French

 

As one of the international languages of cooking, fashion, theater, the visual arts, dance, architecture, and the sciences, French is a major player in global communication and an important asset in the global job market.

At Lafayette College, the French program offers a broad range of affiliations with other Departments and Programs, such as Africana Studies, International Affairs, Government and Law, Medieval, Renaissance, and Early Modern studies, Film and Media Studies, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies. Students are active participants in the trans-curricular initiatives like the LIME and Francophone CyberPAL programs. Visit the French gallery of student work and events  as well as the Instagram site to learn more about activities in this section.

The Major in French

The French major consists of eight courses beyond Elementary French (101–102), though students may take fewer if they qualify for advanced placement. All majors must complete the language sequence through Advanced French—either 101–102 or 103, followed by 111–112 and 211—or demonstrate equivalent proficiency to begin at a more advanced level.

After completing the language sequence, students are required to take at least two 300-level courses and three 400-level courses, including at least one during their senior year. Students planning to pursue graduate studies in French are strongly encouraged to complete the full 421–424 course sequence and undertake honors work in their senior year. All majors are urged to take one or more courses in Comparative Literature.

In some cases, approved courses other than those listed above (including those taken at other institutions) may be used to satisfy the requirements for the major.

The Minor in French

Comprised of five courses (or fewer, if students obtain advanced placement) beyond Elementary French (101-102), students are required to complete the language sequence up to and including Advanced French (101-102 or 103, 111-112, and 211) or demonstrate equivalent proficiency that would allow for advanced placement. Following completion of the language sequence, minors are required to take at least two 300-level courses.

In some cases, approved courses other than those listed above (including those taken at other institutions) may be used to satisfy the requirements for the minor.

Course Requirements in French

Language Courses (FREN 100s & 200s): Students with two or more years of high-school French should submit their AP, IB, or SAT II score to the registrar or take the placement test administered by the department. First-year students should take the online placement test prior to registration. Continuing students should make an appointment with the Foreign Languages & Literatures Department Head to take the exam prior to registration.

Francophone-Hexagonal  Literature, Culture, Media, and Civilization Courses (FREN 300s and 400’s): The general prerequisite for courses in this group is French 211 or equivalent proficiency. Students who perform exceptionally well in French 112 may be admitted with approval of the instructor.

French Seminars (FREN 400s): The general prerequisite is one course at the 300 level. Students who perform exceptionally well in French 211 may be admitted with permission of the instructor.

Courses in French

Please see the Lafayette Course Catalog for official descriptions of the French courses and other subjects offered by the Department of Languages and Literary Studies.

Please see the Course and Exam Schedule for a current list of courses and times, including special-topics courses not listed in the permanent Course Catalog.