French | Romance Studies

Study French at Boston University

Located in the heart of one of the most vibrant cultural centers in the United States, Boston University’s French Studies program offers students of all levels a rich experience in reading and interpreting a wide variety of literary, cinematic, linguistic, and cultural texts. A rigorous undergraduate language and literature program, supported by the Geddes Language Center, a superb language-learning facility, and closely keyed to multiple study abroad programs in Paris, all prepare students to come to “inhabit” the French cultural heritage and to enter a variety of professions in which a deep knowledge of French language and culture will be required.

As for cinema studies, the department annually hosts the French film festival and students can also take advantage of the Boston Museum of Fine Art’s French film festival and frequent special programs at the Harvard Film Archive. Other important university resources include the Mugar Library and its Howard Gotlieb Collection of rare books and documents.

Overview of the Program

All majors must complete 12 courses, and each minor must complete 6.Out of these courses, majors must fulfill each of the distributional requirements outlined below.

French Major Guide

French Minor Guide

To Declare a Major or Minor in French, please click here and follow the instructions based on your current school or college.

Resources

French Major Worksheet

French Minor Worksheet

Learning Outcomes

Proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, and the understanding of spoken French, at the advanced-low level as measured by ACTFL guidelines, and the ability to use these skills in a range of academic and everyday situations
Advanced knowledge of French and Francophone literature and film, in several genres, with attention to its historical or cultural context
The capacity to read critically and closely, to interpret texts, and to evaluate arguments about literary and cultural texts and topics
The ability to formulate an organized, well-supported argument in writing; to write clearly and persuasively; and to observe ethical and precise citation practices