French is one of the most widely studied and widely spoken second languages in the world, and it is a primary language of communication in parts of Western Europe, North and West Africa, the Caribbean, and Quebec, as well as in numerous international and European organizations.
This major is built around academic coursework necessary to graduate students of competence in the globalized 21st century. When you major or minor in this program in SPU’s Department of Languages, Cultures, and Linguistics, you will gain a deeper knowledge of the history, geography, socio-political, and religious traditions of Francophone communities and the linguistic and analytical framework to appreciate and engage with them.
Find out more about this program’s mission, vision, and learning outcomes.
This program includes not only study of the French language, but also of the broader Francophone world: the nations, regions, and people outside of mainland France who use French as their primary language or as a language for business, government, or education.
- A minimum 54 credits are required for this major, including 29 upper-division credits, with 18 credits taught in French.
- Elementary and intermediate French language courses include the study of both French and Francophone cultures, literatures, and film.
- Upper-division courses include French and Francophone Literature, Ecriture engagée, La France et le monde, Les Arts Français, or Francophone Capstone.
- Tutorial programs, Internships, and Independent Studies options are available.
- You may pursue a major in this program as part of a double major with majors such as Global Development Studies, Theology, Nursing, Business, History, Linguistics and Cultural Studies, Political Science, and Communication.
- The Study Abroad requirement may be fulfilled through the SPU Global Education: Study Abroad programs, including the Paris Study Abroad program (French Immersion program only), European Quarter, or an approved alternative program.
- A senior paper is required and is to be presented in conjunction with the Capstone Seminar.
- Majors in French and Francophone Studies are required to complete an Oral Proficiency Interview conducted by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages prior to graduation.
entering and completing the major or minor
In order to earn a degree, you must complete an academic major. SPU encourages students to explore various academic paths, and students are not required to enter a major immediately upon admission to the University. However, you should enter a major by the end of your sophomore year to help ensure your timely completion of a degree. Students who transfer as juniors and seniors should identify and enter their major within their first two quarters at SPU.
- If this is your first quarter at SPU and you wish to enter a major or minor in this department, you may select a program by using the online Major or Minor Application form. You will receive an email notification of acceptance.
- If you are an SPU student with an SPU cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better, use the online Major or Minor Application form to select your major or minor. You will receive an email notification of acceptance. Students on academic probation (with an SPU cumulative GPA below 2.0) will not be permitted to enter a new major or minor until they regain good academic standing.
- The University requires a grade of C- or better in all classes that apply to a major or minor; however, programs may require higher minimum grades in specific courses. You may repeat an SPU course only once for a higher grade.
- To advance in this program, meet with your faculty advisor regularly to discuss your grades, course progression, and other indicators of satisfactory academic progress. If your grades or other factors indicate that you may not be able to successfully complete the major or minor, your faculty advisor can work with you to explore options, which may include choosing a different major or minor.
- You must complete the major or minor requirements in effect in the SPU Undergraduate Catalog for the year of admittance to the major or minor.