French and Francophone Studies - Undergraduate
A major or minor in French and Francophone Literature and Culture/minor in Kreyòl and Haitian Studies prepares students to succeed in our pluri-lingual and globalized world. Culture and commerce alike require culturally-sensitive, adaptable individuals with strong critical thinking skills who are equipped to communicate effectively with a range of interlocutors. Our faculty teach students how to read and analyze texts with rigor and insight, write carefully and with well-supported arguments, and refine their written and oral expression.
Interdisciplinary Study
Because the French program routinely cross-lists courses with other departments, students interested in a cultural studies model may apply towards their major or minor courses in departments such as Art History, Theater and Performance Studies, Music, or Cinema and Media Studies. Our students are often double majors who bring to the classroom a multiplicity of perspectives that enrich our interdisciplinary approach to the study of language, literature, and culture. In addition, students with competence in Spanish, Italian, Catalan, Basque, Kreyòl or Portuguese may wish to pursue a degree in more than one Romance language. Students who are pursuing a major or minor in French may take Kreyòl or Haitian Studies courses that pertain to francophone Caribbean cultures or linguistic identities. These courses are usually cross-listed with the French program. Students who complete a BA thesis may be nominated for the Neff Prize.
Study Abroad
The University of Chicago offers many Study Abroad programs at the Paris Center, both during the academic year and in the summer. The courses taken as part of the Civilization sequence in French may be applied to the major or minor. In addition, students wishing to travel to other Francophone countries or regions may apply for summer funding for language study through the France Chicago Center or by applying for a FLAG grant.
Program Requirements
The major program in French and Francophone Studies focuses on developing advanced proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing French, as well as broad knowledge of the field of French and Francophone literary studies.
It consists of ten courses; language courses at FREN 20601 and above in addition to courses in French and Francophone literature, society, and culture.
- At least 2 courses including pre-19th century material
For the BA Honors: FREN 29901 Academic Research and Writing or FREN 29900 BA Paper Preparation: French
Students who elect a major program must meet with the French undergraduate adviser before the end of Spring Quarter of their third year to declare their intention to complete the major and to complete the required paperwork. Students choose their track and appropriate courses in consultation with the French undergraduate adviser. Students must submit to the departmental office a Major Approval Form for the major program signed by the French undergraduate adviser by the end of Spring Quarter of their third year. Students must then submit a copy of the signed form to their College adviser.
The minor program in French and Francophone Studies requires a total of six courses beyond the second-year language sequence (20100-20300).
- One course must be FREN 20500 Ecrire en français
- The remaining courses must consist of five courses in advanced language (20601 and above), literature, society, and culture
- At least one introductory-level course in French
- At least one course including pre-nineteenth-century material
- With approval from the French undergraduate adviser, one course may be taken outside the department.
Students who elect the minor program must meet with the French undergraduate adviser before the end of Spring Quarter of their third year to declare their intention to complete the minor. Students choose courses in consultation with the French adviser. Students must submit to the departmental office a Minor Approval Form for the minor program signed by the French adviser. Students must then submit a copy of the signed form to their College adviser.
The minor program in Kreyòl and Haitian Studies requires a total of six courses beyond the second-year language sequence. One course must be KREY 20400 Ekspresyon ekri: Kreyòl lakay soti Ayiti rive nan dyaspora a (Written Expression: Authentic Kreyòl from Haiti to the Diaspora). The remaining five courses should be upper-level language, culture or literature courses that pertain to Francophone Caribbean Culture, Haitian Culture and Society, or Creolophone Communities. At least one of the five courses must be an advanced language course taught in Kreyòl (KREY 21100 Lang, Sosyete ak Kilti Ayisyèn I or KREY 21200 Lang, Sosyete ak Kilti Ayisyèn II). Other courses may be taken outside of the department, or an independent study could be considered for the minor upon approval by the French undergraduate adviser and the Kreyòl language program coordinator. Please ask the undergraduate adviser and the language program coordinator for details.
Summary of Requirements: Minor in Kreyòl and Haitian Studies
- KREY 20400 Ekspresyon ekri: Kreyòl lakay soti Ayiti rive nan dyaspora a (Written Expression: Authentic Kreyòl from Haiti to the Diaspora) (100)
- One of the following (100):
- KREY 21100 Lang, Sosyete ak Kilti Ayisyèn I (Haitian Language, Society, and Culture I)
- KREY 21200 Lang, Sosyete ak Kilti Ayisyèn II (Haitian Language, Society, and Culture II)
- Four upper-level language, culture or literature courses that pertain to Francophone Caribbean Culture, Haitian Culture and Society, or Creolophone Communities. Other courses may be taken outside of the department, or an independent study could be considered upon the approval of the French undergraduate adviser and the Kreyòl language program coordinator. (400)
Total Units: 600
Students who elect the minor program must contact the French undergraduate adviser before the end of Spring Quarter of their third year to declare their intention to complete the minor. Students are strongly encouraged to build their own program in consultation with the undergraduate adviser. Students must submit to the departmental office the Consent to Complete a Minor Program form signed by the French undergraduate adviser.
Courses in the minor (1) may not be double-counted with the student's major(s) or with other minors and (2) may not be counted toward general education requirements. Courses in the minor must be taken for a quality grade.