Language: French


Faculty Honors Advisors

Frederic Canovas

About this opportunity

The French program at ASU offers the opportunity to study the language, literature, and culture of France and Francophone (French-speaking) countries. Students learn how to read, write, speak, and understand the French language, and take a number of related courses on topics including art, cinema, linguistics, religion, theater, and the history of France and Francophone countries. French classes are smaller than most, and professors in our program get to know students well. Many students double major or minor in French – it is an excellent addition to any transcript and resume. Any Barrett student who is considering majoring or minoring in French in the School of International Letters and Cultures (SILC) should contact the Lead Faculty Honors Advisor, Professor Mark Cruse (markus.cruse@asu.edu).

Thesis

Honors students must enroll for 3 credits of 492 (Honors Directed Study) or 3 credits of 493 (Honors Thesis). Honors students do not need to be majors in French in order to complete a directed study or an honors thesis in the French program, but in the event of high demand, priority will be given to French majors and minors. Theses may take any number of forms - research essay, creative writing, multimedia presentation, digital storytelling, etc. - as long as they meet the goals and standards established by the thesis committee in consultation with the student. The director of the honors thesis must be a member of the French faculty at the lecturer, assistant professor, associate professor, or professor level. The thesis committee normally consists of two members, but a third reader may be included if the student and director feel it is necessary.

Academic Preparation

Students need to take advanced French language classes (such as FRE 411 and/or FRE 412) to master the language, and content courses in literature or culture. Students are encouraged to take courses that will provide a strong background for the thesis. Among courses offered on a regular basis, students may choose:

FRE 321 – French Cultural Masterpieces I (from the Middle Ages to the French Revolution)
FRE 322 – French Cultural Masterpieces II (from the French Revolution to the Present)
FRE 325 – French Language and Culture through Film
FRE 411 – Advanced Spoken French
FRE 412 – Advanced Written French
FRE 415 – French Civilization I
FRE 416 – French Civilization II
FRE 421 – Structure of French
FRE 461 – Modern French Narrative
FRE 492 – Honors Directed Study
FRE 493 – Honors Thesis

FRE 494 – Topics recently offered include: Paris and Florence in the Middle Ages; Gay Identities in Modern French Culture; Baroque Theater: Texts and Productions; African Literature and Cinema; African Culture in Global Contexts; Adventure and Exploration in Medieval French Literature; French and Italian Popular Culture; Haiti: History and Culture; History of the French Language; Sustainable Fashion.

Recommended Timeline

It is recommended that students start exploring a topic and discuss it with a faculty member in the French program as early as the first semester of their junior year and no later than the second semester of their junior year. Students usually pursue research in the summer before their senior year; finish the research, a complete outline, a complete bibliography, and a draft of the first chapter or two in the first semester of their senior year; and complete the thesis by the eighth week of their final semester.

Other Honors Opportunities

  1. Honors enrichment contracts are offered on a case-by-case basis; students do not need to be French majors or minors to do enrichment contracts. Students choose the topic and format for their contract project in consultation with the instructor.
  2. The French program offers internships for students interested in teaching French.
  3. The French program also offers many opportunities for study abroad for the summer, semester, or year. ASU faculty-led summer programs in Quebec City, Canada, and in Lyon, France, enable students to earn French credits quickly and to improve their French rapidly at relatively low cost. We also have a semester-long and a year-long exchange program with the University of Lyon 2. There are scholarships available for many students, especially those receiving Pell Grants. For information about our faculty-led summer programs and our semester-long and year-long exchange program, contact the Global Education Office or Professor Mark Cruse (markus.cruse@asu.edu).

College

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Campus

Tempe