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College of Arts & Sciences

French & Francophone Studies

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Why pursue a French and francophone studies degree from North Central College?

French culturalists with intermediate French speaking skills are in high demand in international business, marketing, education, government, travel and art/fashion industries worldwide. Specializing in Francophone Studies builds in-depth cultural knowledge that is transferable to many career fields. Individuals that can understand French will find that the knowledge of the French culture is often a priority to a potential employer over other job skills for positions they may be applying for. This program is designed to provide the in-depth exposure to French culture necessary to succeed in a global work environment.

At North Central College you will acquire the skills necessary to live and work in an international community. You will also gain exposure to cultural perspectives that will provide an in depth understanding of the French culture and how to operate within it. Whatever you choose to do with what you learn, studying French and Francophone Studies is sure to provide a wide variety of rewarding employment opportunities.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN

  • Researching information related to foreign markets, law, labor relations, marketing and news to assist international companies with making informed business decisions
  • Providing leadership in hospitality, the arts, media, travel, entertainment, government, and humanitarian service industries for organizations with locations and interests in France and other French-speaking regions
  • Working or studying abroad using both English and French languages to educate others

then a degree in FRENCH AND FRANCOPHONE STUDIES may be for you.

Why study French and francophone studies at North Central College?

In the Classroom

Coursework topics:

  • Francophonia
  • French Composition and Communication
  • French Enrichment
  • French Language
  • French Monuments
  • French Studies Capstone Seminar
  • French Women Writers
  • History of France
  • Internship
  • Just Outside Paris: Art, Literature, and Life in the French Cities
  • Modern Art
  • Sociolinguistics: Language/Social Context

Beyond the Classroom

As a French and Francophone Studies major you can:

  • Use short-term learning opportunities to conduct research through a Richter Grant or May Term travel to French-speaking areas.
  • Expand your linguistic and cultural proficiencies by studying abroad for a term though our exchange program in Angers, France.• Earn an English language learner (ELL) minor to qualify to teach English abroad in a French-speaking country or teach ESL in Illinois schools.
  • Travel to countries like Haiti to volunteer for ministry and service.
  • Participate in the French Club and the annual Modern and Classical Languages Festival.
  • Take advantage of on-campus tutoring options and the Roberta I. Myers Language Resource Center for individualized tutoring or audio and video support.
  • Qualify for induction into Phi Delta Phi, the International French Honor Society, or Phi Sigma Iota for students studying more than one language.

 

French and Francophone Studies, B.A.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see World Languages and Cultures.

A major in French and Francophone Studies (FRST) consists of at least 33 credit hours. This major will automatically satisfy the elementary competency in a foreign language requirement of the B.A. degree as noted in the  B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

French Language

Four credit hours taught in French (FREN) at the 300-level. *

Note:

*FREN courses leading to the 300-level apply to the Additional Electives category below.

French Studies Courses

Seven credit hours from the following:

Additional Electives

Remaining credit hours from the following:

Note:

*With department approval, the following courses may also serve as electives:

  • GSST 390 - Gender and Sexuality in the World
  • GLST courses focusing on French or Francophone areas
  • POLS 300 - Great Decisions in International Politics
  • POLS 321 - Model United Nations

Note:

Students may not complete both the French major and the French and Francophone Studies major.

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

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