- Willamette
- College of Liberal Arts
- French
- Program Information
Program Information
The Department of French offers courses in language and literature. By following a carefully designed program, French students learn to communicate; to think and write critically; and to appreciate the literary, social, and cultural traditions of the Francophone world. The department is committed to the concept of foreign study and strongly encourages students to participate in overseas programs in France, Africa, Quebec, or the French Caribbean islands.
Requirements for the French Major (8 Credits)
No more than 3 credits toward French major may be earned through off-campus or foreign study programs.
French majors are required to complete 8 credits of course work beyond the intermediate-level language courses, including the core courses, 2 credits in Literature, and 2 additional credits in electives above 300 level.
Core courses
- FREN 331 French Composition and Discussion (1)
- FREN 340 (IT) Intro to French Literature (1)
- FREN 492 (W) Research and Discussion of Selected Topics in Literature (1)
Two credits in French literature, from the following (2)
- FREN 430 Introduction to French Thought (1)
- FREN 437 Female Voices in African Literature and Film (1)
- FREN 438 French Literature and Cinema (1)
- FREN 439 Topics in French Literature (1)
Two additional credits in French
- Numbered electives at the 300 or 400 or above level (2)
Requirements for the French Minor (5 Credits)
No more than 3 credits may be earned through off-campus or foreign study programs.
Core courses
One course from the following (1)
Two additional credits in French
- Numbered electives at the 300 or 400 or above level (2)
The department strongly urges its students to improve their language competency and broaden their education through off-campus study in approved programs. Of special interest to students of French is the Willamette semester abroad in France, CIDEF in Angers and CUPA in Paris. The CIDEF (Centre International D’Etudes Françaises) is an intensive language and culture program which places students into the appropriate level courses based on their current language ability. The CUPA program (Center for University Programs Abroad) is recommended to highly motivated juniors and seniors interested in individualized programs of study at the leading Parisian universities and institutes.
Credits earned in Willamette University's off-campus study programs, or in other pre-approved foreign study programs, may be substituted for required courses in the French Department. Students should consult in advance with the Department Chair to assure such substitution.
The French Department also offers an assistant language exchange program in cooperation with the French Ministry of Education
Language students enjoy the use of a state-of-the-art Language Learning Center featuring multimedia stations, foreign language word processors, foreign television programs transmitted by satellite, and up-to-date communication technology.