Majors, minors & more
French Area and Culture Studies
College of Arts and Sciences
- Offered as:
- Major
- Minor
- Graduate program
Overview
The French/Francophone area and culture studies minor offers students courses on French culture and language. This minor can be ideal for students who want to expand their knowledge of other cultures and ways of life. The minor will teach students critical thinking skills and appreciation of the humanistic context of international cultures.
- Strengths of the program
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- An excellent complement to other disciplines, including business, communication, management and information systems, engineering, history, veterinary medicine, and agriculture.
- The Language Learning Resource Center provides the latest in language learning technology, such as access to almost 40 computers, two HD TVs with VCR and Blu-Ray DVD players, and the ability to check out other equipment. The Language Learning Resource Center has a fully trained staff on hand to provide assistance as needed.
- The school offers four different faculty-led study abroad programs for spring and summer. Study abroad during spring break in Guatemala or in the summer in Paris, Berlin, or Berlin/Austria. Learn more about faculty-led study abroad.
- Study abroad provides students a wide range of opportunities for adventuring, learning, and engaging with French language and culture. Visit the Office of International Programs Study Abroad Programs for more information.
- Scholarships are offered annually to new and ongoing students, and for study abroad. Visit the School of Languages, Cultures, and Race scholarship page.
- The department offers specialized language courses for students in business, the social sciences, engineering, and the sciences.
- WSU's program includes the study of literature, film, and traditions of foreign cultures to deepen intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and comprehension skills.
- Requirements and core courses
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Students planning to minor in French/Francophone area and culture studies must complete a total of 16 credits. Students must take FREN 203 for 4 credits and 12 credits from four approved courses.
If you have studied a foreign language before attending WSU, you may be eligible for up to eight advanced placement credits at no extra charge if you take a language course higher than 101 and attain a B or better in that course. Contact the School of Languages, Cultures, and Race for details.
Graduation requirements
See the WSU Catalog for degree requirements and talk with your academic advisor about planning and scheduling your courses. All students must meet requirements as outlined in the catalog in order to graduate.
- Scholarships and financial aid
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A variety of state, federal, and university-sponsored programs are available to help students with educational costs.
Washington State University awards millions of dollars in financial aid and scholarships to students every year based on financial need, academic merit, or a combination of the two.
To get all the financial help WSU can provide, start by doing these two things:
- Complete the University's general scholarship application so you can be eligible for scholarship consideration.
- Complete the FAFSA(Free Application for Federal Student Aid) so WSU can consider you for aid (scholarships, grants, loans, etc.) based on financial need. More about WSU scholarships and financial aid.
For language students
The School of Languages, Cultures, and Race awards numerous scholarships annually for new students, continuing students, and those pursuing study abroad. Visit the school's scholarship page for more information. Students in the major may also apply for more than $50,000 in scholarships awarded by the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). Visit the CAS website for more scholarship information.
- Careers
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Suggested strengths, interests, and preparation
- At least one year of French in high school is recommended.
- Willingness to explore other cultures is essential.
A major in French can be useful in various aspects of international business or service work that requires communication with clients who speak the French language in such places as Europe, Africa, and some provinces of Canada.
With additional study, a major in French can lead to work as a teacher of French at the high school or college/university level.
Marketable skills for any career
Proficiency in a foreign language can improve your value and broaden your options in almost any career you choose.
What you can do with a degree in foreign languages and cultures:
- Translation and interpreting services
- Customs and immigration
- Public relations
- Business
- Teaching
- Travel and tourism
- Law enforcement
- Health services
- Publishing, editing
- Communication
Skills you can market with a degree in foreign languages and cultures:
- Ability to speak languages other than English
- Cultural awareness and sensitivity
- Effective written and oral communication
- Reading and listening comprehension
- Critical analysis and problem solving
- Intellectual curiosity
- Ability to work solo or as a team member
- Time management and organization