UB Programs At-A-Glance

French

Department of Romance Languages and Literatures

College of Arts and Sciences
910 Clemens Hall
North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260-4620

Phone: 716.645.2191
Fax: 716.645.5981
Web: rll.buffalo.edu/rll
Email: rll-info@buffalo.edu

Maureen Jameson
Chair
716.645.2191
jameson@buffalo.edu

Jeannette Ludwig
Director of Undergraduate Studies and Language Program Director
716.645.2191, ext. 1175
jmludwig@buffalo.edu

About the Department

The programs in the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures help students develop a high level of foreign-language proficiency and deepen their knowledge of foreign literatures and cultures. Our students also explore the relationship between cultures and discover different ways of viewing the world.

Degrees Offered

Undergraduate: B.A., Minor
Graduate: M.A., Ph.D.

About Our Degrees

Acceptance Criteria

Minimum GPA of 2.0 overall.
Minimum GPA of 2.5 in preparatory coursework in French (FR 101-FR 102 sequence or FR 104; FR 151-FR 152 or equivalent preparation; FR 211-FR 212).

About Our Courses

The typical class size for:

Freshman/introductory courses is: 24
Sophomore/intermediate courses is: 20
Upper level/advanced courses is: 15

In the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures, what do student teaching assistants (TA's) do?

TAs generally teach introductory-level courses.

For course descriptions, please see the Undergraduate Catalog.

About Our Faculty

Classes in the French program are small in size, and are taught by faculty with recognized commitment to teaching.

One faculty member has received the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, and one has received a Lilly Fellowship.

Special Academic Opportunities

Study Abroad

Students are encouraged to study in French-speaking countries. Study abroad programs sponsored by other SUNY campuses are open to UB French students. See Study Abroad Programs.

Awards

The Linda Rock Scholarship and the Maria Becker Scholarship are awarded to students majoring in French who intend to participate in a study abroad program. The awards are granted on the basis of an academic evaluation, although financial need is taken into consideration.

Departmental Honors are awarded to graduating students based on GPA.

Extracurricular Activities

There are many opportunities to participate in out-of-class enrichment activities through the RLL department, including conversation groups and lectures. A film series – "Fresh Films from France" – is offered each year. The Melodia Jones Chair in French often supports cultural activities such as films, theatre excursions, lectures and conferences. Information on the French Club (SA) is available at 350 Student Union (645-2950).

See the UB Student Association.

Complementary Programs and Courses

  • Art History
  • Classics
  • English
  • Geography
  • German
  • History
  • Italian
  • Linguistics
  • Management
  • Philosophy
  • Social Sciences Interdisciplinary: International Studies, Legal Studies
  • Spanish

Advising Information

Please contact Dr. Jeannette Ludwig (716-645-2191, ext. 1175; jmludwig@buffalo.edu) for advising and any questions regarding French courses or the French program.

Career Information

Students who choose French as their academic home at UB find a number of career opportunities open to them. Among graduates in the past decade, a small number have gone on to do graduate work in French, several have gone on to law school, and others have found positions with the U.S. State Department, as well as in secondary education. Whatever career appeals to graduating students, fluency in French will assuredly be an advantage.

Some careers our graduates have pursued include:

  • Anthropological linguist
  • Customs inspector
  • Diplomat
  • Educator
  • Foreign service officer
  • Foreign student advisor
  • Immigration inspector
  • Import/export agent
  • International relations specialist
  • Journalist
  • Lawyer
  • Public relations specialist
  • Teacher
  • Translator
  • Tutor

Links to Further Information About This Program