Undergraduate Programs
A major or minor in French and Francophone Literature and Culture prepares students to succeed in our pluri-lingual and globalized world. Culture and commerce alike require culturally-sensitive, adaptable individuals with strong critical thinking skills who are equipped to communicate effectively with a range of interlocutors. Our faculty teach students how to read and analyze texts with rigor and insight, write carefully and with well-supported arguments, and refine their written and oral expression.
| Undergraduate Adviser | |
|---|---|
| French | Prof. Larry Norman |
Interdisciplinary Study
Because the French program routinely cross-lists courses with other departments, students interested in a cultural studies model may apply towards their major or minor courses in departments such as Art History, Theater and Performance Studies, Music, or Cinema and Media Studies. Our students are often double majors who bring to the classroom a multiplicity of perspectives that enrich our interdisciplinary approach to the study of language, literature, and culture. In addition, students with competence in Spanish, Italian, Catalan, or Portuguese may wish to pursue a degree in more than one Romance language. Students who complete a BA thesis may be nominated for the Neff Prize.
Requirements
Major in French and Francophone Language and Literature
The major program in French and Francophone Language and Literature focuses on developing advanced proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing French, as well as broad knowledge of the field of French and Francophone literary studies.
It consists of ten courses beyond FREN 20300 Language, History, and Culture III.
- One course must be either FREN 20500 Ecrire en français or FREN 20503 Modes De Raisonnement Francais (taught in Paris).
- The nine remaining courses should be upper-level courses in or related to French or Francophone literature or culture.
- At least one introductory course
- At least three courses including pre-nineteenth-century material
Major in French and Francophone Society and Culture
The major program in French and Francophone Society and Culture is ideal for students interested in understanding the historical, social, and cultural complexity of France and the Francophone world, or in the visual arts, cinema, music, or theater.
It consists of ten courses beyond FREN 20300 Language, History, and Culture III.
- One course must be either FREN 20500 Ecrire en français or FREN 20503 Modes De Raisonnement Francais (taught in Paris).
- The nine remaining courses should be focus on advanced language, literature, culture, society or arts.
- At least one introductury course
- At least three courses including pre-nineteenth-century material
- Up to three courses may be taken outside the department with approval of the French undergraduate adviser
Students who elect a major program must meet with the French undergraduate adviser before the end of Spring Quarter of their third year to declare their intention to complete the major and to complete the required paperwork. Students choose their track and appropriate courses in consultation with the French undergraduate adviser. Students must submit to the departmental office an approval form for the major program signed by the French undergraduate adviser by the end of Spring Quarter of their third year. Students must then submit a copy of the signed approval form to their College adviser.
Minor in French and Francophone Studies
The minor program in French and Francophone Studies requires a total of six courses beyond the second-year language sequence (20100-20300).
- One course must be FREN 20500 Ecrire en français or FREN 20503 Modes De Raisonnement Francais.
- The remaining courses must consist of five courses in advanced language (20601 and above), literature, society, and culture
- At least one introductory-level course in French
- At least one course including pre-nineteenth-century material including at least one introductory-level course in French
- With approval from the French undergraduate adviser, one course may be taken outside the department.
Students who elect the minor program must meet with the French undergraduate adviser before the end of Spring Quarter of their third year to declare their intention to complete the minor. Students choose courses in consultation with the French adviser. Students must submit to the departmental office an approval form for the minor program signed by the French adviser. Students must then submit a copy of the signed approval form to their College adviser.
Study Abroad
The University of Chicago offers many Study Abroad programs at the Paris Center, both during the academic year and in the summer. The courses taken as part of the Civilization sequence in French may be applied to the major or minor. In addition, students wishing to travel to other Francophone countries or regions may apply for summer funding for language study through the France Chicago Center or by applying for a FLAG grant.