French Program

Core Curriculum

The typical student begins with French 101 and progresses to French 201. However, some students with a strong background in French may begin with French 102.

Students who have completed college-level French 102 prior to enrolling at USD may satisfy the language requirement by taking only French 201. Note: Third semester classes are only open to students who have completed a second semester college course or who have demonstrated their readiness on the USD placement exam.

We offer students the opportunity to take French 201 in Aix-en-Provence, France with a USD instructor in a special summer session. This course makes it feasible to complete the Core Curriculum requirement in a single academic year with the added benefit of cultural immersion in France.

The Minor

We offer two options to students who would like to minor in French.

Option 1: 18 units

French 102 + 201 + 202 + 301 + 2 other upper-division classes or
French 201 + 202 + 301 + 3 other upper-division classes or
French 202 + 301 + 4 other upper-division classes.

Option 2: 12 units of upper-division courses
The prerequisite for this option is fourth semester competency in French and approval by the Department Chair.

For either option, a minimum of six upper-division units must be taken on the San Diego campus. With that restriction in mind, students are encouraged to participate in a study abroad program for a semester or a year at our affiliated programs in Aix-en-Provence or Avignon, France.

Students who are interested in enrolling in non-affiliated programs should visit the Study Abroad site. Each course must be approved before it is taken. To download the form, click here.

The Major

Mission Statement

The mission of the French Program is the development of students' cross-cultural understanding and communicative proficiency in French through the study of current French society and culture.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the French Major, the student can

1) Communicative proficiency: Communicate in French in the four basic skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) at the intermediate to advanced level according to the ACTFL proficiency guidelines.

2) Cultural competency: Demonstrate the capacity to interact appropriately and effectively within diverse social settings in the French speaking world.

3) Knowledge and understanding: Identify and cogently explain the historical significance of principal figures, works, and tendencies in the production of literature, film, and other art forms throughout the major historical periods of the French speaking world.

4) Critical thinking and research: Critically analyze a cultural text, define a position, and substantiate it using thorough research techniques.

5) Diversity, and global understanding: Appreciate and contribute to the greater awareness of cultural diversity in the world through cross-cultural understanding and linguistic proficiency.

6) Preparation for continued studies and/or job world: Effectively initiate graduate studies and/or use her or his language skills in professional settings in business, education, or the health professions, among many other fields.

Coursework

We recommend that French majors undertake a major in another discipline, as well as at least a minor in another language.

We highly recommend that students take advantage of our semester- or year-long programs in France and/or the Third Semester French-in-France summer course.

A working knowledge of the fundamentals of French grammar and syntax, correct pronunciation, and ease in oral expression (12 units of lower-division or the equivalent) are required to proceed to upper-division course work.

The 24 upper-division units required for the major must include FREN 301 and 303, or their equivalent, and a minimum of three courses at the level of 320 or above. A minimum of 15 upper-division units must be taken on the USD campus. The experience of living and studying in a francophone country is highly recommended.

French: Home | Faculty | Program | Course Descriptions | Find Your Syllabus | Club Français | The Honor Society | Copley Library Videos in French

Study Abroad: Aix-en-Provence, Avignon

Alliance Française de San Diego | Ideas for Teaching French | Internet Resources for Students and Teachers of French