French

Overview

The study of French and other Francophone culture, civilization, and literature involves many goals central to liberal arts education with a global perspective: oral and written language skills, analytical thinking, and familiarity with diverse philosophies and perspectives.

The French section of the St. Olaf Department of Romance Languages offers a variety of courses, on campus and abroad, in French language, culture/civilization, and literature for beginning, intermediate, and advanced students, both majors and non-majors.

To expand students' exposure to French beyond the formal classroom setting, the department promotes a French conversation table, and St. Olaf provides an honor house (Maison française) that serves as a focal point for cultural and social activities (lectures, films, musical groups, celebrations) with French themes.

General Education Credit

Comprehensive/Distribution Credit

Prerequisites

Special Programs

The Structure of the French Major

Level II courses are divided into a 250-level sequence (250, 251, 252, 253), and a 270-level sequence (271, 272, 273, 275). In 250-level courses, students practice and refine their emerging language skills while developing the ability to do close textual analysis, both orally and in writing. These courses give students a taste of the "content" areas (language, culture/civilization, literature) encompassed by the French major. In 270-level courses, students explore the diverse cultures and literatures of the Francophone world through the reading and analysis of a wide variety of texts.

Level III courses build upon the interpretive skills students have acquired in 270-level courses and their knowledge of the Franco-phone world. Students examine the notions of a particular topic or genre through the analysis of representative works. The department encourages students to complete their major with an integretive senior seminar. The French section will distribute detailed course descriptions of specific offerings in each category in the spring semester of each year prior to registration.

Requirements for the Majors

Requirements for a Graduation Major:

A maximum of two off-campus French courses above the 234 level may be counted toward the major. Students who participate in an approved year-long St. Olaf study abroad program may count three courses toward the major. Independent study or research may not be counted in lieu of any of the courses referred to above.

Requirements for a Teaching Major:

A maximum of two off-campus French courses above French 232 may be counted toward the teaching major. Students who participate in an approved year-long St. Olaf study abroad program may count three courses toward the major. Independent study or research may not be counted in lieu of any of the courses referred to above.

Requirements for a Teaching Minor:

A maximum of one off-campus French course above French 232 may be counted toward the teaching minor. Independent study or research may not be counted in lieu of any of the courses referred to above.

Courses