The French Studies major may choose either a literature or a culture concentration.
For both the literature and culture concentration, majors must enroll in at least 4 units in the department during their senior year; this course can be the Senior Seminar (FREN 490) or an independent study during one or both semesters.
Literature Concentration
Particularly recommended for students interested in further study of French language and Francophone cultures (7 courses).
| FREN 202 | Introduction to Literary Analysis/Advanced Composition and Grammar | 4 |
| Six additional courses above FREN 202 | |
One course (4 units) can be in literary theory or linguistics.
A maximum of 3 courses can be taken outside of the department, including courses abroad.
Culture Concentration
Recommended for students with near-native language skills in speaking, writing, and reading French (7 courses).
| FREN 202 | Introduction to Literary Analysis/Advanced Composition and Grammar | 4 |
| Six additional courses above FREN 202 | |
Three courses must be taught by faculty in the French section at Occidental College.
One course can be in linguistics.
Students may choose one course (by petition) in literature, art, history, music, or politics from other departments to be applied to the major.
A maximum of 3 courses can be taken outside of the department, including courses abroad.
WRITING REQUIREMENT
Students majoring in French will satisfy the final component of Occidental's college-wide writing requirement with the submission of their translation portfolio (see Comprehensive Requirements below) which consists of two essays in English and one in French. Students should familiarize themselves with the departmental requirement at the time of declaring the major. See the Writing Program and the department chair for additional information.
COMPREHENSIVE REQUIREMENT
The comprehensive requirements in French consists of components, three of which are completed through coursework: proficiency in grammar and competency in textual analysis (with a score of 85% or higher in FREN 202) and proficiency in translation (with a score of 85% or higher in FREN 350). Students complete the final two components of the comprehensive requirements during the senior year: an oral presentation and a written essay (either a dissertation en temps limité or a senior thesis). Majors can also complete the comprehensive requirements in the Senior Seminar.
HONORS
Majors in the department with an overall GPA of 3.25 may qualify for Honors at graduation through a distinguished comprehensive thesis or examination. See the Honors Program and consult the major advisor and chair for details by the end of the fall semester, junior year.