2008-2009 Course Catalog
Required for the French major
Students complete a French major by taking a minimum of 60 units beyond French 202, including two to three courses at the 300 level, at least two courses at the 400 level, and at least two courses at the 500 level, plus the Senior Seminar. At least three of the 400- or 500-level courses must be taken on the Lawrence campus.
Finally, all French majors will be required to assemble a portfolio of a selection of their work in the French program. The portfolio is designed to keep a record of progress over the course of a French major's career in terms of linguistic proficiency, mastery of specific literary and cultural content, and sophistication of ideas. Portfolios must be submitted by the second week of Term III of the student's senior or super-senior year. The French department will receive and approve only completed portfolios, and the portfolio submissions must be in hard copy as well as on computer disk or in CD format.
The French portfolio must include:
A student may request permission to submit a tape or video recording of an oral presentation in place of one essay.
Required for the French minor
Students complete a French minor by taking a minimum of 36 units beyond French 202, which will include two courses at the 300 level and at least one course at the 400 level and one course at the 500 level.
Students who minor in French are required to attend at least six meetings of the French Table and complete a short project based on work pre-approved by the department. A C or above average in the minor also is required.
Finally, students must declare their intent to minor in French in writing to the department chair in their junior year.
Senior Experience in French and Francophone Studies
French and Francophone Studies requires a Senior Experience that consists of a one-term senior seminar (winter) in which possible research topics are defined and outlined, culminating in a written thesis and an oral, in-class presentation of the student's work. Other types of research projects and interdisciplinary capstones in French may meet the requirement; the possibility of an alternative project must be discussed with the department chair and the student's advisor.
Students pursuing double majors, double degrees, and education certification, are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisors and relevant department chairs to plan and negotiate their overall Senior Experience as early as possible. It is imperative that students interested in pursuing an interdisciplinary capstone that integrates their interests in both majors consult with the department chair by fall of the senior or super-senior year.