Major

French and Francophone Studies Major

Department/Program
  • 36 Credits
  • Required Courses
    • French 497
    • At least 22 additional credits taught in French at the 200-level or above, or equivalent
    • French language courses numbered below 200 do not count toward the major.
    • Up to 16 credits composed of any combination of the following:
      • Up to 4 AP or IB credits (see note)
      • Up to 12 credits from approved courses taught in English
      • Up to 12 credits transferred from off-campus studies or another institution.
      • Up to 4 credits “double-dipped” with approved courses counted toward another major or minor
  • Attainment of the level of B2 or Advanced Low on a recognized language proficiency assessment (DELF, ACTFL, etc.)
  • Senior Requirements
    • French 497 (senior capstone project), including oral defense and public presentation
  • Honors
    • Students do not apply for admission to candidacy for honors.
    • Accumulate at least 87 credits.
    • Complete two semesters of residency at Whitman.
    • Major GPA of at least 3.500
    • Complete a written thesis or research project prepared exclusively for the satisfaction of this program.
    • Earn a grade of at least A- on the honors thesis or project and the honors thesis course.
    • Pass the senior assessment with distinction.
    • Chair of the department will notify the Registrar of students attaining Honors no later than the beginning of Week 12 of the semester.
    • An acceptable digital copy of the honors thesis must be submitted to Penrose Library no later than Reading Day.
  • Notes
    • Students who start at the 100-level will need a total of 44 credits to complete the major.
    • Courses numbered 25X may be taken at any point following completion of or credit for one semester at the 200-level.
    • No courses may be taken P-D-F after declaration.
    • Within the 12-credit transfer limitation, any university-level courses taught entirely in French may count toward the major, regardless of topic.
    • A score of 4 or 5 on the AP French exam or an IB French B score of 5 or higher will be recognized as the equivalent of credit for French 205 (4 credits).
    • Independent study credits may not be applied toward the major, with the exception of French 497.
    • Students ask for a faculty member of their choice to be their major advisor. Majors are normally declared by the end of the fourth semester, but can be added at a later time. In all cases, we advise students to consult with French faculty early on, particularly if the student wishes to participate in off-campus studies.
Total Credits
36