The department's French language courses range from the elementary level to advanced courses in conversation, composition, and literature. Other courses in French include: the Literature and Culture of Quebec, a course devoted to this French speaking province of Canada. Courses on Canada Today, French Women Writers, Depictions of Women in French Literature, and French Civilization and Culture, given in English, are available to students of business, history, political science, English, art, and other areas. A student may qualify for a minor in French by completing 18 hours beyond the elementary level.
Degree Programs:
- B. A. in French
- Adolescence Education Certification Program in French
The degree programs in French are designed to offer a balanced approach to the development of language skills and the acquisition of a broad and solid knowledge of the literature, culture, and civilization of France.
The Adolescence Education Certification Program provides courses for foreign language teaching methods and a field assignment to teach in secondary education. Majors are encouraged to travel, if at all possible, to a French speaking country for a semester or two , usually in their junior year. Foreign travel and study at such schools as the University of Paris, or the University of Grenoble, has proven enormously enriching for students who have participated in overseas programs.
The French program offers courses from the elementary level to advanced courses in conversation, composition and literature. Examples of upper level courses offered in French include: Literature and Culture of Quebec, Canada Today, French Women Writers, Depictions of Women in French Literature, etc. The program is designed to offer a balanced approach to the development of language skills and the acquisition of a broad and solid knowledge of the literature, culture and civilization of Francophone countries.
Majors are strongly encouraged to study for a semester or two in a French-spealing country to enchance their linguistic skills and develop their sensitivity and unerstanding of another culture. Courses taken with any SUNY Study Abroad program count as SUNY-Fredonia credit and can count towards the major.
- FREN 315 French Masterpieces I (3 credits)
- FREN 317 French Conversation (3 credits)
- FREN 318 French Composition (3 credits)
- FREN 319 Survey of French Literature I (3 credits)
- FREN 421 Diction (3 credits)
- FREN 423 Senior Seminar (3 credits)
- FREN 424 Stylistics (3 credits)
Plus 15 additional hours of 300 or 400 level French courses
For a total of 36 credit hours
In order to major in French, students should pass FREN 315, 316, 317 and 318 with a minimum of a B- in each class. Students seeking a minor or concentration in French and/or Spanish should also perform at the B level in these courses.
A maximum of six credit hours of LANG courses can be applied towards the major as long as the student does the course work in the target language.
Requirements for a concentration for EARLY CHILDHOOD Certification in French:
- FREN 215 Intermediate French I (3 credits)
- FREN 216 Intermediate French II (3 credits)
- FREN 317 French Conversation (3 credits)
- FREN 318 French Composition (3 credits)
- FREN 319 Survey of French Literature I (3 credits)
- FREN 421 Advanced French Pronunciation/Diction (3 credits)
- Plus one of the following (3 credits):
FREN 315 French Masterpieces I OR FREN 316 French Masterpieces II
- Spanish at the 300 and/or 400 level by advisement 9 credits
Concentration for Middle School Extension Certification:
Students need 36 hours in the language to complete a concentration for Middle School Extension.
Requirements for a concentration for Middle School Extension in French.
- FREN 215 Intermediate French I (3 credits)
- FREN 216 Intermediate French II (3 credits)
- FREN 317 French Conversation (3 credits)
- FREN 318 French Composition (3 credits)
- FREN 319 Survey of French Literature I (3 credits)
- FREN 421 Advanced French Pronunciation/Diction (3 credits)
- Plus one of the following (3 credits):
FREN 315 French Masterpieces I OR FREN 316 French Masterpieces II
- French at the 300 and/or 400 level by advisement (15 credits)
The International Job Market
The student who wishes to work in international trade or business, in the diplomatic service, in government or international agencies, or social services should consider completing a double major or appropriate concentrations or minors in other areas., such as political science, economics, business, history, or social sciences. The demand for people trained in foreign languages and who understand foreign cultures is increasing. According to Money Magazine, many large multinational companies look for individuals with a global perspective, who have lived in a foreign country and speak the language. A major in a foreign language, especially when complemented by participation in a foreign study group or internship, can help prepare you for a number of interesting careers. Recent Fredonia graduates in French have found jobs in the following areas: teaching, travel (Air France, Crystal Tours), and publishing (book store manager), state environmental agency, banking, and law. A number of students at Fredonia choose to obtain a double major in foreign languages and another field such as economics, political science, history, Spanish, business, or psychology. A double major can add to your marketability.
Student Club and Activities
The French Club is open to all interested students and hosts a variety of activities: evenings for the sharing of students experiences abroad and participation in overseas programs.; viewing and discussion of popular French films; and the opportunity to meet with other students interested in speaking French. This Spring, the club organized a field trip to Quebec. For more information, please conect Amanda McVay, French major and president of the club.
National French Honor Society
Pi Delta Phi Epsilon Rho Honor Chapter
- To stimulate and encourage cultural activities that will lead to a deeper appreciation of France and its people.
- To increase the knowledge and admiration of Americans for French contribution to world culture
- To recognize outstanding scholarship in French language and literature.
Membership is open to all students who have completed five French courses with at least a B average. For more information, please contact Dr. Thomas Goetz (thomas.goetz@fredonia.edu)
Foreign Language Scholarship
The Thomas Goetz-Robert Rie Foreign Scholarships for Excelence in Modern Languages are awarded each year to a number of upper level undergraduate foreign language majors who demonstrate outstanding academic ability and are recommended by the foreign language staff to the chairperson of the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures. Financially these are very modest amounts, but very important to students for the recognition they bring to them for their personal achievements in the learning of a foreign language.
For further information contact any of the French faculty members or the department secretary, Ms. Mindy Burnside, (716) 673-3380 who will take your message and pass it on to a member of the French faculty. Also, you may reach us through e-mail: modlang@fredonia.edu