French Major
In a complex, increasingly interdependent world community, the French program helps students become articulate, knowledgeable and culturally aware global citizens in accordance with the values and traditions of Saint Joseph’s University and of the Society of Jesus. We actively pursue this mission by:
- Fostering proficiency in French
- Promoting an appreciation for the richness and complexity of language in general
- Deepening students’ understanding of cultural diversity
- Encouraging student engagement in active, collaborative and critical learning in the French-language classroom
- Emphasizing learner-centered pedagogy and care for the individual
Goal 1: Communicate effectively in the target language.
Outcome 1: Communicate effectively in the target language in oral and/or written form.
Goal 2: Think critically and interpretively about content in the target language.
Outcome 2: Interpret and analyze main ideas, relevant facts and details in the target language.
Goal 3: Demonstrate knowledge of the target language culture(s).
Outcome 3: Describe accurately in the target language some aspect of the target language cultures (perspectives, products, and/or practices).
Goal 4: Engage with concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion relevant to the target language and culture.
Outcome 4: Describe, in a local and/or global context, diverse human beliefs, abilities, experiences, identities, or cultures.
The traditional undergraduate programs includes a minimum of 120 credits distributed across three components: A General Education component divided into Signature Courses, Variable Courses, and an Integrative Learning requirement; a Major and Divisional component; and Free Electives. In addition to course requirements as specified in each area, students must complete one certified course in each of the following overlay areas1:
- Diversity, Globalization or Non-western Area Studies,
- Ethics Intensive
- Writing Intensive, and
- Diversity
- 1
Overlay requirements are part of the 120 credit requirements
General Education Signature Courses
See this page about Signature courses.
General Education Variable Courses
See this page about Variable courses. Six to Nine courses
General Education Overlays
General Education Integrative Learning Component
See this page about Integrative Learning Component. Three courses:
Major Requirements
The French major emphasizes the acquisition of competence in spoken and written French, a sound understanding of the structures of modern French, and the ability to understand and analyze literary texts and cultural notions from a variety of periods. All courses are offered in French.
Course requirements for the major in French are as follows:
- Three courses numbered FRE 202 to FRE 320
- Seven courses numbered FRE 321 or higher
Students in French are strongly encouraged to participate in a study abroad program such as those in Paris, France. Please see Study Abroad. Courses from other institutions must be pre-approved by the appropriate Associate Dean in consultation with Dr. Burr, the study abroad coordinator in French.
Free Electives
A varying number of courses, typically nine to twelve.
Study Abroad Courses
For study in Francophone countries, including semester-long programs in Paris, France, see Study Abroad.
French Honor Society
The department has an active chapter of Pi Delta Phi, the National French Honor Society. A yearly initiation ceremony is held during the spring semester. Qualified students are encouraged to apply; please contact the French faculty for more information.
Students majoring French who complete the double major in Secondary Education may apply to obtain an Instructional I, Secondary Education (12) Teaching Certificate from the State of Pennsylvania. In addition to their French advisor, French/Secondary Education double majors will also be assigned an advisor from the Education Department who will guide them through their required Education courses. The Education advisor will also assist students seeking teacher certification in formally applying for the teacher certification program, usually in the spring semester of their sophomore year.
Students must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher to enroll in Student Teaching in their senior year. Students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher to obtain teacher certification upon graduation.
The French/Secondary Education Double Major requires a course in culture and civilization in French, as well as a course in basic or applied linguistics.
The traditional undergraduate programs includes a minimum of 120 credits distributed across three components: A General Education component divided into Signature Courses, Variable Courses, and an Integrative Learning requirement; a Major and Divisional component; and Free Electives. In addition to course requirements as specified in each area, students must complete one certified course in each of the following overlay areas1:
- Diversity, Globalization or Non-western Area Studies,
- Ethics Intensive
- Writing Intensive, and
- Diversity
- 1
Overlay requirements are part of the 120 credit requirements
General Education Signature Courses
See this page about Signature courses.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EDU 150 | Schools in Society w/ Field | 3 |
General Education Variable Courses
See this page about Variable courses. Six to Nine courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EDU 157 | Adolescent Development w/Field | 3 |
General Education Overlays
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| FRE 302 | French Composition | 3 |
| SPE 160 | Intro to Special Edu w/Field | 3 |
| EDU 150 | Schools in Society w/ Field | 3 |
| EDU 246 | Language and Culture w/ Field | 3 |
General Education Integrative Learning Component
See this page about Integrative Learning Component. Three courses:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SPE 160 | Intro to Special Edu w/Field | 3 |
| LIN 101 | Language and Communication | 3 |
| MAT 111 | The Mathematics of Patterns | 3 |
| or MAT 118 | Introduction to Statistics | |
| or MAT 128 | Applied Statistics | |
Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| French Major Requirements | ||
| Three courses numbered FRE 202 to FRE 320 | 9 | |
| Seven courses numbered FRE 321 or higher | 21 | |
| Education Major Requirements | ||
| EDU 150 | Schools in Society w/ Field | 3 |
| EDU 157 | Adolescent Development w/Field | 3 |
| EDU 246 | Language and Culture w/ Field | 3 |
| EDU 247 | Literacy in Cont Areas w/Field | 3 |
| SPE 160 | Intro to Special Edu w/Field | 3 |
| SPE 205 | Inclusive Classrooms w/ Field | 3 |
| EDU 230 | Eval: Secondary Grades 7-12 | 3 |
| EDU 414 | Instr Techniq Flang w/Field | 3 |
| EDU 491 | Secondary Student Teaching | 12 |
| Total Hours | 66 | |
Free Electives
The number of electives will vary. 120 credits required for graduation. Complete enough electives to meet this requirement after completing GEP and major requirements.