French and Francophone Studies, Minor

Program Code: FR_UMNR

Program Description

The French and Francophone Studies minor is designed to give students the opportunity to improve their knowledge of French language and culture (literature, civilization, film). Courses taken for the minor may also be counted for Basic Degree and major requirements.

What is French and Francophone Studies?

A minor in French and Francophone Studies promotes proficiency in the French language as well as an appreciation and understanding of French and Francophone literature and culture. Minors can expect to cultivate their knowledge of the various cultural objects that are vital to an understanding of French and Francophone culture. Having a French minor will increase your intercultural competence and give you an international perspective, one that will be both personally enriching as well as valued by future employers. French minors have the linguistic proficiency to be able to participate in study abroad and other language-immersive experiences.

You Might Like This Program If...

  • You want to develop your interpretive, interpersonal and presentational skills in French.
  • You are planning a career in which French proficiency would give you a professional boost.
  • You seek to cultivate a professional profile that will give you an edge on the job market.
  • You would like to explore the various people, places and things that make up the French-speaking world.

Program Requirements

Requirement Credits
Requirements for the Minor 18

Requirements for the Minor

A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the minor, as specified by Senate Policy 59-10. In addition, at least six credits of the minor must be unique from the prescribed courses required by a student's major(s).

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
FR 201Oral Communication and Reading Comprehension3
FR 202Grammar and Composition3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 6 credits from a and b, or b and c, or a and c:6
a)
French Linguistics
b)
French and Francophone Culture I
French and Francophone Culture II
c)
French and Francophone Literature I
French and Francophone Literature II
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 6 credits of 400-level French courses6

Academic Advising

The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.

Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.

READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY

University Park

Liberal Arts Academic Advising
814-865-2545
Use the Liberal Arts Meet the Academic Advisers web page to see the contact information for the specific adviser(s) of this program

Career Paths

French minors are able to complement their existing major by demonstrating proficiency in the French language. Additionally, French minors have an enhanced professional profile and are able to present themselves as true global citizens, ones who realize the importance of having an international perspective. Students who minor in French go on the job market with the linguistic and intercultural competence to tackle any career in which such skills are required.

Careers

French minors have gone on to pursue a vast array of different careers in the fields of business, public relations, law, education, industry, communications, scientific research, art, medicine, architecture, journalism and fashion. Students minoring in French can expect to be recruited for their communication skills, international perspective, and knowledge of the various cultural contexts where French is spoken.

Opportunities for Graduate Studies

In our classes, which are small and interactive, French minors are given the critical thinking and communication skills necessary to pursue any number of advanced degrees. Students who minor in French are prepared for the academic and linguistic challenges that graduate school can present, and have a leg up on students who are monolingual.

Contact

University Park

DEPARTMENT OF FRENCH AND FRANCOPHONE STUDIES
442 Burrowes Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-1492
hjm10@psu.edu

https://french.la.psu.edu