French and Francophone Studies

Michelle Beauclair, PhD, Contact
Languages, Cultures, and Linguistics Faculty

Programs offered

• French and Francophone Studies (major)
• Francophone Studies (minor)

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.

French and Francophone Studies (BA)

VIEW DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

• French and Francophone Studies (BA)

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 & Francophone Studies are required to complete an Oral Proficiency Interview conducted by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages prior to graduation.

Francophone Studies minor

VIEW DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

• Francophone Studies Minor

• A minimum 35 credits are required for this minor, including 15 upper-division credits.
• This minor includes courses such as Advanced French, European Civilization, French and Francophone Literature and Foundations of Language Study, Les Arts Français, History of Africa, and La France et le Monde.

Apply to the major or minor

• To apply for a major or minor in French and Francophone Studies you must have a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA in all college work applicable to the BA degree and a minimum 2.5 GPA in 10 credits of coursework in the Languages, Cultures, and Linguistics Department.
• You may apply for a major or minor using the Major or Minor Application form.
• You must complete all major or minor requirements in effect when you are accepted to the degree program.