Why Major in French?
French is the language of dance, art, architecture, fashion, cooking and many other outlets. More than 300 million people speak French across the globe, and it is the fifth most widely spoken language in the world.
As a French major at Belmont, you'll graduate not only as a master of the language, but also of the Francophone culture. Take a deep dive into the culture through advanced courses in the French language, civilization and literature as well as through a study abroad experience.
Studying abroad is a critical element of exploring and understanding the French culture. Students majoring in French often participate in a unique summer total immersion home-stay in Chicoutimi, Quebec and/or an intensive program in Angers, France.
Students who major in French at Belmont have the opportunity to explore and apply their knowledge in a variety of ways, and our graduates go on to work in a variety of fields, including tourism, marketing, fashion and teaching. Knowledge of the language and culture of France opens the door for a pursuit in life-long learning across a plethora of industries and opportunities.
What You'll Learn
- Effective communication and understanding of the French language
- Historical insights into French civilization and culture
- Critical thinking and interpretation of French literature
- Intercultural experiences through study abroad opportunities
- Analytical skills and cultural literacy that can apply to tourism, politics, diplomacy, marketing, business, fashion and teaching.
Career Possibilities
- Banking
- Finance
- Diplomacy
- Fashion
- Hospitality and tourism
- International Business
Program Details
Curriculum
The French major leads to a bachelor of arts degree. It requires 128 hours of coursework:
- BELL core requirements: 53 hours
- Major requirements: 30 hours
- Minor requirements: 18 hours
- General electives: 27 hours
Courses You'll Take
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- FRE 3010 Introduction to French Literature and Civilization I
Prerequisites: FRE 2020 or permission of instructor.
Study of French civilization and literature from the Middle Ages through the Classical period.- FRE 3020 Introduction to French Literature and Civilization II
Prerequisites: FRE 2020 or permission of instructor.
Study of French civilization and literature from the Enlightenment through the 20th-century.- FRE 3900 Senior Seminar
This course, required of all French majors, is designed to round out the student’s undergraduate study of French. The course content will be individualized, depending on the student’s needs.
- FRE 2950 Study Abroad: Intermediate French
Study of French at the intermediate level and of French culture in a french-speaking country.
- FRE 3950 Study Abroad: Advanced French, Special Topics
Study of French at the advanced level in a French speaking country.
- FRE 2010 Intermediate French I
Prerequisites: FRE 1020 or permission of instructor.
A thorough review of grammar, with intensive exercises in reading and speaking French.- FRE 2020 Intermediate French II
Prerequisites: FRE 1020 or permission of instructor.
A thorough review of grammar, with intensive exercises in reading and speaking French.- FRE 2100 Intermediate Studies
Prerequisites: FRE 2010 or permission of instructor.
This course is designed to provide a bridge from intermediate to advanced literature and civilization courses. Practice will be provided in all four skill areas: listening, speaking, reading and writing. This course is strongly recommended for students who intend to take 3000-level French courses.- FRE 3100 Advanced French Studies
Prerequisites: FRE 3100 is FRE 2020 or equivalent.
Continued practice in all four skills - listening, speaking, reading and writing - will be combined with grammar exercises, cultural study, vocabulary expansion and conversation practice.- FRE 3600 Special Topics in French
Prerequisites: FRE 2020 or permission of instructor.
This course offers advanced study in French literature, culture, civilization or language. This course may be repeated for credit as content of course changes.- FRE 2990 Independent Studies
Courses designed with a professor for independent study purposes.
- FRE 3980 Peer Tutor
Prerequisites: FRE 2020 or equivalent and permission of the instructor.
Arranged on an individual basis, this course introduces students to the teaching and/or tutoring of foreign languages. Students work closely with a faculty mentor and students in a classroom or tutoring setting.- FRE 3990 Independent Studies
Courses designed with a professor for independent study purposes.
Phi Sigma Iota
Phi Sigma Iota recognizes outstanding accomplishment in the study or teaching of any of the academic fields related to foreign language, literature or culture. These fields include not only modern foreign languages, but also Classics, Linguistics, Philology, Comparative Literature, Bilingual Education, Second Language Acquisition and other interdisciplinary programs with a significant foreign language component. Phi Sigma Iota is the highest academic honor in the field of foreign languages. There are approximately 250 chapters of Phi Sigma Iota at institutions of higher learning in the US, Mexico and France.
Study Abroad
Spend a year, semester, or Maymester in France through Belmont's robust study abroad programs. Master the French language while experiencing a cultural immersion in Paris, Lille, Aix-en-Provence, Angers, Toulouse and other regions in the nation.
Grace Cleland
Corporate Communication and French
“The Foreign Language Department has a plethora of professors who provide rigorous, immersive and adaptable classes. They create a safe community for language driven students to practice and enhance their skills. It is a place where any and all students are welcomed and supported to do their best.”
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Danielle Walden
Admissions Coordinator
615.460.8340