French Major
The major in French provides rigorous interdisciplinary training in the French language and the literary, cultural, and intellectual traditions of France and the French-speaking world.
Extensive coursework at all levels of language study prepares students to engage critically with a rich array of texts, images, media and ideas from francophone cultures from the Middle Ages to the present. Majors acquire advanced tools for literary and cultural analysis and linguistic competency, and learn about the distinctive contributions of French critical thought.
Students must also complete the Undergraduate Registration Requirement and the degree requirements of their home school.
Prerequisite
The course Culture and Society (FRENCH 201-0), or equivalent proficiency, is prerequisite for the major in French.
Double-counting note: Weinberg College allows double-counting a prerequisite course for a major toward some other major or minor, or general bachelor's degree requirement. But students who are counting FRENCH 201-0 towards the the 12 units for the major (see Exceptions and Waivers) may not double count this course with some other major or minor, except where this is explicitly permitted elsewhere in this catalog. Other programs or schools may have their own restrictions that supersede this, so check the relevant parts of this catalog for possible limits.
Requirements for the major in French
Double-counting note: Weinberg College prohibits double-counting a major course toward some other major or minor, except where this is explicitly permitted in this catalog. Weinberg College does allow double-counting a major course toward a general bachelor's degree requirement (i.e. degree requirements other than majors or minors). Other programs or schools may have their own restrictions that supersede this, so check the relevant parts of this catalog for possible limits.
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| MAJOR REQUIREMENTS (12 units) | |
| 4 Core Courses: | |
| Cultural Encounters in Contemporary France | |
| Reading Literatures in French | |
or FRENCH 211-0 | Reading Cultures in French |
| Introducing the Novel (1 course chosen from:) | |
or FRENCH 272-0 | Introducing Theatre |
or FRENCH 273-0 | Introducing Poetry |
One 300-level language course chosen from: | |
| French Phonetics | |
| Advanced Language in Context: Society and Popular Culture | |
| Advanced Writing: Finding Your Voice in French | |
| Advanced Conversation: Debating Contemporary France | |
| Creative Writing in French | |
| French For Professions | |
| Theory and Practice of Translation | |
| 5 Advanced Study Courses chosen from: 1 | |
| The Middle Ages & Renaissance | |
| Medieval French Narratives | |
| Topics in Renaissance Literature | |
| Montaigne and Modernity | |
| 17th Century Literature | |
| Sexual Politics and the Ancien Regime | |
| Rousseau and the French Revolution | |
| Studies in the Enlightenment | |
| The Novel in French | |
| Topics in Modern and Contemporary French Literature and Culture | |
| From Modernism to Postmodernism | |
| African Literatures and Cultures | |
| Caribbean Literatures and Cultures | |
| The Maghreb and the Middle East | |
| France and East Asia | |
| Transnational Francophone Studies | |
| Political & Social Thought in France | |
| Women Writing in French | |
| Gender & Writing | |
| Topics in Literature and Culture | |
| Independent Study (maximum of 1 unit, unless 2 units approved for an honors thesis) | |
No more than 1 of these courses taught in English may be applied to Advanced Studies: | |
| Giants, Cannibals, and Critique | |
| Proust | |
| French Film | |
| Gender & Sexuality | |
| Contemporary Theory | |
| Topics in French Literature and Culture | |
| 3 Electives chosen from: | |
Any courses at the 200- or 300-level above 202 | |
- 1
At least one must focus on the pre-1800 period.
- Up to three courses total for the major at the 200- or 300-level may be department courses taught in English (FRENCH 277-0, FRENCH 279-0, FRENCH 280-0, FRENCH 371-0, FRENCH 374-0, FRENCH 375-0, FRENCH 376-0, FRENCH 378-0, FRENCH 379-0)
- No more than 5 courses at the 200-level may be counted toward the major.
- Only one Independent Study (FRENCH 399-0) may be counted toward major requirements, unless a student is completing an honors thesis.
- At least 50% of the courses for the major must be completed at Northwestern.
Exceptions and Waivers
- Majors who begin French studies in FRENCH 111-1 Elementary French, FRENCH 115-1 Intensive Elementary French, or FRENCH 121-1 Intermediate French may count FRENCH 201-0 Culture and Society as 1 elective course at the 200 level.
- Students with superior proficiency in French (as assessed by the department) may be eligible to have FRENCH 202-0 waived, and may be eligible to substitute an Advanced Study course for a the required 300-level language class in the Core Courses. A student who has FRENCH 202-0 waived can complete the major with 11 units of credit.
Honors in French
Majors with strong academic records and an interest in pursuing honors should contact the director of undergraduate studies no later than spring quarter of junior year. The honors thesis is produced through 2 quarters of FRENCH 399-0 Independent Study; these FRENCH 399-0 enrollments will count toward the 12 required units for the major. The thesis may build on previous work done in a 300-level course.
Students whose theses and grades meet department criteria are recommended to the college for graduation with honors. For more information see the department website or consult with the director of undergraduate studies and see Honors in the Major.