Q. Why choose French?
A. Students with varied interests find French to be an exciting, challenging and rewarding discipline that provides a unique complement to majors in the natural sciences, social sciences, the arts, other foreign languages and even English. Students who spend hour after hour in a biology lab enjoy conversation classes. Students with a strong interest in music develop a keen ear by perfecting their pronunciation of French. History majors often choose to study the culture and civilization of France in the French language.
Q. Why study French in my first year?
A. If you plan to major in French, you will want ample opportunity to complete prerequisite courses, in particular before studying in France or elsewhere in the francophone world. If you merely want to complete the foreign language requirement, the French you learned in high school will come in handy. The more time passes, the more difficulty you might have in drawing on your previous experiences.
Q. Who are the French faculty?
A. The faculty in French is committed to teaching and to scholarship. The members of the section have all earned the Ph.D. at major U.S. research institutions. They have considerable expertise in teaching, and they will help you achieve proficiency in French. The French faculty pursues various research interests, including theatre, film, narrative prose and civilization. At all levels of the curriculum, they regularly introduce new methods, materials, and topics, ensuring the highest quality instruction.
Q. Will study of French help me in my chosen major?
A. Students often elect to double major in French and another subject. Many choose not to complete a major but enroll in advanced courses in French. Knowledge of a foreign language is considered an added advantage on the job market. Knowledge of French helps build a rich vocabulary in English! Learning a foreign language can help one become more articulate in one's native language. These are all reasons to continue study of French. What’s more, students learn the language, literature and heritage of one of the Western world’s richest cultures. Study of French is integral to the liberal arts mission of St. Olaf College. Students will find significant links between French and many other disciplines.
Q. What international study programs require knowledge of French?
A. St. Olaf sponsors a number of international programs to the French-speaking world, including semester, academic-year and January-term programs to France, semester and academic year study opportunities in Senegal, and a January-term in Martinique. The level of proficiency in French required for participation varies from program to program. In general, keep in mind that the more French you study before departure, the greater the benefit you derive from the experience. For further information, consult the French International Programs link and the International Studies webpages.
Q. Is it possible to study more than one language?
A. Absolutely. In fact, many students major simultaneously in two, like French and Spanish, French and German, or French and Russian. Most people report that learning one foreign language helps prepare them to learn another one.
Q. Now that I have taken the placement test, I have decided to study more French on my own this summer. What should I do?
A. All sorts of links are available to
places on the world wide web that can help you. Try these links
to find books, magazines, radio programs online, grammar review
exercises, dictionaries and other helpful resources.
French Links
Helpful
Links
Q. I think my placement is too low/too high. What do I do?
A. The faculty makes careful determination in placing you in a specific course. If you have doubts about your placement, go to class anyway. Ask for your instructor’s advice. Generally, it is a good idea to stay in the class for the first week, to look ahead in the book to see how familiar you are with the material and to avoid comparing your French with that of your classmates. If a change in level is required, the French faculty will do all it can to ensure that you continue in the best possible course.
Q. I studied French in high school, but I want to study another language now. Do I have to take the test?
A. Yes. Even students who do not intend to take French must take the placement test so that the French faculty will have a record of your placement. French may be the best possible option for you to complete the foreign language requirement or it may be the best possible language to complement the major upon which you eventually decide.
Q. I think I could do a lot better on the writing test if I could take the placement test again. Can I retake the test?
A. No. Each incoming student may take the test only once. If you feel that your test will not accurately indicate your ability and experience in French, inform Professor Jolene Barjasteh's at barjaste@stolaf.edu
Q. I want to know more about the course in which I have placed. Where do I find more information?
A. Consult the Course Catalog or the
following link to the French section home page for a description
of the courses regularly offered by the French section.
Current
Courses
