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, as is appropriate for this level.
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.
Cornerstone Core Curriculum Requirements
Consist of 14 core and 2 overlay requirements. See below for additional detailed information on each of these requirements.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| First Year Course Requirements | ||
| ENG 101 | Craft of Language | 3 |
| World History Course Area | 3 | |
| Philosophy Requirements | ||
Either Level One or Level Two (but not both) -- must be Ethics designated. If approved, philosophy courses may count for a student's Writing Intensive overlay. Students may not double-count the same course as Philosophy Level Two and as a Mission Overlay course. | ||
| Philosophy Level One | 3 | |
| Philosophy Level Two | 3 | |
| Theology & Religious Studies Requirements | ||
If approved, Theology & Religious Studies courses may count for a student's Writing Intensive overlay. Students may not double-count the same course as CCC Theology and as a Mission Overlay course. | ||
| Theology | 3 | |
| Religious Studies | 3 | |
| Diversity & INT 151 Requirements | ||
A student's Diversity course may not count for any other CCC course area requirement or as their Mission Overlay course. If approved, Diversity courses may count for a student's Writing Intensive Overlay requirement. INT 151 may not count for any other CCC requirements. This course must be taken in the first two years | ||
| Diversity | 3 | |
| INT 151 | Inequality in American Society | 1 |
| Math & Natural Science Requirements | ||
If approved, Math & Natural Science Requirements may count toward overlay requirements. | ||
| Mathematics | 3-4 | |
| Natural Science | 4 | |
| Social Science Requirement | 3 | |
If approved, such Social Science Requirement may count toward a student's overlay requirements. | ||
| Non-Native Language Requirement | 3-4 | |
A single Non-Native Language course may not count as an overlay course but a second language course fulfills a student's Mission Overlay requirement. | ||
| Literature Requirement | 3 | |
If approved, Literature courses may count toward a student's overlay requirements. | ||
| Fine and Performing Arts, Creativity, and Design Requirement | 3 | |
If approved, Fine and Performing Arts, Creativity, and Design courses may count toward a student's overlay requirements. | ||
| Overlay Requirements | ||
| Writing-Intensive | 3 | |
If approved, Writing-Intensive courses may double count as major courses, minor courses, electives, or as any CCC course area requirement except for the first-year courses (World History and Rhetoric and Composition). | ||
| Mission-Overlay | 3 | |
Mission Overlay courses may double count as major courses, minor courses, elective courses, or any of the following CCC course areas: Fine and Performing Arts, Creativity, and Design, Literature, Mathematics, Natural Science, or Social Science. | ||
| Total Hours | 47-49 | |
Recommended CCC Courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Literature | ||
FRE Literature Course | ||
| Social Science | ||
| Language and Communication | ||
| Writing Intensive | ||
| French Composition | ||
| Mission-Overlay | ||
Second French Course | ||
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 ten FRE courses (30 credits) at the 201 level or higher (depending on placement). At least two courses must be at the 400 level.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| FRE 201 | Intermediate French I (or higher, depending on placement) | 3 |
| FRE 202 | Intermediate French II (or higher, depending on placement) | 3 |
| FRE 301 | French Conversation (or higher, depending on placement) | 3 |
| Seven courses FRE 302 - FRE 499 (at least two must be at 4xx level) | 21 | |
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. Graduation requires 120 credits. Any credits necessary to reach that number outside of the CCC and major requirements are considered free electives.
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.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| FRE 201 |
Intermediate French I or Intermediate French II or French Conversation |
3 |
| ENG 101 | Craft of Language | 3 |
| LIN 101 | Language and Communication | 3 |
| Mathematics | 3-4 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15-16 | |
| Spring | ||
| FRE 202 or FRE 301 |
Intermediate French II or French Conversation |
3 |
| World History | 3 | |
| Theology | 3 | |
| INT 151 | Inequality in American Society | 1 |
| Free Electives | 6 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Sophomore | ||
| Fall | ||
| FRE 301 | French Conversation (or higher) | 3 |
| Philosophy Level One | 3 | |
| Natural Science | 4 | |
| Free Electives | 6 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| 300 Level FRE course | 3 | |
| Fine & Performing Arts, Design, Creativity | 3 | |
| Free Electives | 9 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Junior | ||
| Fall | ||
| FRE 3XX or 4XX | 3 | |
| FRE 3XX or 4XX | 3 | |
| Religious Studies | 3 | |
| Free Electives | 6 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| FRE 302 or other approved FRE Writing-Intensive course | 3 | |
| FRE 3XX or 4XX | 3 | |
| Diversity | 3 | |
| Free Electives | 6 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Senior | ||
| Fall | ||
| FRE 4XX elective | 3 | |
| Philosophy Level Two | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 9 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| FRE 4XX elective | 3 | |
| Free Electives | 12 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 122-123 | |
Students majoring in French who are interested in teaching in grades PK-12 can dual major in World Languages Education (PK-12). Upon successful completion of the dual major, SJU degree requirements, and required certification exams, teacher candidates may apply to obtain an Instructional I World Language PK-12 Education Teaching Certificate from the State of Pennsylvania. Students must also maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher to obtain teacher certification upon graduation.
In addition to their French advisor, French and World Languages Education (PK-12) dual 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 SJU Educator Preparation Program, usually in the spring semester of their sophomore year. Students must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher to enroll in EDU 492 PK-12 Student Teaching in their senior year. Students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher to obtain teacher certification upon graduation.