Program Overview

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.

Tina Ranalli (Class of 1998) French and International Business: Worked for Ciba in Delaware and completed an M.A in French and German at the University of Delaware. She then obtained a Ph.D in French from the University of Pennsylvania and is assistant professor of French at Elmhurst College in Illinois.

Kurtis Eckard (Class of 2005) French and International Business: Worked for Corning Cable Systems European Headquarters in Berlin, Germany, serving French-speaking customers and will begin a Masters in Economic Development and International Finance in August 2013 at The Fletcher School of International Business at Tufts University.

Diana Dau (Class of 2010) French, Art and International Studies: Worked as administrative assistant for the Modern Foreign Language Dept., the Political Science Dept. and the Assistant Dean of Arts and Sciences at High Point University. She will begin a Masters in International Development at American University in August 2013.

Tamas Kovacs (Class of 2009) International Business with French minor: Will begin 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.

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.

Requirements for a B.A. in French & Francophone Studies (38 credits):

• FRE 2020 Intermediate French II
• FRE 2130 Readings in French
• FRE 4010 Advanced Grammar and Composition

Two of the following courses:

• FRE3030 Culture and Civilization of France
• FRE3040 France Today
• FRE3080 Francophone Cultures Outside of France

One of the following four-credit courses:

• FRE 3180 Business French
• FRE 3210 French Lit & Society I: Love & Honor
• FRE 3220 French Lit & Society II: Freedom & Identity
• FRE 3330 French Lit & Society III: Revolution & Metissage
• FRE 3400 Francophone Voices: French-speaking languages

One 2-credit course from the following:

• FRE 2150 Images, Texts and Visual Texts
• FRE 2090 Sounds of French
• FRE 2500 Conversation I
• FRE 3000 Advanced Conversation

Two of the following four-credit courses:

• GBS 3700 France and the Muslim World
• GBS 3730 West Africa and the Caribbean
• GBS 3750 French Cinema: Text and Culture
• GBS 3780 The French-Speaking World
• HST 3106 The French Revolution and Napoleon
• ART 2888 Art in Europe

One of the following:

• Research Option (FRE4900 or MFL4444)
• Experiential Learning Option (MFL4810)
• Study Abroad Option (1 semester in French-speaking country)