Courses and Curriculum

To see a complete course listing with descriptions, click here.

As the second most frequently taught foreign language in the world after English, French is clearly a global language. French cultural, economic and diplomatic influence is felt not only in the U.S. where over 1.9 million speak the language at home, but in many parts of the world. French is the foreign language spoken by our largest trading partner (Canada), and is also the language of more than 300 million native and secondary speakers in 44 francophone countries, and the only language other than English spoken in five continents. The study of the French language and literature and French culture and history, is an essential element in the understanding of the meaning of Western civilization, and the appreciation of the francophone world and heritage.

To see a complete course listing with descriptions, click here.

French Major 33 Hours

(click here to apply for a major online)

Core Courses
1. Required:

  • French 313: French Conversation and Composition
  • French 314: French Conversation and Composition
  • French 350*: Intensive Conversation and Composition

NOTES: 1) Some French majors may be exempt from this requirement by permission of the department chair. 2) Native speakers may be required, upon instructor's approval, to substitute FREN 313, 314, and 350 with a 400-level course. 3) French 350 may be taken in lieu of 313 and 314 combination, and is usually available in study abroad programs.

2. Three courses selected from the following:

  • FREN 322 Survey of Literature I
  • FREN 323 Survey of French Literature II
  • FREN 324 French Civilization and Literature
  • FREN 325 French Civilization and Literature

3. Four courses (at 400-level) selected from this category:
At least, two of these courses must be in a century category (French 431-438) and/or genre category (French 443-499). NOTE: Normally, students may not have more than six hours total of directed reading or independent studies.

4. Two electives required in this category.
Note: The courses must be from the 300 and or 400 level. Students should consult with their advisor to choose courses to meet this requirement.

International Business Requirements

In addition to the above core requirements, students seeking a degree in International Business or a minor in Language and International Business must, in consultation with the director, complete two of the following courses as part of their requirements:

  • FREN 380 Le Concept de Marketing
  • FREN 381 French for World Business I
  • FREN 382 French for World Business II

French Teacher Certification Requirements

In addition to the above core requirements, students seeking teacher certification must complete the following courses as part of their French major requirements:
FREN 341 Phonetics and Language Study
FREN 342 Advanced Grammar
FREN343 or 361 La France Contemporaine/Current Issues in France

Teacher Education Program

After declaration of a major in Latin, French, German, or Spanish, students interested in teacher certification in foreign language must meet with the director of certification and clinical practice, School of Education, 953-5613. Students should apply for acceptance into this program no later than the second semester of their sophomore year.

Candidates in all languages must meet with Shawn Morrison, 418 J.C. Long Building, morrisonsh@cofc.edu, for additional information as soon as possible.

Requirements include admission to and successful completion of the approved Teacher Education Program, passing score on PRAXIS II Written and Speaking Tests, and passing an oral proficiency interview with a rating of "Advanced Low."

Requirements for specific languages and education courses can be obtained at: http://arachne.cofc.edu/edfs/Worksheets/edfs_worksheets.htm

French Minor 18 hours

(click here to apply for a minor online)

At least nine hours in the minor at the 300 level or above must be earned at the College of Charleston.

1. One Course Required:

  • FREN 313 French Conversation and Composition I
  • FREN 314 French Conversation and Composition II

NOTES: 1) Some French majors may be exempt from this requirement by permission of the department chair. 2) Native speakers may be required, upon instructor's approval, to substitute FREN 313 or 314 with a 400-level course.

2. One course selected from:

  • FREN 322 323: Survey Courses
  • FREN 323-324: Civilization Courses

3. Three electives from the 300-level (including but not limited to those listed above) and/or 400-level courses

4. One literature or course from the 400 level

NOTE: For the minor to count toward the International Business major, at least two of the following courses must be completed.

  • FREN 380 Le Concept de Marketing
  • FREN 381 French for World Business I
  • FREN 382 French for World Business II