- Willamette
- College of Liberal Arts
- French
- Program Information
Program Information
French 
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 Dijon, Nantes, Paris, and Florence.
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 333 History of French Civilization (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 433 19th Century French Literature (1)
- FREN 434 20th Century French Literature (1)
- FREN 436 Francophone Literature (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)
- FREN 440 Quebecois Literature and Cinema (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, through IES and CUPA.
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.
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.
Through the Institute for the International Education of Students, French students have the option of spending either one semester or one year in Paris, Nantes or Dijon. The Dijon program is open only to students who have a strong background in economics. Through the CUPA program (Center for University Programs Abroad) French students spend either a semester or a year in Paris. This program is recommended to highly motivated juniors and seniors interested in individualized programs of study at the leading universities and institutes of Paris. The French area also offers an assistant exchange program in cooperation with the French Ministry of Education.
Willamette University is the only testing center in the State of Oregon for the DELF/DALF diplomas, accredited by the French Ministry of Education.