French Major

French Department
- » Faculty
- » Placement
- » Courses
- » Major
- » Activities
- » Abroad Program
- » Alumni
- » Links
- » World Language Center
- French
- Thomson Hall 329
- 1520 St. Olaf Avenue
- Northfield, MN 55057
- 507-786-3247 or 3230
- 507-786-3732
- bothun@stolaf.edu
- Wendy Allen
  Professor of French
  Department Chair
  (away Interim and Sem. II)
  wallen.stolaf.edu
  
  Ariel Strichartz
  Assist. Prof. of Spanish
  Interim Chair of
  Romance Languages
  strichar@stolaf.edu

OVERVIEW OF THE FRENCH MAJOR

In courses for the major, students gain understanding of Francophone literatures, civilizations, and contemporary cultures as they develop analytical and communication skills in the language.

200-level courses are divided into two sequences. In 250-level courses, students practice and refine their emerging language skills through textual analysis, writing, and discussion. In 270-level courses, students explore the diverse cultures and literatures of the Francophone world.

300-level courses build upon the interpretive skills and knowledge of the Francophone world acquired by students in 270-level courses. 300-level courses examine a particular topic or genre as well as critical or theoretical issues associated with it through the analysis of representative works.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJORS

All French majors are urged to study in France or in another Francophone country. This is particularly important for French teaching majors.

Students who participate in an approved semester-long St. Olaf study abroad program normally receive credit for one French course toward the major and one credit for the required French/Francophone history course. Students who participate in an approved year-long St. Olaf study abroad program normally receive credit for two French courses toward the major and one credit for the required French/Francophone history course.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A GRADUATION MAJOR:

The graduation major consists of eight courses in French above French 232 plus a co-curricular requirement in French/Francophone history. Students must take: two 250-level courses; two 270-level courses, at least one of which must be taken on campus; two 300-level courses taken on campus; two French courses of the student’s choosing; and either History 226 or History 227 or an approved French/Francophone history course taken abroad. Independent study or research may not be counted in lieu of any of the courses referred to above.

Requirements for a French Major with K-12 Teaching Licensure:

Students must take: eight courses in French above 232; one approved applied linguistics course (may be taken abroad); History 226 or 227 or an approved French/Francophone history course taken abroad; and Education 353 and all other requirements for the K-12 teaching licensure program in French (see EDUCATION). The eight courses in French above 232 must include one immersion course (French 233, 250, 275, or other approved immersion course), two 250-level courses, two 270-level courses, and two 300-level courses. Students not taking an approved course in applied linguistics abroad must take English 274. Students who participate in an approved year-long St. Olaf study abroad program normally receive credit for two courses in French, plus one approved course in applied linguistics, and one in French/Francophone history toward the major. Independent study or research may not be counted in lieu of any of the courses referred to above. (Consult World Language Licensure Adviser.)

Licensure Requirements for a K-8 Specialty in French Teaching:

Students must take French 250, 251, 252 and 253; English 274; and Education 353 and all other requirements for the K-12 teaching licensure program in French. Licensure for K-8 French teaching can be awarded only by an endorsement onto a full K-6, K-12, 5-12 or 9-12 license in another content area.