A degree in French studies provides fluency in the language and enables you to explore various aspects of French and Francophone cultural productions, with an emphasis on social and political issues. You will learn about historical and contemporary civilization in a number of French-speaking countries, acquiring a deeper understanding of French heritage and the variety of cultures that make up the Francophone world.
As a French studies major at UNH, you will work closely with dedicated and caring faculty who will get to know you well. You will be able to study abroad in a French-speaking country and have opportunities to conduct research abroad. Our department maintains highly recommended semester- and yearlong programs through the University of Burgundy in Dijon, France. Co-curricular activities on campus include a conversation hour and language clubs. You can combine French studies with other disciplines, such as international affairs or engineering, because of the importance of mastering a second language in our globalized world.
Phone: (603) 862-4005
This major gives students a variety of perspectives not only on French and Francophone literature but also on a variety of other issues pertaining to the Francophone world. A major in French studies prepares graduates to negotiate successfully the economic reality of an increasingly international job market, and provides them with a wide range of career prospects after they leave the University.
The major consists of 44 credits in French courses numbered 631 or above and of cross-listed courses in other departments, including the following requirements:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| FREN 631 | Advanced French: Reading and Writing | 4 |
| FREN 632 | Advanced French: Listening and Speaking | 4 |
| FREN 651 | Love, War, and Power in French Literature | 4 |
| FREN 652 | Greatest Hits of French | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
FREN 675 | Social Issues in French Literature | |
FREN 676 | Topics in Francophone Culture | |
FREN 677 | France in the European Union | |
| FREN 790 | Cultural Encounters: A View from Abroad | 4 |
| Select two 700-level courses in French or Francophone literature | 8 | |
| Select at least three elective courses (12 credits) closely related to French and Francophone cultural studies 1 | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 44 | |
| 1 | These are to be chosen in consultation with a faculty adviser from among the following departments: history, geography, or anthropology, one 600- to 700-level course; art history or music, one 600- to 700-level course; economics, political science, or education, one 600- to 700-level course. |
Coursework for the French studies major must be completed with a grade of C or better. Students are required to enroll in at least one course each semester in their major program and to spend at least one semester abroad in a French-speaking country. The UNH-managed study abroad program in Dijon is highly recommended. It offers both year- and semester-long programs. Other options are available, but non-UNH programs must be chosen in close consultation with a major adviser and the UNH Global Education Center. Students in majors with inflexible curricula who wish to complete a second major in French studies should consult with a French adviser about alternate means of satisfying the study abroad requirement.
Transfer students must earn a minimum of 12 credits on the Durham campus. Of these 12 credits, one course must be FREN 790 Cultural Encounters: A View from Abroad and at least one 700-level course in French/Francophone literature.
The Discovery Program capstone requirement may be fulfilled by completing FREN 790 Cultural Encounters: A View from Abroad.
The required minimum overall GPA in major coursework is 2.0.
Candidates for a degree must satisfy all of the University Discovery Program requirements in addition to satisfying the requirements of each individual major program. Bachelor of arts candidates must also satisfy the foreign language proficiency requirement.
French studies majors may use two major-required courses to satisfy two Discovery category requirements.
