not count toward the major. FREN 16 can only count once to fulfill the major's requirement.  French and Francophone Studies also offers courses in French literature in translation, but no more than one such course may count to satisfy the requirements in the major.
  • Foreign study is strongly recommended for all majors. See the Study Abroad section for pre-approved programs and rules on transfer of credit.
  • Take one advanced course with a Francophone component.
  • Take Senior Capstone (FREN 091) in spring semester of senior year. This includes the writing of an original, independent research paper of 15 pages on a topic chosen in discussion with the senior colloquium professor and advisor or one other professor in the program. An oral presentation of the paper with the French and Francophone faculty, classmates and student guests takes place at the end of the spring semester.

To graduate with a major in French and Francophone Studies, you must have a grade average of C or better within the discipline, and have completed our culminating exercise, described above.

Culminating Exercise: Research Paper

The culminating exercise in French and Francophone studies consists of completing FREN 091, Senior Capstone in which you will write an independent research paper of 15 pages and present it in front of a panel of faculty members, classmates, and student guests.

Acceptance Criteria

To be accepted as a course major, you must have taken FREN 14 or the equivalent, earning grades no less than a C.

French and Francophone Studies and Educational Studies

The French and Francophone Studies program and the Department of Educational Studies prepare students for a combined French and Educational Studies major or PreK-12 French certification in Pennsylvania. Students may also pursue certification without majoring or minoring in either department, provided they complete the required courses in both areas.

For details on requirements, see the academic chart below and the PA Teacher Certification section on the Educational Studies Department website, which includes information on certification transfer to other states.

Review specific requirements for French and Francophone Studies and Educational Studies [pdf].
 

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