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Studying French at Canisius is especially important due to the college's close proximity to Canada where French is an official language. French is widely spoken in many industries including the financial world, science and technology, humanities and the social sciences. Interestingly, approximately 30 percent of English words are derived from French.
For post-graduate education, many graduate schools require knowledge of at least one foreign language. Knowing how to speak French, which is the most commonly used language after English, enriches lives and opens up unlimited opportunities.
Qualifications for the Major
All language courses applied to a language major or minor must be completed with a grade of C or better. Students must maintain a 2.00 GPA in their Major courses to be eligible to graduate with a degree in French. Students in language-education and dual-major programs are governed by the same requirements.
Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures Curriculum (French):
1. Core Curriculum Requirements:
Go to /academics/core.asp for the Core Curriculum requirements. All students complete these requirements as part of their overall Canisius education.
2. Major Requirements (10 courses)
| FRC 215 Advanced (I) | 3 credits | ||
| FRC 216 Advanced (II) | 3 credits | ||
| FRC 323 Conversation (I) with lab | 3 credits | ||
| FRC 324 Conversation (II) with lab | 3 credits | ||
| FRC 331 Substance and Style I | 3 credits | ||
| FRC 332 Substance and Style II | 3 credits | ||
| FRC Capstone or Major elective | 3 credits | ||
| Major Electives (3 Courses 300-400 level in the target language) | 9 credits | ||
3. Additional Requirements:
Study Abroad Requirement and Cultural Requirement (see descriptions below)
4. Free electives
Free electives are courses in addition to the Core Curriculum and major requirements sufficient to reach a minimum of 120 credit hours for graduation. Students may graduate with more but not less than 120 credit hours.
Study Abroad Requirement
Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures majors are required to study abroad for a minimum of four consecutive weeks in a formal pre-approved program in the target language. Canisius College maintains its own unique programs at the University of Lille (France); the University of Dortmund (Germany); Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Recht (Berlin, Germany); Katholische Universität Eichsatt (Eichstatt, Germany); the University of Oviedo (Spain); the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón (Puerto Rico); and the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo (Mexico). Education majors with a concentration in a Modern Language are highly encouraged to study abroad as well.
Other study abroad possibilities include, but are not limited to and are not necessarily pre-approved for study abroad credit for the Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures major, the Beijing Center (China), Lorenzo de Medici (Florence, Italy); Mediterranean Center for the Arts and Sciences in Sicily and John Cabot University in Rome; Sophia University (Tokyo, Japan); the University of Uppsala (Uppsala, Sweden); and the Academy of Fine Arts (Warsaw, Poland).
Students who choose to spend a semester abroad at a foreign university may count up to three courses as a Modern Language Core or Elective as long as these courses have been pre-approved by the chair of the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures. Students who spend more than one semester studying at a foreign university of universities may count an additional two courses as a Modern Language Core or Elective. Exceptions to these rules will require special permission from the chair of the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures. Credits for short programs abroad are determined by the number of contact hours.
As a general rule, students must complete the 215-216 sequence or the equivalent and one 300-level course at Canisius College prior to studying at a foreign university. Consultation with a Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures academic major advisor is required prior to study abroad. It is expected that students will complete at least one course in the major upon return to Canisius College.
Eligible students, whether majors or not, are also encouraged to participate in one or more of the non-academic summer internships that are maintained by the college in France, Germany, Mexico and Spain.
Atlantis Program is a special opportunity for business majors to earn a Canisius degree and a European degree at IECS School of Management/Robert Schuman University in Strasbourg, France or at the University of Antwerp in Belgium. This is a thirteen-month program divided between Antwerp and Strasbourg and includes a monthly living allowance of $1,200.00 to qualified program participants.
Cultural Requirement
Over the course of the semester, each student in the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures in courses 103 and above will participate in or attend two cultural events or activities outside of regular class time. One of them must be related to the culture of the language under study. The second should at least have a multicultural character.
A current list of events acceptable in fulfillment of the cultural requirement will be posted electronically and updated weekly by the Modem Languages Department. Suggestions by students are welcome.
Dual Major
Language study lends itself uniquely to the concept of the dual major. Students may combine language programs with virtually any major, but of particular interest and practicality are dual majors with international business, international relations, communication, economics, marketing-management, philosophy, history, English, political science, art history, biology and chemistry.
Dual majors in French and another department must complete FRC 215-216, 323-324, 331-332 plus four French electives. Dual majors in two languages must complete FRC 215-216, 323-324 and 331-332 in both languages plus four electives in their primary language and two electives in their secondary language.
Education Majors with Language Concentration
Education majors fall into three separate tracks: those with a concentration in a Modern Language at the K-6 levels (Early Childhood and Childhood) are required to take a total of ten language courses beginning at a minimum of the 215-216 level; those with a concentration in a Modern Language at the secondary levels (Adolescence Education) are required to take a total of twelve language courses beginning at a minimum of the 215-216 level; and, those with a dual major in any Education track and a Modern Language are required to take a total of twelve language courses beginning at a minimum of the 115-116 level.
Placement into Courses
Foreign language placement is determined by how many years of a language were studied between the ninth and twelfth grades. Initial language placements may be changed during the first week of classes.
- 0 years studied=103 (Novice-low level).
- 1 year studied=115 (Novice-mid and high level). However, if the last year you studied that language was during your junior year in high school and you received a C or lower, you will be placed into 103.
- 2-3 years studied=215 (Intermediate-low and mid level). However, if the last year you studied that language was during your junior year in high school and you received a C or lower, you will be placed into 115.
- 4-5 years studied=300 level (Intermediate-high level).
- AP scores of 3=Fulfills a two-semester language sequence at the 115-116 level.
- AP scores of 4 or 5=Fulfills two-semester language sequence at the 215-216 level.
- College Credit Programs refer to admission guidelines.
- CLEP credits=Refer to admission guidelines.
- Transfer students=See appropriate associate dean and department chair.
If advisors and students have concerns about the placement guidelines, they are encouraged to consult with DML faculty.
Native Speaker
Native speakers of languages other than English receive a language requirement waiver if they are able to provide documentation of their native speaker status. Examples of documents include, but are not limited to, a school diploma received from a country where the language of instruction is not English or an internationally recognized examination certifying language abilities.
Native speakers of French may be allowed to replace one or more of the required 300-level courses with a 300- or 400-level major elective, upon consultation with their departmental advisor. Second language proficiency is required ONLY for graduate-track majors, although it is strongly advised for language-education majors.
COURSES: 2009 – 2011
FRC 103-104 Introductory French 6 credits
Reading, writing, listening and speaking. Introduction to French culture. Almost exclusive use of French in class. Supplemented by required aural-oral practice in Language Laboratory (FRC 299). Prerequisite for 104: Grade of C of better in FRC 103 or permission of chair. FRC 103 Fall; FRC 104 Spring
FRC 115-116 Advanced-Introductory French 6 credits
Continued development in writing, listening, speaking and especially reading French literary and cultural material. Comprehensive grammar review. Almost exclusive use of French in class. Lab required. Prerequisites for FRC 115: C or better in FRC 104 or two years of high school French Prerequisite for FRC 116: C or better in FRC 115 or permission of chair. FRC 115 Fall; FRC 116 Spring
FRC 215-216 Intermediate French 6 credits
This course is designed as a thorough review of grammatical structures. Also emphasized is the building of vocabulary, increasing competence in the four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) and gaining an overview of Francophone cultures. Exclusive use of French in class. Prerequisites for FRC 215: C or better in FRC 116 or four years of high school French. Prerequisite for FRC 216: C or better in FRC 215 or permission of chair. FRC 215 Fall; FRC 216 Spring
FRC 299 French Language Lab 0 credits
Students enrolled in FRC 103-104, 115-116, 323-324 must register for one hour per week practice in Language Lab. Prerequisite: Registration for one or more of courses listed above.
FRC 300 Intermediate Internship, in France 3 credits
Comparative study of a designated aspect of popular culture in France. For students who have not yet completed FRC 331. Prerequisite: Permission of chair.
FRC 323 Topics in Conversation I 3 credits
Contemporary communication skills emphasized in general exploration of contemporary culture of the Francophone world. Exclusive use of French in class. Phonetics may be included. Language lab required. Prerequisite: C or better in FRC 216. Fall
FRC 324 Topics in Conversation II 3 credits
A continuation of FRC 323. Exclusive use of French in class. Language lab required. Prerequisite: C or better in FRC 323 or permission of chair. Spring
FRC 331 Substance and Style: Effective Writing in French I 3 credits
Distinguishing and producing effective writing of different types: essay, correspondence, description, report Exclusive use of French in class. Prerequisite: C or better in FRC 216. Fall
FRC 332 Substance and Style: Effective Writing in French II 3 credits
A continuation of FRC 331. Exclusive use of French in class. Prerequisite: C or better in FRC 331 or permission of chair. Spring
FRC 333-334 Survey of French and Francophone Literature I/II 6 credits
Selected readings of literary works from France and other French-speaking countries. Exclusive use of French in class. Prerequisite for FRC 333: C or better in FRC 324 and 332 or permission of chair. Prerequisite for FRC 334: C or better in FRC 333 or permission of chair. FRC 333 Fall; FRC 334 Spring
FRC 337 French History and Culture Through Film I 3 credits
Via feature-length films and documentaries, the history and culture of France are explored. An emphasis is placed on how France’s history and culture impact its current policies on international relations. Exclusive use of French in class. Prerequisite for FRC 337: C or better in FRC 324 and 332 or permission of chair. Fall
FRC 339 French History and Culture Through Film II 3 credits
A continuation of FRC 337. Via feature-length films and documentaries, selected topics in contemporary issues of French and Francophone societies are explored. Exclusive use of French in class. Prerequisite for FRC 339: C or better in FRC 337 or permission of chair. Spring
FRC 341-342 Advanced French for Business I & II 6 credits
Advanced aural/oral and writing skills needed for working in a French-speaking environment. Via the case-study method, practical situations, technical vocabulary and correspondence are highlighted. Exclusive use of French in class. Preparation for the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de Paris Examination. Prerequisite for FRC 341: C or better in FRC 324 and 332 or permission of chair. Prerequisite for FRC 342: C or better in FRC 341 or permission of chair. FRC 341 Fall; FRC 342 Spring
FRC 350 Tour de l’Amérique du Nord: Following the French in North America 3 credits
Exploration of the rich history of the French in North America from the time of Nouvelle France (the era of Samuel de Champlain, the Huron-Wendat, les coureurs des bois, Marguerite Bourgeoys, Jeanne Mance, and les Filles du Roi), La Guerre de Conquête (England defeats France and gains control of Quebec), and Le Grand Dérangement (the uprooting of the Acadian People) to the present day reemergence of language reacquisition among the multiple Franco-American communities in the United States. Prerequisite for FRC 350: C or better in FRC 324 and 332 or permission of chair.
FRC 351 Junior French Seminar & Special Topics 3 credits
Intensive analysis of selected literary works. Research paper required. Exclusive use of French in class. Prerequisite: C or better in FRC 324 and FRC 332 or permission of chair.
FRC 400 Advanced Internship, in France 3 credits
Comparative study of a designated aspect of culture in France. For students who have already completed FRC 331/332. Prerequisite: Permission of chair.
FRC 451 French Seminar & Special Topics 3 credits
Intensive analysis of culture and/or selected literary themes. Research paper required. Exclusive use of French in class. Discipline specific topics according to course instructor. Prerequisite: C or better in FRC 324 and FRC 332 or permission of chair.
FRC 499 Independent Study 3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of chair.