Program Overview
“The foreign language department is amazing at fulfilling the ‘extraordinary’ standards at High Point University with many courses and incredible professors to educate us on areas elsewhere in this world.”
– Claire Allison, 2013 graduate
French is a world language, spoken and studied on every continent. The major in French and Francophone Studies at High Point University helps you discover the cultures of France and of French-speaking areas around the world, including North Africa, West Africa, Québec, the Caribbean, Belgium, Switzerland, Southeast Asia.
Students may spend a semester studying French language and culture at the prestigious Sorbonne University in Paris or studying business at the Ecole Supérieur de Commerce in Pau in the South of France. Students may also take a summer program with an internship in Marseilles or Dijon.
A Focused Curriculum
High Point University’s French department is committed to helping students develop the skills needed for effective communication in the French culture. Instructors use French in class, creating a natural environment in which students hear, speak, read and write French. The department strives to prepare students to be effective members of the global community by helping them develop an international outlook.
The study of culture is emphasized throughout the curriculum. Instruction incorporates a variety of technologies, including off-satellite programming (such as news broadcasts and documentaries) in French, use of the Internet, films and other video components. The French instructors have been intentional in creating an up-to-date curriculum that prepares students for careers in the international arena, while giving them a solid foundation in the language and cultures of France and the francophone world. In addition to the traditional courses in literature, conversation, grammar, reading and civilization, students can take courses in film, current events and business French.
Students also have the opportunity to take courses focusing on France and the Muslim world, as well as West Africa and the Caribbean. Students can also take a course in which they analyze visual texts and learn to create their own visual texts.
While many alumni have pursued graduate study in fields such as French, international affairs, international business, international development, education administration, politics and teaching english to speakers of other languages, others have chosen to go directly into the work environment.
Featured Graduate Profile:
 |
Luiza Fogaca, ’14 – International Sales Associate for furniture company Schnadig and Caracole in High Point “I started to take French out of curiosity, but Dr. Head’s class challenged me in many ways that I decided to turn it in my minor and I loved it.” |
Tina Ranalli (Class of 1998) French and International Business: Worked for Ciba in Delaware after graduation. Completed M.A in French and German at the University of Delaware and Ph.D in French from the University of Pennsylvania. Ranalli is currently an adjunct teaching professor of French and Global Perspectives at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, MA.
Kurtis Eckard (Class of 2005) French and International Business: Worked for Corning Cable Systems European Headquarters in Berlin, Germany, pursuing a Masters in Economic Development and International Finance at The Fletcher School of International Business at Tufts University.
Diana Dau (Class of 2010) French, Art and International Studies: Enrolled in the Masters program in International Development at American University. Dau began service in the Peace Corps in August 2014 in the Dominican Republic, where she serves as Youth Development Promoter.
Tamas Kovacs (Class of 2009) International Business with French minor: Enrolled in the Masters program in Economic Analysis at the University of Pannonia in Veszprem, Hungary, in June 2013.
Heidi Fischer (Class of 2003) French and International Business: Completed a Masters degree in International Affairs at American University in May 2005 and is employed as Director of Study Abroad at High Point University.
Alyssaa Turano (Class of 2011) French and International Studies: Works as legislative aide for Kara Hahn, Suffolk County Legislator of the 5th District on Long Island.
Anush Djaniants (Class of 2002) French and International Business: Works as Communication Specialist in the Retirement and Institutional Services of BB&T in Falls Church, VA.
Rebecca Vincent (Roehrich) (Class of 2002) French and International Studies: Completed a Masters degree in Conflict Resolution at George Mason University and works as Membership and Programming Manager with the World Affairs Council at UNC Charlotte.
Emily Vairo (Class of 2013) French and International Business: Employed in Manhattan as financial associate for Group M, an international media buying and planning agency. Began the Masters program in French at Middlebury College in Middlebury, VT in August 2014.
Tabatha Davis (Class of 2010) French and Biology. Attending medical school at the Medical University of SC in Charleston.
Jillian Leahy (Class of 2013) International Business with French minor: Awarded a job through the French Ministry of Education to teach English to high school students in Châteaudun in the Loire Valley in France.
The Department of Modern Foreign Languages offers the B.A. degree in French and Francophone Studies. To graduate from High Point University with this degree, students must complete the following:
B.A. in French and Francophone Studies
| Major Requirements |
38 credits |
| University Core Requirements |
50 credits |
| Electives |
40 credits |
TOTAL
|
128 credits
|
Requirements for a B.A. in French & Francophone Studies (38 credits):
A. Core (14 Credits):
- FRE 2020 – Intermediate French (4)
- FRE 2130 – Readings in French (4)
- FRE 2140 – Grammar Review (2)
- FRE 4010 – Advanced Grammar and Composition (4)
B. Culture and Civilization (8 Credits):
- FRE 3030 – Culture and Civilization of France (4)
- FRE 3040 – France Today (4)
- FRE 3080 – Francophone Cultures Outside of France (4)
C. Electives (4 Credits):
- One 4-Credit course in French selected from:
- Literature courses
- FRE 3180 – Business French
- FRE 3150 (Contemporary French Culture Through Films)
- a culture and civilization course not selectedfrom section B above
or
- Two 2-credit courses selected from the following:
- FRE 2150 – Images, Texts, and Visual Texts (2)
- FRE 2090 – Sounds of French (2)
- FRE 2500 – Conversation I (2)
- FRE 3000 – Advanced Conversation (2)
D. An additional 8 credits selected from the following (8 Credits)
- GBS 3700 – France and Muslim World (4)
- GBS 3730 – West Africa and the Caribbean (4)
- GBS 3750 – French Cinema: Text and Culture (4)
- GBS 3780 – The French-Speaking World (4) (Cannot be taken if the student received credit for FRE 3080)
- HST 3106 – The French Revolution and Napoleon (4)
- ART 2888 – Art in Europe (4) (Only if the experience is in France)
- Any French Studies course taken through an approved study abroad program in a French-speaking country (4)
- Any other 4-credit 3000-level French course not selected in B and C above
E. One of the following capstone courses/ experiences (4 Credits)
- Research Option – FRE 4990 or MFL 4444 (4)
- Experiential Learning Option – MFL 4810 (A 4-credit internship experience related to the student’s major course of study undertaken during the senior year. Credit is subject to departmental approval.)
- Student Abroad Option – A semester abroad program in a French-speaking country undertaken in the junior or senior year. Hours used to fulfill this requirement may not satisfy other requirements in the major. All courses taken abroad must be at the 3000 level & must be taught in French.
Note: The major requires 34 credits if a student begins at a level higher than FRE 2020.
Students are encouraged to continue their study of foreign language through a semester or a year abroad. Home-stay options are available for an intensive language study. Students should begin planning with their academic advisor early in their sophomore year. Additionally some short-term faculty-led programs (Maymesters) are available.
