Minor in French

The minor in French will allow students to develop the cultural and linguistic skills to communicate and function effectively in a French-speaking environment, to include professional settings in medical, judicial, educational, and media-related fields, among others. 

Coursework in the minor in French works toward achieving the following outcomes, students will:

  • Communicate effectively in French on a variety of topics with at least an intermediate-level of language proficiency as established by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL)

  • Identify and interpret key cultural and literary texts from specific cultural traditions through close textual analysis, synthesis of texts within a larger framework (author, cultural/historical period, theoretical framework or tradition)

  • Identify and utilize appropriate sources for research-based projects

  • Showcase intercultural communication skills and awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity in a culturally situated project. 

Additionally, students who complete the minor will also develop important professional competencies desired by employers as described by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE):

Communication: Students will learn to communicate in a clear and effective manner in French (verbally, in writing, and nonverbally).

Professionalism: Students will develop a strong work ethic via consistent class attendance, active participation in class, and timely completion of assignments.

Teamwork: Students will build and maintain collaborative relationships with classmates to work effectively toward common goals while appreciating diverse viewpoints and shared responsibilities.

Critical Thinking: Students will demonstrate cultural sensitivity and recognize diverse perspectives and the lived experiences of others.

Requirements

Students may obtain a French minor by completing a minimum of 15 credits beyond FRENCH 2100, of which at least 3 credits must be in literature. 9 of the required credits must be taken in MU course work. This requirement can be reduced from 9 to 6 at the discretion of an individual department. Students must meet the minimum GPA requirements for a minor, which in no case can be lower than 2.0. In addition, a student cannot receive a grade lower than a C- in any course applied towards a minor in the College. For more information, please see Requirements for Optional Minor.

Students beginning at a level higher than FRENCH 2160 due to placement testing must still complete the minimum of 15 additional credits in order to receive the minor. A minimum of 9 credits, including 3 in literature, must be taken in residence. 

Additionally, course work must be completed with a grade in the C range or higher in each of the required courses and students must maintain a 2.0 GPA in the minor. 

Courses most often used to fulfill the minor include:

FRENCH 2160Intermediate French Composition and Conversation3
FRENCH 3160Advanced French Composition and Conversation I3
or FRENCH 3280 Commercial French
FRENCH 3410Intro a la pensee critique / Introduction to Critical Analysis3
FRENCH 3420Introduction to French Culture3
or FRENCH 3430 French Masterworks: Texts and Contexts
LG_LT_CT 4940SLLC Global Internship0-6
and/or any 4000-level course in French
Only one course offered in English by the French section can be counted toward completion of the minor provided it is at the 2000-level or above.