French
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The following programs are available in French: honours, a major, a minor, a concentration, study abroad, and a certificate of proficiency. See below for details. The Department offers a balanced program involving courses in language, culture and literature.
Those with a solid background in French, especially Francophones or those having attended a French school are to begin their studies with courses beyond FREN 2235.1(2)/2236.1(2). This condition may also apply to certain high school immersion graduates. Native, near-native, or fluent speakers of French may not enroll in courses at the 2000 level or below. Courses at the 2000 and 3000 levels cannot be taken concurrently.
FREN 2235.1 is the normal starting point for majors. High school graduates having completed the "Core" program should enroll in FREN 2201.1. Students who have taken French at another university are asked to consult with the Chairperson before registering.
Normally, a placement test is administered on the first day of classes in FREN 1111.1, 2201.1, and 2235.1 and a short composition in 3307.1(2) and 3308.1(2), in order to provide students with the course that best suits their needs. Students having previously taken FREN 1111.1 and 1112.1(2)or 2201.1 and 2202.1(2) at Saint Mary's are not required to take the placement test. Since the test is administered on the first day of classes, attendance at this first class is required.
Students interested in teaching French as a career are strongly advised to seek assistance from the Department on course selection and teacher training programs as early as possible.
Honours in French
All prospective honours students in French should refer to the section of this Calendar pertaining to honours degrees. Students with a minimum cumulative quality point average of 3.00 can apply to the Registrar for admission to the honours program after having satisfied the requirements of the major program.
honours degrees in French consist of sixty (60) credit hours. Beyond the requirements for the French major, eighteen (18) additional credit hours in French are required: FREN 5000.0 The honours Essay, and twelve (12) credit hours at the 3000-4000 level (other than FREN 3307.1(2), 3308.1(2) and FREN 3350.1(2) and 3351.1(2).
Students should discuss the topic and nature of the honours essay with the appropriate faculty member prior to their entry into the program.
Major in French
A major in French normally consists of at least forty-two (42) credit hours in French beyond FREN 2231.1(.2) with the following requirements:
- FREN 3307.1(.2) and 3308.1(.2)
- FREN 3350.1(.2) and 3351.1(.2);
- Six (6) credit hours at the 3000 or 4000 level in culture;
- Six (6) credit hours at the 4000 level in literature;
- Six (6) credit hours at the 4000 level in language
- Six (6) credit hours at the 4000 level in FRE electives.
| Language Courses | Culture Courses | Literature Courses |
| 1111.1(2) | 3305.1(.2) | 3350.1(2) |
| 1112.1(2) | 3310.1(2) | 3351.1(2) |
| 2201.1(2) | 3312.1(.2) | 4405.1(2) |
| 2202.1(2) | 4405.1(2) | 4410.1(2) |
| 2230.1(.2) | 4410.1(2 | 4412.1(.2) |
| 2231.1(2) | 4412.1(2) | 4416.1(.2) |
| 2235.1(2) | 4440.1(.2) | 4417.1(.2) |
| 2236.1(2) | 4418.1(2) | |
| 3307.1(2) | 4422.1(2) | |
| 3308.1(2) | 4426.1(2) | |
| 3320.1(2) | 4427.1(2) | |
| 3321.1(2) | 4428.1(2) | |
| 3325.1(.2) | 4433.1(2) | |
| 3333.1(2) | 4434.1(2) | |
| 3335.1(2) | 4451.1(2) | |
| 4400.1(2) | 4452.1(2) | |
| 4435.1(2) | 4460.1(2) | |
| 4436.1(2) | 4461.1(2) | |
| 4437.1(2) | ||
| 4438.19(2) |
Minor in French
A minor in French consists of twenty-four (24) credit hours in French beyond FREN 2202. with at least twelve (12) of these being at the 3000 level or above.
Certificate of Proficiency in French for Non-Majors (CPF)
This certificate signifies that the student has earned twenty-four (24) credit hours beyond FREN 2201.1(2) and 2202.1(2), has passed an oral and written examination and, in so doing, has demonstrated an acceptable level of proficiency in understanding, speaking, reading and writing. Students interested in the certificate program should consult with the Chairperson in order to determine their program of study and to register for the examination which is usually given in the Spring. The student's transcript will bear an entry signifying that the certificate has been awarded.
Year Abroad at the Université Catholique d'Angers, France
This Study Abroad program consists of a month-long intensive French language session in September (optional) and one or two semesters (October to January and February to June) of course work in language and related subjects. One-month programs are also offered in July and August. Students who successfully complete their programs receive credit recognition at Saint Mary's University: fifteen (15) credit hours per semester and six (6) credit hours each for the months of July, August or September. To be eligible to participate in this Study Abroad program, students must have the approval of the Coordinator of the program and the Chairperson, and must have a QPA of 2.0 or above. Although students will take a placement test upon their arrival in France, it is strongly advised that they complete at least six (6) credit hours in French at Saint Mary's in the year prior to their departure.
Information sessions about the Study Abroad program will be held in the months of October and February every year. Please inquire at the secretary's office 902-420-5808.
With the Department's approval, a student may undertake a year of study at another French-speaking university.