Political and economic realities today insure that no education can
be considered adequate without the ability to understand the perspective
of cultures other than our own. The French perspective affords students
three distinct features: a tradition of inquiry into the meaning, structure
and practice of Language; a history of thought, literature and fine arts
which has shaped the Western tradition; and the rich diversity of African,
North American and Asian cultures which still choose French as a primary
or secondary mode of expression.
With the goal of a global education in mind, the French Department
at Marist works closely with the Office
of International Education and the Modern Languages faculty to integrate
French studies into a comprehensive program of international exposure through
internships, interdisciplinary projects and the use of information technology.
Outline of the program
Beyond the general course requirements of the French program, two Major
tracks are open to students: the Literature track for students preparing
for teaching careers or graduate studies in French; and the Interdisciplinary
track designed to meet the demands of double major students by adapting
the language studies to a secondary field such as Business, Computer science
or Communications. A Minor is also offered. The
general distributive requirements for a concentration in French are
as follows:
A core curriculum of Language and Culture is shared by all Major and Minor
tracks.
The requirements for a single major in French are
39 credits, and must be earned in the Literature Track.
The requirements for a double major are 30 credits, and may be earned in
the Interdisciplinary Track or the Literature
Track.
Substituting general core requirements with French courses
Students taking foreign language courses should be aware that as many as
15 credits required in the college-wide core requirements (CORE/LS) may
all be replaced by courses in foreign language beyond the elementary level,
and in foreign culture or literature.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE SUBSTITUTION.
Up to two language courses can substitute for
up to two of the following:
the second 3 cr. course in Natural Science
the second 3 cr. course in Mathematics
the second 3 cr. course in History.
the second course in literature
FOREIGN CULTURE AND LITERATURE SUBSTITUTION
All foreign literature courses will satisfy the six credit
literature requirement of the Liberal Studies Core.
One course in a foreign culture (such as Contemporary
France) can substitute for one of the following:
the second course in History
the second course in Literature
Notes on special programs
A DOUBLE MAJOR WITH FRENCH should be planned preferably in the first
year. The abroad experience may be limited to only one semester, although
two is preferable and often possible when courses in the relevant major
are taught in France in the French language..
PSYCHOLOGY/SPECIAL EDUCATION MAJORS Students in Psychology/Special Education may minor in French but they
must plan very carefully and must have a good high school background which
permits them to start at the FREN 201 level.
Those students who wish to go abroad must do so in the Fall of sophomore
year.
FRENCH MAJORS IN SECONDARY EDUCATION follow the Literature track
for single majors. A two semester language and cultural experience is of
primary importance for a future teacher.
A French major in any of these three programs must carefully
design her/his academic program. No schedule should be made without consulting
with a member of the Department.
