French connects you to the world.
French is a global language spoken on five continents by more than 200 million people in 43 different countries. French is one of the official languages in Europe, Africa, the Caribbean and Canada, Cleveland's “neighbor” and most important international trading partner. Knowledge of French prepares students to compete in the global economy and enhances career opportunities in many fields.

Cleveland's French connections.
French was integral to Cleveland's past and plays an important role in the city's present. The French were the first to explore the Great Lakes region. Today, Cleveland has an active French American Chamber of Commerce, attesting to the many business links between our city and France. Cleveland is home to an active French-speaking community including a large number of international students on the Cleveland State University campus. French music, art, theatre, film and opera are a regular part of the city's rich art scene.

Cleveland State University's French connections.
In addition to our major and minor programs in French, proficiency in French may be a required component for majors in music, art history, international relations and international business. The University has an active French club, and our library is home to the Lafayette archive, an important microfilm collection of more than 25,000 documents, attesting to the historic links between our country and France. Cleveland State offers year-long and summer study abroad opportunities with our partner schools in France. Internship possibilities in France are available for students studying French through the James J. Nance College of Business Administration, and for those interested in teaching English in French schools. Our College of Education and Human Services offers a M.Ed. with a specialization in French.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Why study a foreign language?
Speaking a second language increases your job opportunities and fosters appreciation of other people and cultures, a valuable asset in our global economy. The United States government is the country's largest employer of foreign language graduates. Over 1,200 French companies have subsidiaries in the United States. Companies who do business abroad identify knowledge of a second language and inter- cultural skills as among the most sought after employee qualifications.

What can you do with a degree in French?
Many students earning a degree in French become teachers, but a major or minor in French is also a natural choice for students in International Business, Black Studies, International Relations, Political Science, Law, Art History, Anthropology, Philosophy, Education, Music, Film Studies and Communication or for students pursuing graduate school.

What are Cleveland State University French Majors doing now?
Many of our graduates teach at private and public schools in the Cleveland area. Several are teaching English in France, and still others have gone on to earn graduate degrees in Library Science, Law, Sociology, Biology, French and Spanish. French majors from Cleveland State have found positions in international firms, in sales and banking, or have been hired in African francophone countries.

PROGRAM

Length of program: Students can earn a degree in French at Cleveland State in three or four years depending on previous study of the language. Students with previous study begin their course work at a more advanced level, and can receive up to 15 retro-credits for their high school coursework. Summer study abroad programs can also accelerate graduation. Students who participate in exchange programs with a French university can transfer the credits they earn. Students can usually complete degree requirements for double majors in four years.

Requirements: The major program requires a minimum of 36 credits of French above the 100-level, with a maximum of eight credits at the 200-level. Eight credits at the 400-level are also required. A minor consists of 18 credits, with 8 at the 300-level or above. Students acquire advanced proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, listening, and a broad knowledge of the French and Francophone world through the study of literature, film, media and culture. Requirements include French conversation and composition, surveys of French civilization and literature.

Electives include Phonetics, Film, Translation, special topics in literature and civilization and field study projects which may be part of a study abroad program.

A total number of 128 hours are required for the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in French. A total number of 36 hours of French courses above the 100 level are required for the major. All degree seeking students are required to complete a specific number of General Education (GenEd) courses. Students are responsible for ensuring the appropriate selection of courses to satisfy GenEd requirements and are encouraged to consult with their academic advisor regarding the applicability of selected courses. A comprehensive description of Cleveland State University's General Education Requirements for undergraduate students is available online at http://www.csuohio.edu/academic/gened/.

RECOMMENDED SEQUENCE FOR THE FRENCH MAJOR

Suggested program below is for students who have studied at least two years of French in high school. Students who are unsure of placement level should take the placement test or consult a French advisor. Advanced Placement or College Level Examination Program credits may also be an option.

First Semester FRN 201 Culture and Civilization Second Semester FRN 202 French for World Affairs or FRN 203 Readings in French Third Semester FRN 301 Advanced Conversation and Composition FRN 315 Phonetics Fourth Semester FRN 344 French Civ. (Middle Ages to Napoleon) or FRN 345 French Civ. (1900 to Present) Fifth Semester FRN 371 French Lit Survey I or FRN 372 French Lit Survey II Sixth Semester FRN 402 Adv. Sytlistics FRN 300/400 Level Special Topics Literature or Civilization Sixth and a Half Semester (Usually Summer) Study Abroad (Recommended but Optional.) (Offered every two years) FRN 340 Field Study FRN 393 / FRN 493 Civ.: Auvergne or Paris Seventh Semester FRN 365 Francophone Writers or FRN 375 Francophone Literature Eighth Semester FRN 300/400 Level Special Topics Literature or Civilization

Credits 4 Credits 4 4 Credits 4 4 Credits 4 4 Credits 4 4 Credits 4 4 Credits 4-6 4 Credits 4 4 Credits 4

For more information, contact:
Department of Modern Languages
Cleveland State University
2121 Euclid Avenue, RT 1619
Cleveland, OH 44115-2214
Phone: 216.687.4645
Fax: 216.687.4650
class.csuohio.edu/modernlanguages/

For official requirements for a degree in this major, see the Undergraduate Catalog for the academic year in which you were admitted to the University.