International Languages and Cultures: B.A., French Studies

The French Studies major is an interdisciplinary major which combines courses from the department of French with those from other disciplines, the content of which directly relates to France and French-speaking countries.
The program is designed to offer its majors the opportunity to achieve proficiency in writing, speaking, comprehending and reading the French language, while at the same time broadening and deepening their knowledge, understanding an appreciation of the cultures of France and the francophone world.

Since the goal of the French studies major is to focus on the acquisition of language proficiency and to incorporate contributions from more than one field of study, it prepares students for careers in international law, teaching, government services, foreign missions, translating, the non-profit sector and for positions in business that require a knowledge of the Frence language and culture.

French studies majors are required to complete 18 upper-division credit hours of French courses and 9 upper-division credit hours from at least two of the following disciplines: philosophy, history, and political science. Students pursuing a B.A. degree in French studies also must spend a minimum of six weeks studying French in France or a francophone country. Study abroad opportunities include IES programs in Paris (summer or semester), Nantes and Dijon (semester only). Students should plan their study abroad so they can take at least one additional French course after returning to the University of Portland.

University Core Requirements -- 39 hours

College Requirements, B.A. -- 21 hours

Major Requirements -- 27 hrs

18 upper-division credits in French: Any of the upper-division French courses currently offered (301, 302, 403, 404, 417, 418, 421, 422, 493), courses offered on a one-time basis (usually as 491), and courses that might be developed and added to course offerings, will apply to the French Studies Major.

9 upper-division credits outside of French: For courses outside of the French program, students will choose three (in at least two different disciplines) from the following list:
 
HST 347 History of Modern France
HST 333 Medieval Europe
HST 343 Age of Dictatorship
HST 342 Age of Nationalism
 
FA 303 Arts Appreciation: France
 
POL 358 Politics of the European Union
POL 372 Politics of Modern Europe
POL 453 Great Powers and their Foreign Policies
 
PHL 414 Philosophy and Feminism
PHL 469 Great Philosophers (when focusing on a French philosopher)
PHL 479 Existentialism
PHL 476 Contemporary Continental Philosophy

Students may also take courses containing significant content relating to francophone countries offered on a one-time basis or subsequently added to permanent course offerings. Students must seek the approval of the French Studies adviser before counting such courses toward the French Studies Major.