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 Program
The French language is spoken by millions of people living in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, the Caribbean, North and Central Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. It is a major international language of the arts, commerce, and science, a status that reflects the leading role that French culture and technology have played and continue to play. In the United States, more students study French than any other foreign language except Spanish.
The centuries-old relationship of the English-speaking and French-speaking cultures has resulted in a great deal of common heritage. Not only is there a substantial overlap in vocabulary—some 40 percent of English words are of French origin—there is also a common cultural heritage, going from the Arthurian legends through postcolonial self-examination, and students find many familiar landmarks in the study of French culture.
The French program trains students in the spoken and written language, and deepens their knowledge of and interest in the literature and culture of France and other French-speaking countries. Majors in French are encouraged to study abroad for a summer, a semester, or a full year. SUNY programs in French cities are open to UB students. For a major or minor, a minimum of four courses at the 300/400 level must be taken in residence at the Buffalo campus.
Students wishing to satisfy the requirements for teacher certification should plan their programs with particular care in order to accommodate the required semester of the professional sequence during their senior year. For certification requirements, students should contact the Teacher Education Institute, Graduate School of Education, 375 Baldy Hall.
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 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.
Practical Experience and Special Academic Opportunities
Undergraduate Research and Practical Experience
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.
Honors, Awards, and Scholarships
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
- Business Administration
- Classics
- English
- Geography
- German
- History
- International Studies
- Italian
- Legal Studies
- Linguistics
- Philosophy
- Spanish
Career Information and Further Study
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
- Undergraduate Catalog
- Undergraduate Admissions
- Graduate Admissions
- Department of Romance Languages and Literatures
- College of Arts and Sciences
Last Modified: Tuesday, 7-Nov-2006 10:26:09 EST