The Modern Languages Division offers a major and a minor in French in which students acquire proficiency in speaking, understanding, reading and writing, as well as cultural competency. In addition to advanced linguistic skills our French major and minor provide students from a variety of backgrounds with an opportunity to develop tolerance, critical thinking skills and an appreciation of foreign cultures.

French majors at Alfred acquire basic knowledge by taking core requirement courses in three areas: French language, French and Francophone cultures, and literatures. Beyond this core, students are offered a series of elective courses allowing them to expand their knowledge in all three areas, or to specialize in one.

French students have the opportunity to live for a year in the Language House with a native speaker of French and to participate in the extracurricular activities of the French Club and the Table Ronde. They are also highly encouraged to participate in the spring trip to Quebec, to take the faculty-led Global Perspectives course to Paris, and to study abroad for at least a semester in a French-speaking country.

French students often combine their studies with a variety of second majors, such as Global Studies, English, Political Science and Biology. In today's global market, career opportunities are extensive and wide-ranging for college graduates who are proficient in a second language.

A grade of C or higher must be earned in all courses that count toward completion of the major program. NOTE: It is expected that French majors will pursue some independent study. They are also encouraged, although not required, to spend at least a semester in a French language Study Abroad program.

Major Requirements

Core Course: all of the following Credits
(Prerequisites: FREN 101, 102, 201, 202 or equivalent)
FREN 310 Reading French Texts 4
FREN 302 Advanced French Grammar and Composition I 4
FREN 311 French Literature I: Middle Ages through 18th century 4
FREN 312 French Literature II: 19th and 20th centuries 4
FREN 301 Advanced French Conversation 4
FREN 316 Contemporary French Culture 4

Elective Courses: choose 12 credits from among the following (maximum 4 credits at the 100 or 200 level):
LING 120 Introduction to Linguistics 4
FREN 200 Special Topics in French 2-4
FREN 210 Global Perspectives: Paris 2
FREN 303 Advanced French Grammar and Composition II 4
FREN 360 Literary Theory Seminar 4
FREN 410 French Film Criticism 4
FREN 420 The Art of French Translation 4
FREN 401 French Speaking Africa 4
FREN 450 Independent Study 4
FREN 400 Topics in French 4

Total credit hours 36