Retroactive Credit

Students are eligible to earn up to 14 retroactive credits for previous knowledge of French. This policy is for students who have completed a foreign-language skills course and who earned a B or better in that course. For example, if your first French skills course is FRN 102 and you receive an A or B, you can receive credit for FRN 101. Consult the Department of Modern Languages 216-687-4645 for further information.

Credit by Examination

Students who successfully pass the College Level Placement Examination (CLEP test) in French may earn 14 credit hours for previous knowledge of French. For information about the examination, eligibility, and dates when it is given, contact the Cleveland State Testing Center 216-687-2277. Students who receive a score of 3, 4, or 5 on the Advanced Placement French language examination may earn 18 credit hours for FRN (101, 102, 201, and 202).

Note that only courses at the 200-level and above may count toward a French major or minor.  See major and minor requirements below.

French Major

Students seeking a major in French must complete 36 credit hours in French above the 100 level, distributed as follows:

1. 8 credit hours of courses in composition-conversation (FRN 301, 402)
2. 4 credit hours of courses in literature (one of the following: FRN 371, 372, 375)
3. 4 credit hours in civilization (one of the following: FRN 344, 345)
4. A minimum of 28 credit hours at the 300- or 400-level
5. 2 courses in French at the 400-level, distributed as follows: FRN 402, plus one course at the 400 level taught in French (may be capstone)
6. 4 credit hour capstone course: FRN 441 or FRN 494
7. Among the 36 hours, no more than 8 hours of French courses may be at the 200 level

Transfer Students

Transfer students must complete at least 18 credit hours of the 36 required for the major in residence at Cleveland State University in order to earn a degree.

Major Credit

Up to 8 credit hours of English literature, practicum in language, independent study, literature in translation, or credit by examination may count toward the major.

No grade below C in a major course may count toward the major.

French Minor

A minor consists of 18 credit hours beyond the 100 level, of which 8 must be at the 300 level or above. Transfer students must complete 9 hours of the 18 required for the minor in residence at Cleveland State University. Students seeking a minor in French must have a departmental adviser to assist in the selection of courses. No grade below C in a minor course may count toward the minor.