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Modern Languages & Literatures

French

Objectives

The French/Francophone Studies curriculum is designed to enhance students’ understanding of the French/Francophone world by exposing them to French/Francophone cultures and perspectives. It also responds to the increasing demand for a more practical emphasis in language learning after the lower division level and allows students to tackle the professional world immediately beyond graduation. It may complement LMU’s Summer Study Abroad Program in Paris, France.

French/Francophone Studies Student Learning Outcomes

Student Learning Outcomes will be assessed through a Senior Capstone Project (FREN 500) which consists of a portfolio during the last semester of the senior year. The portfolio is a collection of multiple samples usually compiled over time accompanied by a personal reflection essay, which would show that the student has met the objectives of the French/Francophone Studies program.

Majors in French/Francophone Studies will know:

  • The variety and nature of linguistic practices of French-speaking populations
  • The variety and nature of cultural texts of French-speaking populations
  • The variety and nature of cultural perspectives in the Francophone world at large
  • The representative literary works and cultural texts of Francophone cultures and civilizations, and other diasporic French-speaking populations
  • The principal aspects of cultural expressions such as literature, art, social practices, gender, and media of the Francophone world at large
  • Theoretical terminology and concepts essential to analyze literary and cultural products.

Majors in French/Francophone Studies will be able to:

  • Understand spoken French at the appropriate level
  • Speak French at the appropriate level
  • Read French at the appropriate level
  • Write French at the appropriate level
  • Use acquired theoretical and critical skills to textual analysis and scholarly research
  • Demonstrate an informed knowledge of literary works developed by French-speaking populations
  • Demonstrate an informed knowledge of cultural works developed by French-speaking populations
  • Demonstrate an informed knowledge of linguistic varieties developed by French-speaking populations.

Majors in French/Francophone Studies will demonstrate an appreciation for:

  • The evolution and variety of perspectives in French-speaking cultures
  • The mission of our University
  • Transcultural similarities and differences.

Major Requirements

Lower Division Requirements:

FREN 101, 102, 203, 204.

These requirements may be waived or modified based upon proficiency demonstrated on the LMU French Placement Examination. For majors, a minimum grade of C (2.0) is required in all pre-major courses.

Upper Division Requirements:

25 semester hours in upper division courses: FREN 301, 314, 321, 333, 334, three courses in the 400-level series, and 500.

A minimum grade of C (2.0) must be maintained in all upper division courses.

Minor Requirements

18 semester hours taken beyond FREN 203: FREN 204, 301, 314, 321, 333 or 334, and one (1) course in the 400-level series.

The FREN 101, 102, 203, and 204 series is recommended for those who seek basic proficiency in the language. This series requires attendance of a one hour weekly language lab.

French Placement Exam

Any student who has knowledge of or has had prior instruction in French in high school or at a college or university other than LMU must take the French Placement Exam.

This requirement includes students who have taken the AP French Exam in high school. Generally, a student who receives a score of 5 or 4 on the AP French Exam (Language or Literature) places in FREN 204. Final placement is conditional upon the instructor’s consent. Course credit will be given for FREN 101, 102, and 203 once the student’s official scores have been received from the College Board. It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that the official AP scores have been sent to Loyola Marymount University.

To know when and how a student should take a language placement exam in French, please refer to the guidelines provided under Modern Languages and Literatures.