Minor
The program for Minors in French consists of 8 courses, as follows:
- At least two courses in language above 201, including:
- 202
- One advanced language course chosen from 300-309, 391, 393.
- At least three courses in literature and culture above 201 including:
- 210 or 211
- 271, 272, or 273
- One 300-level course chosen from 310-367 or 380-390.
- One additional 300-level course in literature and culture (310-390) or chosen from the following language and culture courses: 309 and 391.
- Two elective courses in language or literature and culture at the 200 or 300-level.
- No more than one French Department course in English at the 300 level may be counted toward the minor. Courses in English at the 200 level do not count toward the minor.
Exceptions and Waivers
For students who start French studies at Northwestern in the beginning or intermediate series (111, 115 or 121-1), the prerequisite course 201 may be substituted for one of the two additional courses in language or literature/culture at the 200 or 300 level taught in French. Students with an AP of 5 or departmental advanced placement who begin work at an advanced level and skip 202 may waive one course at the 200-level. In this case, their total course requirement for the French minor will be 7 courses.
Transfer Credits
Transfer Students: If you have placed out of the language requirement and are interested in discussing the possibilities for transfer credits toward the major or the minor, please contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies. These decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
Study Abroad
Students returning from study abroad in French-speaking locations may apply credit to the French minor for up to two eligible courses for an intensive summer program, three courses for fall semester, four for winter/spring semester, and seven for a year-long program. Eligible courses are those that are taught in French and pertain to France and the Francophone world. They may be based in the humanities or social sciences, inclusive of topics in French language, literature, culture, art, history, society, philosophy and politics, among others. French minors who study abroad may fulfill the 300-level advanced language course requirement with a language course taken abroad or request a waiver in the event that they have attained a high degree of French proficiency while abroad. Final decisions on course transfer credit for the major are made by the DUS upon review of course syllabi and assignments. Students are advised to discuss the issue of course credit with the DUS before applying to study abroad.
Native Speakers
Students with native proficiency in French are eligible to waive the two required language classes (French 202 and one 300-level French language class) providing they can demonstrate advanced proficiency in writing. In this case, their total course requirement for the minor will be six courses. See the DLP and Placement Advisor for details on verifying proficiency.
Residency Requirement
At least two courses for the minor must be completed at Northwestern.
The French Minor Declaration Form
The minor declaration form can also be found in the Policies and Forms section of the Weinberg website, Undergraduate -> Advising and Support -> Policies, Procedures and Forms:
https://www.weinberg.northwestern.edu/undergraduate/major-minor/choosing-declaring.html