French

The Department of French and Francophone Studies offers an A.B. Degree in French and a minor in French.

French majors at Georgetown enjoy a number of opportunities that enable them to achieve among the highest levels of linguistic and cultural competency in respect to their peers at other top-tier universities.  After achieving linguistic proficiency, French majors develop an in-depth critical appreciation of French and Francophone cultures and literatures; they acquire the tools to analyze and interpret texts; and they continue to refine their linguistic knowledge through the exploration of a rich variety of content areas.  Eligible French majors also have the opportunity to write a Senior Honors Thesis, which serves as a capstone for their studies and allows them to consolidate and further refine their research and writing skills.

Students should select appropriate courses in consultation with their advisors and the Director of Undergraduate Studies, particularly with reference to their overall academic and career goals.

Major in French

Requirements for the A.B. in French

10 French courses (unless lower placement requires additional language study), consisting of:

  • 2 Intensive Advanced (FREN-111 and 112)
  • 2 Gateway to Culture/Literature (FREN-250 and 251)
  • 6 Upper-Division Electives including at least one from the pre-1800 Literature group, one from the post-1800 Literature group, one from the Culture and Civilization group, and one from the post-advanced Language group (including courses in Linguistics, History/Development of the Language, Performance, and French for Professional Purposes). 

Please note:

  • AP credits count toward the major. See AP section of the Bulletin for details.
  • At least 5 of the 10 required courses have to be taken at Georgetown.
  • French 151 and French 161 do not count toward the major.
  • A minimum of 4 of the 6 upper-division electives must be at the 300-400 levels. At least two of these 300-400 level courses must be taken at Georgetown. 

Integrated Writing Requirement

Because writing is integrated and emphasized across our curriculum, students will fulfill the integrated Writing Requirement through the fulfillment of major requirements.

Study Abroad Requirement

French majors are normally required to study in a French or Francophone university during their undergraduate years in the context of a one-semester, full-academic year, or intensive summer program. Georgetown offers excellent programs in France and Francophone countries–many of which require direct matriculation and must meet the overseas studies standards and guidelines established by the Office of Global Education. 

The Department of French and Francophone Studies also sponsors a six-week dual-track summer study program in Tours-Paris: all students complete a two-week culture integration workshop in Tours, following which some students continue language/culture study in Tours and others pursue a politics and business program in Paris. See the Study Abroad section of this Bulletin concerning university regulations and the Study Abroad section of the Department of French and Francophone Studies Website for credit transfer guidelines.

Minor in French

Students majoring in other subjects are welcome to minor in French. French minors achieve proficiency in the French language and then further develop their understanding of the French and Francophone world. By complementing their primary fields of study with a French minor, students will bolster their linguistic, cultural, and literary knowledge and further their exploration of the humanities. Students’ enhanced exposure to French and Francophone cultures comes coupled with more refined writing, research, and critical thinking abilities. 

Requirements for the Minor

Students minoring in French must take a total of six French classes, beginning at the Intermediate Level or above, including at least one Gateway course (250 or 251).

Following the Advanced Level, the typical progression to the minor is as follows: students completing (non-intensive) FREN-102 will take FREN-151 before enrolling in Gateway 250 or 251; students completing (intensive) FREN-112 will enroll directly in Gateway 250 or 251.

Additional notes:

  • AP credits count toward the minor. See AP section of the Bulletin for details.
  • At least three of the six required courses have to be taken at Georgetown.
  • French-161 (Topics for Oral Proficiency) does not count toward the minor.

Please click here to see our Guidelines for Credit Transfer from Study Abroad. 

The E. Joseph McCarthy Scholarships

These awards have been established to support overseas study or internship experiences for Georgetown students.  All awards are based on need and merit.

Semester or Academic Year Abroad:

For French majors and minors only.  These scholarships support students enrolled in a GU study abroad program in France or a Francophone country.  Eligible French majors may receive up to $6,000 in scholarship support and eligible French minors up to $4,000.

Summer Study Abroad in Tours and Tours/Paris:

For all undergraduate students enrolled in Georgetown French courses.  Eligible applicants will be awarded scholarships of up to $2,500 for the GU summer programs in Tours and Tours/Paris.

John Carroll Summer Internships in Saint-Omer:

For all undergraduate students enrolled in Georgetown French courses.  Eligible applicants will receive up to $1,500 of support for travel expenses related to the John Carroll Saint-Omer Internship program.

If you have questions, please contact Prof. Andrew Sobanet, Chair of the E. Joseph McCarthy Committee, at ajs43@georgetown.edu. Please see the E.Joseph McCarthy Scholarships for Overseas Study (new window) for application forms and complete information.

European Studies Certificate

See the European Studies Certificate section in the Bulletin.

African Studies Certificate

See the African Studies Certificate section in the Bulletin.