French
Program Overview
The primary goal of the French program is to provide students with the opportunity to:
- Develop a solid command of the French language
- Learn about the history, literature and culture of France and the French-speaking world
- Become familiar with the role of French in today’s global context
- Prepare for a variety of potential careers in which their French skills will be an asset, including careers in the medical field, business, public relations, journalism, diplomacy, international NGOs, tourism and hospitality,
- Acquire an intellectual background that characterizes those educated in a liberal arts setting
Please note that FREN 212, the pre-requisite for FREN 300, is offered in fall semesters only and FREN 300 in spring semesters only
Major in French
- A minimum of 28 credits at the 300-level or above is required for a French major.
- At least twelve of these credits must be completed at the University of St. Thomas.
The major normally consists of courses in the following areas:
- Eight credits in advanced language study at the 300-level or beyond (grammar, composition or oral-intensive)
- Eight credits in literature
- Eight credits in civilization or culture
- Four additional credits in French to be selected in consultation with the French faculty
Courses in a second foreign language are highly recommended.
The department strongly encourages all students planning a major in French to spend some time (a summer, a January term, a semester or an academic year) in a French-speaking country and to participate in a French course on campus upon their return.
For administrative purposes, students will complete assessment measures at the beginning of their major (in their 300 class) and during their final semester.
Minor in French
- A minimum of sixteen credits at the 300-level or above is required for a French minor.
- At least eight of these credits must be completed at St. Thomas.
A typical minor consists of courses in the following areas:
- Eight credits in French language study at the FREN 300-level or beyond (phonetics, grammar, composition or conversation)
- Four credits in French literature, civilization or culture.
- Four additional elective credits in FREN to be selected in consultation with the French faculty.