UB, University at Buffalo, State University of New York

• French - B.A.
• French - Minor
• Course Descriptions

You are here: Undergraduate Catalog 2005 - 2006 > Academic Programs > French

Department of Romance Languages and Literatures

College of Arts and Sciences
910 Clemens Hall
North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260-4620

Phone: 716.645.2191
Fax: 716.645.5981
Email: rll-info@buffalo.edu
Web: rll.buffalo.edu/rll

About the Program

The French language is spoken by millions of people living in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, the Caribbean, North and Central Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. It is a major international language of the arts, commerce, and science, a status that reflects the leading role that French culture and technology have played and continue to play. In the United States, more students study French than any other foreign language except Spanish.

The centuries-old relationship of the English-speaking and French-speaking cultures has resulted in a great deal of common heritage. Not only is there a substantial overlap in vocabulary—some 40 percent of English words are of French origin—there is also a common cultural heritage, going from the Arthurian legends through postcolonial self-examination, and students find many familiar landmarks in the study of French culture.

The French program trains students in the spoken and written language, and deepens their knowledge of and interest in the literature and culture of France and other French-speaking countries. Majors in French are encouraged to study abroad for a summer, a semester, or a full year. SUNY programs in French cities are open to UB students. For a major or minor, a minimum of four courses at the 300/400 level must be taken in residence at the Buffalo campus.

Students wishing to satisfy the requirements for teacher certification should plan their programs with particular care in order to accommodate the required semester of the professional sequence during their senior year. For certification requirements, students should contact the Teacher Education Institute, Graduate School of Education, 375 Baldy Hall.

Degree Options

The major program leads to a BA in French. For students who have another major field, both joint majors and double majors with French are possible; these programs also lead to the BA degree. There is also a French minor program.

Acceptance Information

In order to be accepted for the French major, a minimum GPA of 2.0 overall, and a minimum GPA of 2.5 in prerequisite courses or their equivalents (FR 101-FR 102 sequence or FR 104; FR 151-FR 152, and FR 211-FR 212) are ordinarily required. Early admission is available for qualified and motivated students; inquires should be addressed to the director of undergraduate studies.

In order to be accepted for the French minor, a minimum GPA of 2.0 overall, and a minimum GPA of 2.5 in prerequisite courses or their equivalents (FR 101-FR 102 sequence or FR 104; FR 151-FR 152, and FR 211-FR 212) are ordinarily required.

Advisement

Newly admitted or prospective French majors should meet as soon as possible with the director of undergraduate studies to discuss their program of study. It is particularly important to begin university studies at an appropriate level and to begin planning well in advance for study abroad. All majors and prospective majors are urged to seek out the director’s advice—in person, by phone, or by e-mail—whenever they have questions or problems.

Students can find additional information about courses on the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures Web site (http://rll.buffalo.edu/rll). Students may also contact instructors directly.

Academic Requirements

Graduation requirements for the French major include completion of two 200-level courses (6 credit hours) with a minimum GPA of 2.5, and ten 300/400-level courses (30 credit hours) with a minimum GPA of 2.0. Among these ten courses, the following three are required: FR 301, FR 302, and FR 343.

Graduation requirements for the double major are the same as those for the major.

Some students are interested in two fields of study, but prefer a program that does not require them to complete all requirements for both fields. These students may be interested in the joint major. Graduation requirements for the joint major include completion of two 200-level courses (6 credit hours) with a minimum GPA of 2.5, and seven 300/400-level courses (21 credit hours) with a minimum GPA of 2.0. Among these seven courses, the following three are required: FR 301, FR 302, and FR 343. In addition, the student must complete the joint major requirements for another department.

Requirements for completion of the French minor include completion of two 200-level courses (6 credit hours) with a minimum GPA of 2.5, and four 300/400-level courses with a minimum GPA of 2.0. Among these four courses, the following three are required: FR 301, FR 302, and FR 343.

Honors, Awards, and Scholarships

An honors program in French is open to students who achieve a minimum GPA of 3.25 overall and a minimum GPA of 3.67 in at least five upper-division French courses. Students in the honors program in French must complete two honors projects in two upper-division French courses.

Practical Experience and Special Opportunities

Study abroad is vigorously encouraged for all students. The Study Abroad Programs office can advise students on possible destinations, as well as on ways of making overseas study affordable.

The generosity of two alumni families has made it possible for the French section to offer two awards annually:the Linda Rock Memorial Scholarship and the Maria Becker Memorial Scholarship. These awards support study abroad, and are given on the basis of academic performance and financial need. Details are available every March in the department office.

Undergraduate students are eligible to participate in group activities organized by the French Graduate Student Association, such as French films, a French coffee hour, and excursions to Montreal. Course opportunities permit students to do field work with a sizable local African francophone population.

Career Opportunities/Further Study

Students who choose to major in French at UB can look forward to a number or career and graduate education opportunities. Over the years, French program graduates have gone on to graduate work in French, international trade, geographic information systems, and even information technology and Web design, as well as law school; other graduates have found employment in government and in secondary education. Students frequently combine a program in French with concentrations in other languages, in linguistics or history, or in such fields as management or geography. Whatever career appeals to a graduating student, fluency in French is assuredly an advantage.