The French curriculum equips students with the foreign language reading knowledge that is essential to advanced study in most fields of learning.
Practical knowledge of a second language, as well as French culture, will prepare students who express an interest in diplomatic service, business, and industry or foreign trade. Students of French will also be prepared to qualify for elementary, secondary, and college-level instruction.
Study Abroad Program
The Hillsdale French Department provides students with opportunities to study abroad in French-speaking countries. The department highly recommends that all French majors study abroad for the valuable experience of being immersed in the language and interacting with the culture.
CLEP Examination
Any student qualifying for a French class higher than 102 after taking the placement test may receive an extra four credit hours by taking the CLEP examination in French. The test can only be taken once and must be taken during the student’s first semester at Hillsdale.
Requirements
Note: This represents a general overview of the major and minor. For more information, please consult the current college catalog, or contact the department.
French Major
For a field of concentration in French, the student must complete 26 hours of French beyond the 201 level, including:
- French 300: Introduction to Literary Texts
- French 301: French Civilization & Culture I, or
- French 302: French Civilization & Culture II
- French 410: Speaking & Writing French
- French 411: Conversation & Composition
Students must also take four of the following six literature courses:
- French 421: Survey of French Literature from the Middle Ages through the Eighteenth Century
- French 422: The Modern Novel
- French 423: Classical French Literature
- French 424: The Age of Enlightenment
- French 425: Nineteenth-Century French Literature
- French 426: Contemporary Drama
In addition, students must take two additional credits of French at the 400 level.
French majors are required to complete satisfactorily a comprehensive examination during the senior year.
French Minor
A minor in French shall consist of 20 semester hours of coursework, beyond the beginning (101) level and must include:
- French 300: Introduction to Literary Texts
- French 301: French Civilization & Culture I, or
- French 302: French Civilization & Culture II
- French 410: Speaking & Writing French, or
- French 411: Conversation & Composition
Students must also take at least one 400-level literature course on the Hillsdale campus.