Bachelor of Arts in French
The Bachelor of Arts with a major in French requires a minimum of 120 s.h., including 33-37 s.h. of work for the major. Students must maintain a g.p.a. of at least 2.00 in all courses for the major and in all UI courses for the major. They also must complete the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences GE CLAS Core. Furthering Language Incentive Program (FLIP) credit may not be counted toward the major.
The French Language and Culture Advanced Placement (AP) exam with a score of 4 or higher is considered to be the equivalent to FREN:3000 - Third-Year French. Students with previous knowledge of French language, should take the World Languages Placement Test (WLPT) to determine the best level for your first enrollment in a language course.
The Bachelor of Arts degree in French prepares students for a variety of careers stateside or abroad, including secondary school teaching, or graduate study in language, literatures, and cultures. French courses will advance speaking, reading, and writing skills and provide a broad background in the literatures and cultures of France and the French-speaking world.
Students majoring in French complete a set of four foundation courses plus the requirements for one of four tracks: the French and Arabic track, the language track, the literature and culture track, or the teaching track (see below).
Listed below are the general categories of coursework required to earn the degree; for more specific information on courses, curriculum, and requirements of the Bachelor of Arts in French, visit the UI General Catalog.
| Title | Hours |
|---|---|
| Foundation Courses | 12 |
| Track Courses (see below) | 21-25 |
| Total Hours | 33-37 |
French and Arabic Track
The French and Arabic track is designed for students interested in combining study of the French and Arabic languages with history, politics, and religions of Middle Eastern cultures and with a major in another area, such as political science, geography, or history.
Requirements for the French and Arabic track include seven or eight courses (25 s.h.) in addition to the foundation coursework in French.
| Title | Hours |
|---|---|
| Three courses in French language, or literature and culture, taught in French, with at least one numbered above 4000 | 9 |
| Two or three courses in Arabic language beyond first year | 10 |
| Two courses on Middle Eastern cultures (prefix FREN), taught in French or English, or approved courses from other departments | 6 |
| Total Hours | 25 |
Language Track
The language track is designed for students with an interest in language and translation, as well as French and Francophone literature and culture. Students work in specific areas such as international business, comparative stylistics, and translation.
Requirements for the language track include seven courses (21 s.h.) in addition to the foundation coursework in French.
| Title | Hours |
|---|---|
| Two required courses in French | 6 |
| Five courses in French language, or literature and culture | 15 |
| Total Hours | 21 |
Literature and Culture Track
The literature and culture track is designed for students who are interested in combining study of French and Francophone literatures and cultures with a major in another area, such as cinema, communication studies, history, international studies, political science, or journalism.
Requirements for the literature and culture track include seven courses (21 s.h.) in addition to the foundation coursework in French.
| Title | Hours |
|---|---|
| Five courses in literature and culture | 15 |
| Two courses in language, or literature and culture | 6 |
| Total Hours | 21 |
Teaching Track
The teaching track is designed for students who intend to earn licensure to teach in elementary and/or secondary schools. Students must successfully complete the requirements for the major in French with the teaching track and must complete the College of Education's Teacher Education Program (TEP), which requires education courses and student teaching (see "Teacher Licensure" below).
Requirements for the French major's teaching track include seven courses (21 s.h.) in addition to the foundation coursework in French.
| Title | Hours |
|---|---|
| Four courses in literature and culture | 12 |
| Three courses in language, or literature and culture | 9 |
| Total Hours | 21 |
Teacher Licensure
Students interested in teaching in elementary and/or secondary schools should seek admission to the Teacher Education Program (TEP) in the College of Education.
To qualify for licensure in secondary teaching, students in the TEP complete a degree in education as well as a related College of Liberal Arts and Sciences degree. See Teacher Education Program Application and Admission on the College of Education website for details on requirements and deadlines for applying to the College of Education and about TEP choices of majors leading to licensure.
Majors who want to earn teacher licensure should choose the French teaching track above.