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Requirements and Courses

Photo by Yujian Han, 2025
The program allows students to choose one of three areas of specialization:
French and francophone literature; civilization, culture, and history; and translation. For students beginning the study of French, an intensive program (one semester of study followed by four weeks in France) is offered every spring.

Requirements

  • Moderation and Graduation
    Prior to Moderation, students must take at least 20 credits of courses that are accredited by the French Studies Program, or must have reached the equivalent level of fluency. Over four years, students must take 13 program-accredited courses (52 credits), including the 8-credit Senior Project. At least six of the 13 courses must be conducted entirely in French.

    After Moderation, a student is required to take one French Studies course per semester (at least two of which should be at the 300 level, in French). By the time of graduation, a student should also have completed two courses in French history. Students are strongly encouraged to spend a semester abroad during their junior year. Students moderating in French Studies will also complete a Senior Project.
  • The Second Focus
    Students who wish to pursue a second focus in French Studies must complete at least six courses in the program, four of which should be taught in French. No more than two of these courses can be cross-listed in French Studies but taught in English. At least one of the courses taught in French should be an advanced “content” course, not a language course—examples include courses entirely devoted to French literature, history, or culture.

    It is recommended that students take Advanced Conversation and Composition before taking the French “content” course.

Courses

Core courses in French Studies include 106 Basic Intensive French; 201 Intermediate French I; 202 Intermediate French II; 203 Intermediate French III, 215 French Translation, 220 French through Film, 240 Survey of French Literature I and II, and 270 Advanced Composition and Conversation.