2023-2024 Cal Poly Humboldt Catalog 
    
    Oct 07, 2024  
2023-2024 Cal Poly Humboldt Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

French and Francophone Studies, B.A.


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The French and Francophone Studies major emphasizes the use of the French language through a curriculum that closely relates the classroom to the Francophone world; that is, everywhere that French is spoken. Creating a personal environment, French-speaking faculty and students participate in film, creative writing, and cultural workshops and retreats. In small classroom settings students study the literature and culture of France and expand their horizons to cultures of such Francophone regions as West Africa, North Africa, Quebec, Louisiana, the Caribbean, and Vietnam. Visiting literary critics, artists, consular officials, and guests from various regions of the French-speaking world complement classroom studies. Videos, films, and computer software integral to the program are available on campus.

The program prepares students to read, understand, speak, and write the French language with advanced proficiency and to understand the rich fabric of Francophone cultures throughout the world. Courses focus on different themes each year, allowing students to gain an in-depth understanding of issues particularly relevant to their academic goals and future careers.

Students in the major are required to study abroad in France or in a Francophone country. There are many outstanding opportunities to complete this requirement in a meaningful way.

Throughout the world, French is one of the most significant languages of diplomacy, communication, and culture. At the same time, our French program recognizes that in the Francophone world, other languages and indigenous cultures have valuable alternative perspectives important for our students, as future national and global leaders, to understand and consider. For this reason, majors are also encouraged to study a second language spoken in a Francophone region, such as Arabic, Wolof, Pulaar, or Creole.

French and Francophone studies majors can work nationally and internationally in the following areas: non-governmental organization official or employee, interpreter, teacher, ESL teacher, foreign service diplomat, United Nations employee, foreign correspondent, travel agent, airline employee, international business person or banker, literary translator, Francophone country tour guide, museum curator (in conjunction with art history studies), import/ export business owner. In the new global economy, many other careers also demand the intercultural expertise acquired by French and Francophone studies majors.

The program prepares students to take advantage of many opportunities for volunteering in international organizations such as the Peace Corps.

Special Scholarship and Awards

The Department of World Languages and Cultures has three permanent scholarships and awards:

  • The Benavides-Garb Family International Travel Award
  • The Joe and Helen Bottino Memorial Travel Award
  • The Budig-Markin Family Francophone African Studies Award
  • The Frank B. Wood Scholarship

All language students are encouraged to apply for these important scholarships and awards to enhance language studies with an international residence. Visit the World Languages and Cultures website for further information. 

All students, with or without any previous French language background, are welcome to the program. Students without previous French language background will have the opportunity to acquire the language from the beginning, following the language course sequence: FREN 105 , FREN 106 , FREN 107 , and FREN 207 . Students with prior language background will have a head start on the major. Discuss your particular level with a faculty advisor.  

Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree


A bachelor’s degree requires a total of 120 units. Students must fulfill General Education & All-University Requirements , residency, unit, and GPA requirements as outlined in the Bachelor’s Degree Requirements . This major includes a Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) certified course.

Requirements for the Major (42 Units)


(includes required courses, major electives and study abroad)

Required Study Abroad


Complete an approved academic semester program abroad in France or in a Francophone country, equivalent to at least 12 units and normally lasting at least 10 weeks. Students are encouraged to efficiently plan their academic residency abroad to complete major and general education requirements. Program must be selected in consultation with and approved by the major advisor. Students are expected to complete their final semester in residence at Cal Poly Humboldt.

Students may study abroad for one summer semester, a regular semester, or one academic year with such programs as Humboldt’s faculty-led programs, the Cal Poly Humboldt Bilateral Exchange Program at the Université Paul Valéry Montpellier, France; CSU International Programs (IP) study abroad in Aix-en-Provence or Paris; or a semester program in Senegal. Study Abroad languages may be French, Arabic, Wolof, Pulaar, or another Francophone African or Caribbean language.

Cost of residency abroad varies according to program and world region. Be sure to understand the costs involved and plan ahead. Consult with the Center for International Programs.

Under exceptional circumstances the residency abroad requirement can be waived by the major advisor.

Program Learning Outcomes


Program Learning Outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program.

  1. Analysis, acknowledgement, and respect of cultural expressions and worldviews of others
  2. Be responsible, productive and compassionate global citizens in a fragile world
  3. Cultural and linguistic competency
  4. The ability to collaboratively formulate and solve problems
  5. Independent and critical thinking.

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