French as a foreign language is the second most frequently taught language in the world after English. It is an official language in 28 countries on five continents, and French is one of only two global languages (the other is English).
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.
French Major:
| Credits | ||
| ENG 101, ENG 102, PHI 101, RST 101 (4 courses) | (12) | |
| Area Studies: Two courses from each of these areas: I, II, IV, V, VI, VII (12 courses) |
(36) | |
| Major course requirements: (18 courses) | ||
| FRC 103-104 Introductory French I/II | (6) | |
| FRC 115-116 Advanced-Introductory French I/II | (6) | |
| FRC 215-216 Intermediate French I/II | (6) | |
| FRC 299 French Language Lab | ||
| FRC 323 Topics in Conversation I | (3) | |
| FRC 324 Topics in Conversation II | (3) | |
| FRC 331 Substance and Style: Effective Writing in French I | (3) | |
| FRC 332 Substance and Style: Effective Writing in French II | ||
| French electives: six courses | (18) | |
| Second language (intermediate level proficiency): four courses | (12) | |
| Electives (6 courses) | (18) | |
| Total (40 courses) | (122-124) | |
| Study Abroad: Minimum of four consecutive weeks |
For information regarding dual majors, click here
COURSES: 2007 - 2009
FRC 103-104 Elementary 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). (AS VIII) Prerequisite for FRC 104: C or better in FRC 103 or permission of chair. FRC 103 (Fall) and 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. (AS VIII). Prerequisites for FRC 115: C or better in FRC 104 or two-three years of high school French. However, if the last year you studied French was your sophomore year in high school and you received a C+ or lower, you will be placed into FRC 103. Prerequisite for FRC 116: C or better in FRC 115 or permission of chair. FRC 115 (Fall) and 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. Includes service-learning. (AS VIII) Prerequisite for FRC 215: C or better in FRC 116 or four-five years of high school French. However, if the last year you studied French was your junior year in high school and you received a C+ or lower, you will be placed into FRC 115. Prerequisite for FRC 216: C or better in FRC 215 or permission of chair. FRC 215 (Fall) and 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 (Fall) 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.
FRC 324 Topics in Conversation II (Spring) 3 v
A continuation of FRC 323. Exclusive use of French in class. Language lab required. Prerequisite: C or better in FRC 323.
FRC 331 Substance and Style: Effective Writing in French, I (Fall) 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.
FRC 332 Substance and Style: Effective Writing in French, II (Spring) 3 credits
A continuation of FRC 331. Exclusive use of French in class. Prerequisite: C or better in FRC 331.
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 216. Prerequisite for FRC 334: C or better in FRC 333. FRC 333 (Fall) and FRC 334 (Spring).
FRC 337 French History and Culture Through Film I (Fall) 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 216. Prerequisite for FRC 339: C or better in FRC 337.
FRC 339 French History and Culture Through Film II (Spring) 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.
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. (AS VIII) Prerequisite for FRC 341: C or better in FRC 216. Prerequisite for FRC 342: C or better in FRC 341. FRC 341 (Fall) and FRC 342 (Spring).
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
FRC 499 Independent Study 3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of chair.