French Major
Why study French at CMU?
Students in a foreign language-related program will develop skills in foreign language teaching, interpreting, and translating. Consider these key features distinguishing this program at CMU:
- Study-abroad possibilities in many countries
- Wider employment opportunities for students who combine a foreign language with other majors
- Outstanding language learning center containing audio, visual, and computer laboratories
- Professional development through French student organizations
Career outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, for all occupations through the year 2014:
- Employment of interpreters and translators is projected to increase 18 to 26 percent
- Job opportunities for teachers over the next 10 years will vary from good to excellent, depending on the locality, grade level, and subject taught.
- Travel agents increasingly specialize in specific destinations or type of travel or traveler. American travel agents now organize more tours for the growing number of foreign visitors.
Career options
Graduates of the foreign language-related programs at CMU will find a variety of career opportunities. Some of these may require additional education.
- Anthropologist
- Elementary, Middle, or High School Teacher
- Interpreter
- Journalist
- Technical Writer
- Translator
- Travel Agent
- Travel Guide
- TV Announcer
- University or College Professor
Program Overview
The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires.
For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online academic bulletin
AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the General Education
courses required for all majors and may not include some program specific information, such as admissions, retention, and termination standards.
(Click on the course name or number for a complete course description.)
French Major
At least 30 hours of FRN courses at the 300 level or above.
( Total: 30-33 semester hours )
3
FRN 315 Advanced French I
Review and refinement of French grammar. Special emphasis on understanding contemporary spoken and written French. Not open to students with credit in FRN 311. Recommended: FRN 202.
3
FRN 316 Advanced French II
Review and refinement of French grammar. Special emphasis on reading and writing about literary works in French. Not open to students with credit in FRN 332. Recommended: FRN 202.
3
FRN 417 Advanced Conversation and Composition
Intended for students who want to develop greater accuracy and fluency in spoken and written French. Recommended: FRN 315, FRN 316.
(12 hours)
Required Courses I
Select courses in French and Francophone culture and/or literature from:
3
FRN 320 French Civilization
A study of various aspects of French culture from its beginnings through the nineteenth century. Recommended: FRN 202.
3
FRN 321 France Today
Various aspects of the political, social, economic, intellectual, artistic, and literary life of contemporary France. Recommended: FRN 202.
3
FRN 330 Survey of French Literature (Beginning to 1800)
Develops acquaintance with the literature of France from the Middle Ages to 1800 through selections from representative authors. Recommended: FRN 202.
3
FRN 331 Survey of French Literature (1800 to Present)
General acquaintance with the literature of France from 1800 to the present. Selections from representative authors. Recommended: FRN 202.
3
FRN 333 Survey of Francophone Literature
Prose and poetry selections by Francophone writers, especially African and Caribbean. Recommended: FRN 202.
3
FRN 403 French Literature of the Middle Ages and Renaissance
Literary works chosen for detailed study are discussed in class. Recommended: Two 300-level French courses.
3
FRN 404 French Literature of the Seventeenth Century
Study and discussion of literary works of significant writers of the period. Recommended: Two 300-level French courses.
3
FRN 406 French Literature of the Eighteenth Century
Selected literary works are discussed in class. Recommended: Two 300-level French courses.
3
FRN 407 French Literature of the Nineteenth Century
Discussion and analysis of novels, plays, poetry, and short stories of major authors representing the principal movements. Recommended: Two 300-level French courses.
3
FRN 409 French Literature of the Twentieth Century
Representative novels, plays, and poetry selected from the works of prominent writers. Recommended: Two 300-level French courses.
3
FRN 420 Literature and Culture of Quebec
A study of various aspects of Quebec society and a few of Quebec's major writers. Recommended: Two 300-level French courses.
1-6
FRN 591 Studies in French Culture
Topics of immediate interest in French literature and civilization. Credit hours vary, depending on the subject chosen. Recommended: FRN 202.
(3-6 hours)
Required Courses II
Select one of the following for a minimum of 3 hours:
( Note: Students unable to study abroad may substitute FRN 370 (3) and one other three credit French course at the 300 level or above, with the approval of a French faculty advisor. )
1-18
FRN 310 Study Abroad
Intended for advanced students studying abroad. Prerequisites: FRN 202; permission of instructor.
1-12
FRN 410 Study Abroad
Intended for advanced students studying abroad. Prerequisites: 6 hours of French at the 300 level; permission of instructor.
Select electives at 300 level or above.