French (FRN)

Major Requirements

  1. Thirty-six credits beyond FRN 112 which must include at least four credits from each of these two groups: FRN 301, 371, 372, 377; FRN 350, 354, 355, 356, 360.
  2. Language proficiency must be demonstrated by passing the DELF B2 exam or its equivalent.
  3. A minimum of one semester of approved international study in a French speaking country.
  4. Completion of English 201 with a passing grade.
  5. Write an acceptable reflective paper of moderate length and defend it in open forum.

Majors may earn honors in the department by writing a quality senior thesis and defending it in open forum.

Minor Requirements

  1. Twenty-four credits in French which includes one upper-level course in civilization or literature.
  2. Language proficiency must be demonstrated by passing the DELF B1 exam or its equivalent.
  3. A semester or Spring Term of study in a French-speaking country is highly recommended.

Teaching Major Requirements

  1. Thirty-four of Alma's 36-credit-hour major must be beyond FRN 222 and include at least 4 credits from each of these groups: Civilization — FRN 301, 371, 372, 377; and Literature — FRN 350, 354, 355, 356, 360.
  2. Language proficiency must be demonstrated by passing the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification subject area test in French in order to be recommended for certification. The Teacher Education Program is proactive about informing students of opportunities for taking this test. Also, majors are required to pass the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Oral Proficiency Exam at the Advanced Low level.
  3. A minimum of one semester of approved international study in a French-speaking country.
  4. Completion of ENG 225 (formerly 220) and EDC 445f with a passing grade.
  5. Write and defend in open forum an acceptable paper of moderate length reflecting on their study of French, their study abroad experience and how they combine with the mission of a liberal arts education.

Teaching Minor Requirements

  1. Twenty-three of Alma's 24-credit-hour minor must be beyond FRN 222 and include at least four credits from each of these groups: Civilization — FRN 301, 371, 372, 377; and Literature — FRN 350, 354, 355, 356, 360.
  2. Language proficiency must be demonstrated by passing the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification subject area test in French in order to be recommended for certification. The Teacher Education Program is proactive about informing students of opportunities for taking this test. Also, minors are required to pass the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Oral Proficiency Exam at the Advanced Low level.
  3. A semester or Spring Term of study in a French-speaking country is highly recommended.
  4. Completion of ENG 225 (formerly 220) and EDC 445f with a passing grade.

Four credits from FRN 112 or higher, with the exception of practicum or independent study courses, count towards the Distributive Requirements in the Humanities.

FRN 111-112. Beginning French I-II
4 credits each
FRN 111 or Permission for 112
Introduction to French. Primary objective is to help students acquire necessary basic skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Secondary objective is to provide insight on French culture and society.
FRN 169-*369. Quebec
International Awareness Course 4 credits
An introduction to the province of Quebec, designed for students with one year of college French or more. Readings cover the history of the province, its political struggles, and its artistic expression. Includes a visit to Montreal, and extended stay at Laval University, museum visitations, and limited excursions. Spring Term.
FRN 170-*370. Paris in May
International Awareness Course 4 credits
Provides two academic components: language study and French culture. Students attend a regular language class through Alma College at the Alliance Français (any level) and study cultural history of Paris through selected readings, directed visits and shows. Spring Term.
FRN 207-*307. French Conversation I- II
International Awareness Course 2 credits
Extensive class discussion, oral reports, summaries of selected readings and viewing materials to develop fluency in oral expression and comprehension. Reading and discussion of numerous topics, which change each year. May be repeated for up to four credits. Does not count toward the French majors or minors.
FRN 221-222. Intermediate French I-II
International Awareness Course 4 credits each
FRN 112 or Placement
Systematic study of grammar and further development of speaking and writing skills through readings and discussions.
FRN 255. French Literature in Translation
International Awareness Course 4 credits
A study of representative literary works in translation from the French canon. Readings/lecture/discussion in English.

The course numbers FRN 291-*391, 292-*392, 293-*393, 294-*394, and 295-*395 are reserved for courses taken on College-approved programs of study abroad. Level determined by FRN 222 and placement.

FRN 291-*391. French Language Studies
International Awareness Course 2-4 credits
Further study of grammar and development of reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.
FRN 292-*392. Targeted French Language Studies
International Awareness Course 2-4 credits
Targeted study of written French, oral French, or pronunciation.
FRN 293-*393. Studies in History and Civilization
International Awareness Course 2-4 credits
Topics in French, Francophone, or regional history, culture, art, or film.
FRN 294-*394. Studies in French and Francophone Literature
International Awareness Course 2-4 credits
Studies in literature on a variety of topics or genres.
FRN 295-*395. Studies in Business French
International Awareness Course 2-4 credits
Study of business French for commercial communication with the French-speaking world.
FRN *301. Current Issues
International Awareness Course 4 credits
Advanced composition and conversation. Contemporary French social problems contrasted with those of the U.S. using newspapers, magazines and TV broadcasts.
FRN *321. French Composition and Conversation
Quill CourseInternational Awareness Course 4 credits
FRN 222
Advanced composition and conversation with extensive writing and emphasis on speaking skills. Includes reading, discussions and debate on a wide variety of cultural topics.
FRN *350. Study in French Literature
International Awareness Course 4 credits
FRN 321 and Permission
Studies in literature which emphasize different centuries, genres or themes. May be taken more than once for credit.
FRN *354. From La Belle Époque to the 1990s
Quill CourseInternational Awareness Course 4 credits
FRN 321 and Permission
Study of major literary movements and authors of the 20th century.
FRN *355-*356. History of French Literature I-II
International Awareness Course 4 credits each
FRN 321 and Permission
Study in French literature from its origins to the late 20th century. Readings from significant works of each literary period.
FRN *360. Francophone Literature
Quill CourseInternational Awareness Course 4 credits
FRN 321
Studies in French-speaking, non-European countries' literatures. Addresses Afro-French literature, French-Caribbean literature, or French-Canadian literature.
FRN *371-*372. History of French Civilization I-II
International Awareness Course 4 credits each
FRN 321 and Permission
Introduction to French civilization and culture. Political, social and religious institutions; art, architecture, music and literature. French civilization to 1715 (FRN 371); and from 1715 to present (FRN 372).
FRN *377. Studies in French Film
International Awareness Course 4 credits
FRN 222
Studies in French film, emphasizing the critical analysis of technical and artistic applications, socio-historical contexts and directors' personal styles.
FRN *380. Topics in French Language, Literature and Civilization
International Awareness Course 4 credits
FRN 321
Various topics such as Afro-French literature and culture, the French novel, the short story, French literary criticism and theory, study of individual authors, social structures in modern France, the press in France, the French educational system, modern French art and others.
FRN *495. Senior Thesis Part I
International Awareness Course 1 credit
Permission
Prior to enrollment in FRN 500. Designed to set the preliminary work toward the senior thesis in motion. Students will be required to work on a bibliography, outline, and prospectus of the forthcoming thesis.
FRN *499. Independent Study
International Awareness Course 4 credits
Senior Standing and Permission
FRN *500. Senior Thesis
Quill CourseInternational Awareness Course 4 credits