At-a-Glance
Admissions to major: Completion of FRN 102 or equivalent
Minimum hours required for major: 36
Minimum hours required for minor: 18
Advising: Two designated faculty advisers; phone 216-687-4645
Student organization: Le club francophone de CSU
Additional information: Year and semester exchange programs to Clermont-Ferrand in France; summer study-abroad program in France. French government poste d’assistant to teach English in France
The French major, which leads to competence through a sequence of language skills courses, also includes coursework in the literature, culture and cinema of France and the French-speaking world. The French major curriculum provides a solid basis for students earning teaching licensure, continuing with graduate study, or pursuing any number of careers involving foreign language proficiency, critical thinking and cross-cultural understanding and communication skills. Our program offers study abroad options, an on-campus language club and other opportunities to interact with French-speakers outside of the classroom.
As the most widely taught second language in the world, after English, spoken in over 43 countries on five continents, French is considered a global language—an ideal choice for students preparing for a fulfilling life in today’s interconnected world. As the first Europeans to explore the Great Lakes, the French are also closely tied to the history of the Cleveland area which today boasts a number of French connections including an active French American Chamber of Commerce, and the Lafayette Archive, housed in the Cleveland State University library.
A student who has completed French course work in high school or at another institution and who wishes to continue the study of that language must begin course work for credit at the level consistent with her or his academic background. A placement test is required for all students with less than three years of high school French or the equivalent. Students who have had three or more years of previous study must consult with an adviser in the Department of Modern Languages to determine the appropriate level. As a general guideline, students who read and write French fluently must begin course work for credit at the 300-level or higher. Students considering a major in French must consult with an adviser in the Department of Modern Languages concerning projected plans of study.
Courses numbered from 100 to 114 in French generally emphasize development of performance skills, as do those at higher levels, in courses numbered 200 to 214, 300 to 314, and 400 to 414. Courses numbered 115 to 134 (and corresponding numbers at the upper levels) generally emphasize the nature of language. Courses numbered 135 to 164 (and corresponding numbers at the upper levels) generally emphasize the culture and history of specific languages. Courses numbered 165 to 189 (and corresponding numbers at the upper levels) generally emphasize the literatures of the specific languages. Courses numbered 190 – 199 (and corresponding numbers at the upper level) are independent study and specialized courses.
Retroactive Credit
Students are eligible to earn up to 14 retroactive credits for previous knowledge of French. This policy is for students who have completed a foreign-language skills course and who earned a B or better in that course. For example, if your first French skills course is FRN 102 and you receive an A or B, you can receive credit for FRN 101 . Consult the Department of Modern Languages 216-687-4645 for further information.
Credit by Examination
Students who successfully pass the College Level Placement Examination (CLEP test) in French may earn 14 credit hours for previous knowledge of French. For information about the examination, eligibility, and dates when it is given, contact the Cleveland State Testing Center 216-687-2277. Students who receive a score of 3, 4, or 5 on the Advanced Placement French language examination may earn 18 credit hours for FRN (FRN 101 , FRN 102 , FRN 201 , and FRN 202).
Note that only courses at the 200-level and above may count toward a French major or minor. See major and minor requirements below.