Department of French and Italian

French Major

In our increasingly interdependent global community, French continues to be a critically important language. According the the Ministry of Culture and Francophonie in Paris, French ranks as the fourth most commonly spoken language in the world, with around 450 million speakers (after Mandarin -1.4 billion, Hindi - 900 million, English - 800 million).

Students who major in French find careers in many fields, including law, medicine, teaching, and international business and finance. Most students choose to double major; the most popular combinations are French and Political Science, French and Economics; French and History, and French and Spanish - although others have chosen to combine French with Math, Psychology, English, etc. Our alums report that their study of French has given them a distinct advantage.

Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.2 and a French GPA of 3.5 who have taken at least 6 classes at the 200 level or above are eligible for membership in Pi Delta Phi, the National French Honor Society.

All majors are expected to consult with their advisors about their choice of courses each semester.

Please click below to download a checksheet and the major declaration form (Word document).

French major 2008.doc

declaration of major form.pdf

Combined BA/MA (4+1) Degree Program

French Minor

Students who choose to minor in French are expected to achieve intermediate proficiency in oral and written French (Communications), to demonstrate a general understanding of the history of French and Francophone literatures and cultures (Traditions), and to develop an awareness of the ways French and Francophone studies intersect with other disciplines (Intersections). All minors are expected to consult their advisers about their choice of courses. No course taught in English may count toward the minor. Students are encouraged to participate in the Vanderbilt in France program.

French minor 2008.doc

Vanderbilt-in-France

French majors are encouraged to consider spending up to one year in the Vanderbilt-in-France program in Aix-en-Provence. Students may earn up to 18 hours of direct credit each semester in French and other fields, including history, theater, and political science. Students with advanced proficiency in French may take courses at the Université de Provence or participate in an internship for credit. For more information, contact the Study Abroad Office, Student Life Building Suite 115, telephone: (615) 343-3139. See the Vanderbilt-in-France web site for current course offerings, internships, and news from students who are there.