Department of Romance Languages
Programs in French
Undergraduate Program
Department Goals
- To provide practical training in the basic skills of listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing
- To promote those values in the liberal arts tradition that derive particularly from the study of language, literature and culture
- To increase understanding of language as structure and process
- To provide an enlightening encounter with cultures and modes of thought different from one's own
Major in French
The major begins at the 300 level. A minimum of 30 hours is needed to complete the major. Students seeking teacher licensure may require a minimum of 33; they should consult their advisor and refer to the "Teacher Licensure" statements for details. Literature courses in English translation may not be used for credit toward the major, second major, minor or second academic concentration.
To maintain the high quality of language instruction at UNCG, students declaring a major in either French or Spanish must sit for an oral competence evaluation during the semester in which they will first take a 300-level course in their major. This evaluation is part of our ongoing program assessment and in no way affects the academic record of students. The undergraduate advisor and/or instructor will notify majors with pertinent information at the time of the evaluation.
The minimum of 30 semester hours at the 300 level and above must include the following:
- Three* language courses from the following (9 hrs.):
FRE 301 (may not be taken for credit by students who have successfully completed FRE 315 or above), FRE 311, 312, 313, FRE 315, 341, 415, 497, 511 - Three* courses in literature and/or film including (9 hrs.):
FRE 353 (prerequisite to 400- and 500-level literature courses), FRE 453, 454, 498, 507, 553, 554, 555, 556, 557, 558, 561, 562 - One culture and civilization course from (3 hrs.):
FRE 331, 332, 496, 532, 557 (if topic is Paris) - Electives (9 hrs.): three other FRE courses at the 300 level or above
* Applies to all students who declared the French major after July 31, 2009. Students who declared the French major prior to this date are required to take two courses from Category A (language) and four courses from Category B (literature and film).
Please Note: Students seeking licensure must include Civilization (331 or 332 or 496 or 532 or 557 if topic is Paris), Composition (315 or 415 or 497), and Conversation (311 or 312 or 313) in the 30 semester hours. The Phonetics competency may be met by completing 311.
- Literature courses in English translation may not be used for credit toward the major.
- At least one course at the 500 level must be included in the major.
- No requirement for the major may be met by a grade lower than C-.
Second Major in French
Students must complete the requirements described above for the French Major (30 s.h.).
Minor in French
The student must complete 15-21 semester hours of courses in French above the 203 level, excluding literature courses in English translation.
Special Subject Area Teacher Licensure in French (K-12)
Majors or second majors seeking teacher licensure must meet competency in phonetics by successfully completing FRE 311 "Conversation and Phonetics." Students must choose literature courses that represent a broad range of periods, movements and/or genres. They must also satisfy a civilization requirement by completing FRE 331, 332, 496, 532, or 557 (when the topic is "Paris"). Admission to teacher education and student teaching in French requires a minimum grade point average of 2.75, both cumulative and in the major. Please see additional teacher licensure requirements discussed under "Teacher Education and Licensure" in the Undergraduate Bulletin, in the next section of this Handbook, and in the Teacher Education Handbook developed by the Teachers Academy at UNCG.
Major in French with Teacher Licensure
Students seeking initial licensure to teach in North Carolina must work closely with the Romance Languages Department and the School of Education, since both agencies certify competence and recommend the student to the State. The following steps summarize procedures for the Spanish major. Please note that it is the student's responsibility to initiate these procedures and to complete all requirements at the proper time.
- Students are advised to consult with the Department of Curriculum and Instruction as early as possible for advice in planning.
- General University and College requirements, as stipulated in the Undergraduate Bulletin, must be met. Many of these can be completed in the freshman and sophomore years. In order to be admitted to Teacher Education, students must take the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) or the Computer-Based Equivalent. Forms for these tests can be obtained in the Office of Student Information and Advising in the School of Education (324 Curry Building) or through ETS (1-800-772-9476; praxis@ets.org or http://www.ets.org/praxis). Sylvan Learning Center in Greensboro administers the computer-based PRAXIS I exam (phone 336-288-1312 for additional information). A grade point average of 2.75 (cumulative and in the major) is required for admission to Teacher Education in Romance Languages. Close advising in collaboration with Romance Languages and the School of Education is strongly recommended.
- The Professional Education Requirements, as described in the Undergraduate Bulletin under "Teacher Education: Special Subject-Area Licensure," must be met. The following courses must precede the professional (or student teaching) semester:
AULER/GER requirements as identified within each major
CUI 202 or HDF 302 Human Development
CUI 450 Psychological Foundations of Education
CUI 465** Student Teaching and Seminar (12 semester hours)
CUI 470 Reading Education for Secondary and Special Subject Teachers
CUI 527* Teaching Second Languages: Elementary/Middle Schools
CUI 545 Issues in Secondary Education (should be taken during Spring semester of junior year)
CUI 552* Teaching Practices and Curriculum in Foreign Languages
ELC 381 The Institution of Education
HEA 201 Personal Health
Optional:
LIS 120 Introduction to Instructional Technology for Educational Settings (strongly recommended: see Item 5 below) *Only offered Fall semester
**Only offered Spring semester - The major requirements in French must be met, as detailed in this booklet. Please note that those seeking teacher licensure must take specific, required courses satisfying competencies in each of the following five areas: composition, conversation, literature, culture/civilization and phonetics. Since all courses are not offered every semester, students should plan their schedules carefully in consultation with their major advisor.
- Students seeking licensure must demonstrate mastery of basic technology competencies as defined by the state. This can be done by taking LIS 120 or creating a separate section in the technology portfolio which demonstrates the advanced competencies. This portfolio is to be submitted for evaluation within the program area.
- If there are any questions, refer to the Teacher Education Handbook available through the UNCG Bookstore, or contact:
The School of Education
The Teacher's Academy
323 Curry Building
(336) 334-3412
Upon completion of student teaching, it is the student's responsibility to apply for licensure at The Teachers Academy. Contact Debbie Merritt (319 Curry Building, 334-3414).
French as a Second Academic Concentration
The Department of Romance Languages will recommend the candidate for "A" licensure in French as a second teaching field after successful completion of 24 semester hours of required course work. The principal teaching field will normally be another foreign language. Students whose major is in another discipline and who are seeking licensure in French should consult with the Department of Curriculum and Instruction as soon as possible.
The student must complete 24 semester hours at the 300 level and above, including:
- FRE 301 "Advanced French" (Pr. 204 or equivalent, or departmental permission)
(3 hrs.) - One composition course from:
- FRE 315 "Advanced Grammar & Composition" (Pr. 204 or equivalent, or departmental permission)
- FRE 415 "Advanced Composition" (Pr. 315 or departmental permission)
- FRE 497 "Directed Study in French Language" (departmental permission required)
(3 hrs.)
- One conversation course from:
- FRE 311* "French Conversation and Phonetics" (Pr. 204 or equivalent, or departmental permission)
- FRE 312 "French Conversation and Culture" (Pr. 204 or equivalent, or departmental permission)
- FRE 313 "Conversation in France" (Pr. 204 or equivalent, or departmental permission)
(3 hrs.)
- Two literature courses including:
- FRE 353 "Survey of French Literature" (Pr. 204 or equivalent, or departmental permission)
- One 400-level FRE literature course (Pr. 353 or departmental permission)
(6 hrs.)
- One civilization course from:
- FRE 331 "Culture and Conversation in France" (Pr. 204 or equivalent, or departmental permission)
- FRE 332 "Introduction to French Civilization and Culture" (Pr. 204 or equivalent, or departmental permission)
- FRE 496 "Directed Study in French and Francophone Civilization and Culture" (departmental permission required)
- FRE 532 "French Civilization" (Pr. 332, 353, 496, or permission of instructor)
- FRE 557 (if topic is "Paris") (Pr. 353 or departmental permission)
(3 hrs.)
- Elective: two other FRE courses at the 300 level or above (6 hrs.)
*The Phonetics competency may be met by completing 311.
Literature courses should be chosen so as to represent a range of periods, movements, and/or genres. Admission to teacher education and student teaching in French requires a minimum GPA of 2.75 overall and in the major.
Sophomore Year
French courses:
Fall: 301 and 311* (or 312 or 313)
Spring: Two 300-level courses (e.g. 312, 315, 332, 353, 341, 342)
In addition, if seeking licensure:
Fall: Successfully complete PPST, apply for admission to Teacher Education; HEA 201
Spring: CUI 202 (or HDF 302)
Junior Year
French courses:
Fall: 315* and 353
Spring: 415* and 454**
In addition, if seeking licensure:
Fall: Be admitted to Teacher Education; ELC 381 and CUI 450
Spring: CUI 390 and CUI 470
Senior Year
French courses:
Fall: 453** or one 500-level literature course** and 532
In addition, if seeking licensure:
Fall: CUI 527*** and CUI 452***
Spring: CUI 465**** (Student Teaching); also, pass PRAXIS exam, demonstrate technology competence, (May/June) apply for licensure
*Required or recommended for licensure
**"Topics in French Literature" courses may be repeated for credit under the same course number as topics change.
***CUI 527 and CUI 452 are only offered in the Fall.
****CUI 465 is only offered in the Spring.
NOTE: The following courses are typically offered in the Fall: 301, 311, 315, 353, 453.
The following courses are typically offered in the Spring: 312, 332, 341, 354, 415, 454.
Advisors for Romance Languages Majors and Minors
Students who wish to declare a major or second major in Spanish should contact the Director of Student Academic Services (159 Mossman Building). Student Academic Services as well as CASA, the College of Arts & Sciences Advising Center (Basement of Faust Building), will refer students a faculty member. After the initial contact with the Coordinator of Undergraduate Advising in Spanish, students will be assigned an advisor (a member of the Spanish graduate faculty) who will meet regularly with each student regarding his or her academic needs. We urge prospective majors and second majors to consult with these advisors during their freshman and sophomore years. Early contact with an advisor enables students to plan ahead concerning course offerings and special opportunities in the Department (such as study abroad).
Students wishing to minor in Spanish should also make their intentions known to the advisor for help in designing their individual program.
French Advisor:
Dr. David Fein, dafein@uncg.edu
2320 MHRA (Moore Humanities and Research Administration) building
(336) 334-3955
Teacher Licensure:
Department of Curriculum and Instruction, cui@uncg.edu
336 Curry
(336) 334-3437
Special Opportunities (These are some of the opportunities of special interest to students of French and Spanish.)
Programs Abroad
UNCG has affiliations with several academic-year programs in France and Spain. Interested students should contact their major advisor and the International Programs Center, 127 McIver Street, (336) 334-5404, int_programs@uncg.edu as early as possible.
Summer Study Abroad
A five-week program in Spain features courses in conversation and civilization, offering six semester hours of credit. The Department also organizes and conducts a four-week summer program in Angers, France. Contact the Department Office in 2321 MHRA Building.
Social Activities
Both the Café Causette and The Spanish Club sponsor frequent activities. Students who participate in these activities meet others who are interested in learning about a different culture.
Honor Societies
The University has Chapters of the national honoraries, Pi Delta Phi for French and Sigma Delta Pi for Spanish. Membership is by invitation and possible for students in advanced courses that have achieved excellence in Romance studies.
Scholarships and Awards
The Department recognizes achievement among French and Spanish students by offering a number of annual scholarships, including the Spicer Scholarship, the Miller-Barineau Scholarship, the Hardré Scholarship, the Barney Award and the LaRochelle Scholarship. Amounts vary. Visit the scholarships web page and contact the Department Office for further information.
Internships
Paid or unpaid internships requiring foreign language skills are increasingly available. For more information, consult the Career Services Center, #1 EUC, (336) 334-5454. Students interested in Spanish 499 (Intership in Spanish) should contact the Romance Languages Department before registering for the course.
Accelerated B.A./M.B.A.
The accelerated program in Spanish/Business Administration provides the opportunity for a student to complete a B.A. in French/Spanish (122 hours) within a four-year period and to shorten the time required to finish the M.B.A. For further information consult the Undergraduate Bulletin [http://www.uncg.edu/reg/Catalog/current/AccelMasters/MBA.html]
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Graduate Program
Program Description
The graduate program in French at UNCG offers a balanced course of study in literature, culture and language that has a record of providing excellent preparation for students who intend to pursue a Ph.D. or who wish to teach at the community college or secondary levels. Its comprehensive curriculum also provides a sound base for a career in government/international relations or business. Its late afternoon and evening classes are scheduled to serve the needs of working professionals seeking to enhance their professional status or career opportunities and who enroll part-time, as well as full-time students who may receive daytime teaching or graduate assistantships in the Department. The program has a long history of attracting both regional and international students who value its flexibility, its opportunities to study abroad or to gain teaching experience, its close faculty involvement and its academic rigor.
Admission Requirements
It is assumed that candidates for the M.A. will have an undergraduate program of a minimum of 24 hours in French above the 204 level. Candidates who lack comprehensive prior academic training in the discipline may be admitted provisionally (contact the Director of Graduate Studies for French for details). A “B” average (3.0 GPA on a four-point scale) or higher is normal for admission to our graduate programs.
Candidates must submit satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). A minimum computer-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 213 on the computerized test (550 on the paper test) or a minimum overall International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 is required unless the applicant is a citizen of a country, or graduate of a university, where English is the official language. Nonresident aliens must also provide certification of financial support [link to International Programs].
Application Requirements
The candidate must submit to The Graduate School a completed application form (available online), a nonrefundable application fee, two official transcripts of academic records from every college and university previously attended, qualifying examination scores (see above), and three recommendations from former professors, employers, or persons well-acquainted with the student’s academic potential. All credentials must be in English.
In addition, the candidate must submit to the Director of Graduate Studies for French a 500-word Statement of Purpose in French, highlighting prior experiences and explaining reasons for applying and expectations for the program; a 3-5 minute unscripted (standard-sized) cassette tape demonstrating speaking ability in French (the candidate should discuss a topic related to the program of study); and an analytical paper, in French or English, written for a prior course in a humanistic discipline.
The application will be reviewed by the graduate faculty in French as soon as all materials have been received. The Department of Romance Languages has rolling admission, but due to processing requirements, The Graduate School cannot guarantee an admission decision for Fall Semester unless all credentials are received before July 1, for Spring Semester by November 1, and for Summer Session by April 1. Deadlines are earlier for international students (May 15 for Fall, September 15 for Spring and February 15 for Summer).
Financial Assistance
Financial assistance is available in the form of scholarships and assistantships. Graduate assistantships normally require full-time enrollment (minimum of 6 semester hours); recipients work 20 hours/week for the Department. Tuition waivers may be available to accompany assistantships. All application materials should be received by April 15 from students who wish to be considered for financial assistance for the following academic year. Additional funding information is available at http://www.uncg.edu/fia.
In order to qualify as a resident of NC for tuition purposes, a student must have established legal residence (“domicile”) in NC and maintained that legal residence for at least 12 months before applying for classification as a NC resident. In addition, numerous other factors must be considered. Applications for Residence-and-Tuition Status are submitted through the Office of the Provost.
Program of Study
The Department of Romance Languages offers a graduate program of study with two options: the thesis option requires 30 hours of graduate study (24 hours of course work and 6 hours thesis) and a comprehensive examination; the non-thesis option requires 30 hours of course work and a comprehensive examination. In both options, at least one half of the work credited toward the degree must be at the 600 level or above. In consultation with the Director of Graduate Study, the student may elect to take up to 6 hours of graduate courses in a related field.
The comprehensive exam is based on a reading list that includes major works of French and Francophone literature, as well as works on French and Francophone culture and civilization. Students selecting the thesis option must write a thesis under the guidance of a committee consisting of a chairperson and two other members of the Graduate Faculty. An oral examination on the thesis is required.
The student will also be expected to demonstrate reading knowledge of another romance language, German, or Latin, by (1) completing 204-level (or higher) course work in the language with a grade of B or better, the course having been taken within the last five years; or (2) passing a written translation test to be arranged with the Director of Graduate Study; or (3) obtaining a score of 400 or higher on the Department’s Computerized Adaptive Placement Exam.
Request Information on the M.A. in FrenchCONTACT US WITH YOUR QUESTIONS