French Major and Minor

Suffolk students have many academic choices in French at Suffolk. They can pursue a traditional French major in the study of language, literature and civilization. They can also choose to major in French Studies, which provides a much broader English-speaking base and more interdisciplinary choices. In conjunction with the Education and Human Services Department, we offer Initial Licensure certification. Our two study abroad programs provide authentic language experience. The program at our campus in Dakar, Senegal offers intensive study of French. Our partnership with the CAVILAM Institute in Vichy, France provides us with two academic options: 8 weeks or 4 weeks of intensive French. Both give students credit for courses taken abroad. We organize a weekly Table française and a host of cultural events, such as the viewing and discussion of various films throughout the semester. Students who come from all regions of the French-speaking world work as modern language assistants to tutor students and to broaden their perspective of the French-speaking world.

French Major requirements

Prerequisite:

• FR 201
• FR 202

Note:  The prerequisite may be waived if students choose to study for 2 months in CAVILAM, our intensive summer language partner program in Vichy, France. Students who receive a score of “sems4+” on the online placement test in French have fulfilled the 201-202 prerequisite. To qualify for admittance to the French major, a student must complete the prerequisite with an average of B or higher.

8 Advanced Courses, including the following:

• FR 301 or FR 302**
• FR 205
• FR 305
• FR 309-310

** These courses may be substituted for the CAVILAM “Atelier de Civilisation/Culture” in our intensive summer language partner program.

Notes:

• A maximum of 4 courses taken at other institutions, courses taken in our intensive summer language partner program with CAVILAM, or courses taken in a study abroad program in a French-speaking country can count toward the major.
• French majors may obtain credit toward their major when they take FR 216, FR 320, or FR 410 if they do supplemental work in French.
• Any Seminar for Freshmen with a topic related to the French-speaking countries (e.g., culture, politics, society) counts toward the major program.
• AP credit: Incoming students who receive a score of 4 or 5 on the AP French Examination have fulfilled the prerequisite for the major.
• Departmental Honors: Candidates must register for FR 502 in the fall semester of the senior year and complete a senior thesis under the supervision of a faculty member. FR 502 counts toward completion of the major.

French Minor requirements

Prerequisite:

• FR 101
• FR 102

Note:  The prerequisite may be waived if students choose to study for 2 months in CAVILAM, our intensive summer language partner program in Vichy, France. Students who receive a score of “sems2+” on the online placement test in French have fulfilled the 101-102 prerequisite.

4 Advanced Courses, including the following:

• FR 309-310
• FR 320 or FR 410 **
  

** These courses can count toward the minor with supplemental work in French.

Notes:

• A maximum of 2 courses taken at other institutions or as part of our intensive summer language partner program with CAVILAM can count toward the French minor.