The Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures offers a major in
French that, in addition to providing understanding of the French language and culture, gives a new perspective on the English language and American culture. The major also prepares students for graduate studies or for careers in teaching, government, business, industry and international organizations. Internships are available for qualified
French majors in government agencies, international organizations and corporations. In the U.S., internship sites have included the
French Embassy (Office of the Cultural Attaché), the Alliance Française in Washington, D. C., French TV Antenne 2, Linguamundi International, the CIEE Student Center in New York City and the U. S. Information Agency.
Requirements for the Major:
French majors must either spend a year in France or live for two years in the French House, a small residence on Hood's campus where French is spoken. A graduate student from France provides leadership in the residence.
French majors are also required to take 27 credits in French at the 200 level or above; they may take a maximum of 60 credits in French including 100-level courses. (Students who transfer to Hood in their junior year intending to major in French must be qualified to enroll in courses at the 200 level or above.)
The following courses are required:
- French 203 French Conversation and Composition
- French 204 French Culture and Civilization
- French 207 and 208 Cultural Perspectives on French
Literature I and II
- French 230 Phonetics
- French 318 Advanced Composition and Translation
- 9 additional credits in French literature at the 300-level or above
Recommended Schedule for Majors
It is recommended that students intending to major in a language take the following courses in their intended language no later than their sophomore year: 203, 204, 207 and 208. To prepare for graduate school and certain careers, a second foreign language is recommended, but students may not study two languages at the beginning level simultaneously.
