Getting Started (Majors Guide)

College: HFA

 (Revised Spring 2018)  

How to Explore / Get Started in the Major

Suggested General Education Courses

Under the new guidelines students are still required to take two courses, one in U.S. Diversity and one in Global Diversity. Students entering in Fall 2018 are expected to take one of these diversity courses, either U.S. or Global, in their first year on campus.  For Fall 2018 Registration, look for courses with DU (formerly U) and DG (formerly G) to help students stay on track.  Any course labled DU will satisfy the requirement for a U.S. diversity course and any course labeled DG will satisfy the the requirement for Global diversity course. Course planning guidelines, including guidelines for students, are available at www.umass.edu/gened.

Suggested Major and Pre-requisite Courses

Proficiency in French at the intermediate level (FRENCHST 230 or the equivalent) is required to declare the major. 

Students are required to take the French Language Placement Exam online through OWL for placement.

How to Declare the Major

Interested students are advised to see the Chief Undergraduate Advisor, Professor Eva Valenta, as soon as possible to declare the major and learn about the flexible options available to them in planning their programs.

Summary of Requirements for the Major

Minimum total # of credits required: 36

Students must demonstrate proficiency at the intermediate level by achieving a grade of “B+” in FRENCHST 240. Students who do not do this must complete FRENCHST 250.

A maximum of six credits of courses at the intermediate level (240, 250, 273, 285) may be counted towards the thirty-six credits required for the major. All other courses must be at the 300-level or above with a specific distribution of courses in language, literature and culture. 

NOTE: Students planning to teach French at the secondary level should contact the Foreign Language Teacher Training Program Director, Professor Rhonda Tarr, and apply formally through the STEP Program at the School of Education in 125A Furcolo Hall. The application should be submitted as early as possible in order to plan the program, which includes both the foreign language major and the necessary courses in Education.

Is there a minor? If so what are the requirements?
Yes. A total of five courses (15 credits) are required for the minor, distributed as follows:

  • FRENCHST 240 with a grade of “B+” or better or FRENCHST 250.
  • A year-long sequence consisting of FRENCHST 371 Advanced Grammar and Composition I followed by FRENCHST 473 Advanced Grammar and Composition II
  • Two other courses at the 300-level or above in French or Francophone culture, civilization or literature.
  • Students should declare the French minor only once they are enrolled in the last course (or courses) required for completion.

For further information, contact:
Professor Eva Valenta
321 Herter; 545-6545
evalenta@frital.umass.edu