Faculty: B. Lewis, Reeck

The French major is a program in the Languages, Literature, and Culture Area of Study.

French Major Learning Outcomes

Students who have successfully completed the coursework for our French Major can:

1. interpret complex fictional and informational texts as a whole and in their broader context, with attention to linguistic and cultural nuances;
2. in conversation with native French-language speakers, communicate about a wide range of topics and viewpoints, showing knowledge of and concern for cultural and societal differences;
3. compose extended written analyses on topics of cultural and societal interest, integrating the ideas of others with their own to produce nuanced and original arguments;
4. identify a range of significant personalities and cultural productions from French-speaking cultures, situate them in cultural context, and offer interpretations and opinions pertaining to them.

Students who have successfully completed a Senior Project in French can:

1. compose a substantial discussion in written French about a complex topic of their choosing pertaining to a French-speaking culture, incorporating the fruits of research in both French and English with their own ideas into a clear and cohesive argument;
2. discuss, spontaneously and at length, the topic of their written project.

The French Major

The French Major, consisting of 42 credits, leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree. At graduation, French majors must have a GPA of at least 2.0 in the major. The calculation is based on the French courses taken at Allegheny on a letter-grade basis. Only the most recent grade is considered for courses that have been repeated. Only French 600 may be taken on a Credit/No Credit basis. Courses taken in an approved program abroad may be counted for the major. 

French majors who spend one semester abroad may complete up to 16 credits toward the major abroad, including not more than 8 credits toward the 300-level elective requirement. For those majors who spend a year abroad, please consult with the French Section Head. Students planning to study in France are encouraged (but not required) to take FRNCH 301  before departure. Students planning to study in Morocco or Senegal are encouraged (but not required) to take FRNCH 302  before departure. 

Depending on initial placement, students may also need to take FRNCH 110  (or FRNCH 105  and FRNCH 106 ), FRNCH 120 , FRNCH 215  and/or FRNCH 225  to complete the major.

Students double-majoring in French and International Studies or otherwise focusing on contemporary society or politics should prioritize FRNCH 301 , FRNCH 302 , FRNCH 370  and/or FRNCH 380  in selecting their 300-level courses.

Students intending to pursue graduate study in French should consult with the French faculty for assistance in selecting an appropriate variety of 300-level courses.