French: French Studies, BALAS

for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences in French, French Studies Concentration


The French Studies concentration is a wonderful way for students to achieve a well-rounded education regarding literature, culture, language. Our courses are diverse but grounded in a tradition that allows students to feel they are studying contemporary topics but also canonic issues. 

for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences in French, French Studies Concentration


A Major Plan of Study Form must be completed and submitted to the LAS Student Affairs Office before the end of the fifth semester (60 - 75 hours). Please see your adviser.

Departmental distinction: A student must have at least a 3.45 LAS cumulative grade point average, complete a senior thesis FR 492 , and complete two additional advanced-level courses in French or in supporting course work. Consult the honors adviser for details.

Graduation Requirements

Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours.

Minimum hours required major and supporting course work: normally equates to 41 hours. Twelve hours of 300- and 400-level courses in the major must be taken on this campus.

University Requirements

The university and residency requirements can be found in the Student Code (§ 3-801) and in the Academic Catalog.

General Education Requirements

Follows the campus General Education (Gen Ed) requirements. Some Gen Ed requirements may be met by courses required and/or electives in the program.

Composition I4-6
Advanced Composition3
Humanities & the Arts (6 hours)6
Natural Sciences & Technology (6 hours)6
Social & Behavioral Sciences (6 hours)6
Cultural Studies: Non-Western Cultures (1 course)3
Cultural Studies: US Minority Cultures (1 course)3
Cultural Studies: Western/Comparative Cultures (1 course) 3
Quantitative Reasoning (2 courses, at least one course must be Quantitative Reasoning I)6-10
Language Requirement (Completion of the fourth semester or equivalent of a language other than English, or completion of the third semester in two different languages other than English is required)0-20
Orientation and Professional Development
LAS 101Design Your First Year Experience1
OR
LAS 100
LAS 101
Success in LAS for International Students
and Design Your First Year Experience
3
OR
LAS 102Transfer Advantage1
Total Hours1 or 3

Major Requirements

FR 207Writing and Grammar Workshop3
FR 211Introduction to Literary Studies3
FR 212Introduction to Cultural Analysis: French Identities3
Language Courses
FR 205French in Conversation2
FR 313Worldwide Spoken French3
FR 314Advanced Grammar and Writing3
Culture Courses6
Choose two of the following:
French Cultural History to 1789
French Cultural History 1789-1968
Contemporary France
Literature Courses6
Students must take two French and/or Francophone Literature Courses at the 300-/400- level, one of which is focused in the Medieval/Early Modern Period, chosen in consultation with an academic advisor.
Electives9
Three French courses at the 300- or 400-level in any of the following areas: language and translation, business, cinema, culture, linguistics, literature, media, chosen in consultation with an academic advisor.
Total Hours38

for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences in French, French Studies Concentration


Sample Sequence

This sample sequence is intended to be used only as a guide for degree completion. All students should work individually with their academic advisors to decide the actual course selection and sequence that works best for them based on their academic preparation and goals. Enrichment programming such as study abroad, minors, internships, and so on may impact the structure of this four-year plan. Course availability is not guaranteed during the semester indicated in the sample sequence.

Students must fulfill their Language Other Than English requirement by successfully completing a fourth level of a language other than English. See the corresponding section on the Degree and General Education Requirements page.

First Year
First SemesterHours
LAS 1011
Composition I or General Education course4
Language Other Than English (3rd level)4
General Education course3
General Education course3
 15
Total Hours 15
First Year
Second SemesterHours
Composition I or General Education course3
Language Other than English (4th level)4
General Education course3
Free Elective course3
Free Elective course3
 16
Total Hours 16
Second Year
First SemesterHours
FR 2052
FR 2073
General Education course3
Free Elective course3
Free Elective course3
 14
Total Hours 14
Second Year
Second SemesterHours
FR 2113
Literature Course 300- or 400-level3
General Education course3
Free Elective course3
Free Elective course3
 15
Total Hours 15
Third Year
First SemesterHours
FR 2123
Literature Course 300- or 400-level3
FR 335, 336, or 3373
General Education course3
General Education course3
 15
Total Hours 15
Third Year
Second SemesterHours
FR 3133
FR 3143
FR 335, 336, or 3373
FR 300-400 level elective course3
General Education course3
 15
Total Hours 15
Fourth Year
First SemesterHours
FR 300-400 level elective course3
General Education course3
Free Elective course3
Free Elective course3
Free Elective course3
 15
Total Hours 15
Fourth Year
Second SemesterHours
FR 300-400 level elective course3
General Education course3
General Education course3
Free Elective course3
Free Elective course3
 15
Total Hours 15

Total Hours: 120

for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences in French, French Studies Concentration


  1. Language proficiency and accuracy: reach proficiency and accuracy in written and oral comprehension and production of French (based on proficiency guidelines outlined by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages [ACTFL] and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages [CEFRL]).
  2. Research skills and literacy in text, media, and technology in Italian: access, manage, evaluate, and effectively use culturally relevant sources according to the standards of professional conduct; understand how these resources relate to language and culture; use appropriate tools when interpreting sources, interacting with others, and producing written, oral, or visual content; develop sensitivity to the changes in cultures and languages produced by emerging technologies.
  3. Intercultural awareness, knowledge, and competence: develop an awareness of differences between those of the entire French-speaking world and their own cultures. Identify implicit assumptions present in French linguistic practices of all communities, and relate them to their own cultural conventions. Learn how to identify the cultural component of everyday practices, like geography, food, body language, and recognize difference as culturally specific.
  4. Proficiency in French Literature and Culture: acquire familiarity with literature and culture of the French speaking world, their history and their contexts, as well as the critical tools used in their analysis.
  5. Competence in French linguistics: acquire competence in the structure, sounds, and history of the French language and the people who speak it.

for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences in French, French Studies Concentration


Department of French & Italian

French & Italian faculty
French & Italian advising

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Overview of College Admissions & Requirements: Liberal Arts & Sciences