The Yale French department is one of the most prestigious and rigorous in the country, offering a comprehensive curriculum that explores the language, literature, and culture of France and the Francophone world. The degree requirements for a major in French at Yale are designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the French language and its many nuances, as well as a broad knowledge of French literature and culture from the Middle Ages to the present day.
Language Requirements
To major in French at Yale, students must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in the language. This is typically achieved through a combination of coursework and language proficiency exams. Students are required to take a series of language courses, including FREN 130: Advanced French, FREN 140: French Conversation and Composition, and FREN 150: French Language and Culture. These courses are designed to help students develop their speaking, writing, and reading skills in French, as well as their knowledge of French grammar and vocabulary.
Language Proficiency Exams
In addition to coursework, students are also required to take a language proficiency exam, such as the Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française (DELF) or the Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française (DALF). These exams are designed to assess a student’s ability to understand, speak, read, and write in French, and are an important part of the degree requirements for a major in French at Yale.
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
| FREN 130: Advanced French | Develops advanced speaking, writing, and reading skills in French |
| FREN 140: French Conversation and Composition | Focuses on improving conversation and composition skills in French |
| FREN 150: French Language and Culture | Explores the culture and language of France and the Francophone world |
Literature and Culture Requirements
In addition to language courses, students majoring in French at Yale are also required to take a series of literature and culture courses. These courses are designed to provide students with a broad knowledge of French literature and culture from the Middle Ages to the present day, as well as an understanding of the historical and cultural context in which French literature and art have developed. Some examples of literature and culture courses that students may take include FREN 210: Medieval and Renaissance French Literature, FREN 220: 17th- and 18th-Century French Literature, and FREN 230: 19th- and 20th-Century French Literature.
Elective Courses
Students majoring in French at Yale also have the opportunity to take a range of elective courses that allow them to pursue their interests in more depth. These courses may include FREN 240: French Film, FREN 250: French Theater, and FREN 260: French Culture and Society. These elective courses provide students with a chance to explore the many facets of French culture and society, from film and theater to history and politics.
- FREN 210: Medieval and Renaissance French Literature
- FREN 220: 17th- and 18th-Century French Literature
- FREN 230: 19th- and 20th-Century French Literature
- FREN 240: French Film
- FREN 250: French Theater
- FREN 260: French Culture and Society
Senior Requirement
In order to graduate with a major in French from Yale, students are required to complete a senior requirement. This may take the form of a senior essay, a senior project, or a senior thesis. The senior requirement is designed to provide students with the opportunity to pursue their interests in more depth, and to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field of French studies.
Senior Essay
A senior essay is a lengthy research paper that explores a topic in French literature, culture, or language. Students work closely with a faculty advisor to develop their research question, conduct their research, and write their essay. The senior essay is typically 20-25 pages in length, and is designed to demonstrate a student’s ability to conduct independent research and think critically about complex topics.
Senior Project
A senior project is a creative or practical project that allows students to apply their knowledge and skills in French to a real-world problem or issue. Examples of senior projects might include creating a French-language website or blog, developing a French-language curriculum for a local school or community organization, or organizing a French-language cultural event or festival. The senior project is designed to provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a practical and creative way.
What are the degree requirements for a major in French at Yale?
+The degree requirements for a major in French at Yale include a series of language courses, literature and culture courses, and a senior requirement. Students must also demonstrate a high level of proficiency in the French language, either through coursework or language proficiency exams.
What kind of support does the French department at Yale offer to students?
+The French department at Yale offers a range of support to students, including language tutoring, conversation practice with native speakers, and academic advising. The department also provides students with opportunities to study abroad in France or other Francophone countries, and to participate in French-language cultural events and activities on campus.
What kind of career opportunities are available to students who major in French at Yale?
+Students who major in French at Yale have a wide range of career opportunities available to them. These may include careers in international business or finance, diplomacy or government, education or academia, journalism or media, or non-profit or humanitarian work. The French department at Yale also provides students with career counseling and job placement support to help them achieve their career goals.
