College Schools, Departments & Programs

French and Italian

Major in French
Purpose

The B.A. Major in French provides comprehensive training in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in French—one of the fastest-growing languages in the world—as well as exploring the literature and culture of France and the French-speaking world. After the basic language sequence, students take courses from a wide range of offerings in French and Francophone literature, civilization, cinema, media studies, contemporary culture, advanced grammar and writing practice, and French linguistics. For students with an interest in international business, the Department offers a course in Business French. For study abroad opportunities, see below.

Requirements

Students must complete 30 credit hours in French courses above F100-F150, including at least 27 credit hours from courses taught in French. A maximum of 3 credit hours may be earned by completing courses taught in English offered through the French program (FRIT-F courses). Coursework must include:

  1. F300 and F313.
  2. 6 credit hours from F222, F225, F226, F227, F305, F306, F310, F311, F361, F362, F363, F375. At least 3 of these credit hours must be earned in courses taught in French.
  3. 12 or more additional credit hours with at least 11 credit hours in fourth-year courses, including at least two 3 credit hour FRIT-F 400-level courses taught in Bloomington. X490, F496, and F499 do not count as courses taught in Bloomington.
Students should also note:
  • F499 may count for up to 3 (non-Bloomington) credit hours toward the French major, and X490 may count for up to 2 (non-Bloomington) credit hours toward the French major. However, F399 and F496 may not count toward the 30 credit hours required.
  • A minimum of 18 credit hours of coursework for the major must be completed on the Bloomington campus or on an IU-administered or IU co-sponsored French-language study abroad program.

The departmental course offerings permit French majors to focus their study on French language and linguistics (F313-F314, F315-F316, F401, F402, F474, F475), French literature (F305, F306, F375, F410 through F459), Francophone civilization (F222, F225, F226, F227, F310, F311, F361, F362, F363, F460 through F467), or any combination of the above.

Students must complete the degree requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences.