BA.FREN - French & Francophone Studies (Major, Minor)

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.