French, BA BA
Develop global perspectives sought by companies, educational institutions and NGOs in the U.S., France and other French-speaking countries (Canada, Haiti, Belgium, Congo, etc.), and explore our many study abroad opportunities. Students who enter UWM with advanced French can earn both a bachelor’s and master’s in 5 years to become a translator/interpreter.
Fluency in French can provide a career advantage in all types of professions including business, medicine, law, the arts, politics, government work, and more. The country of France is a leader in science and high-tech, architecture, fashion, and cuisine, making French fluency valuable in these industries as well.
At UWM, language students receive an education in not just language fluency but also in the culture surrounding that language. Context matters in communication, and we believe it is important for students to understand the history, literature, and customs of native speakers of French in order to successfully apply their fluency.
Student with no previous experience in French will start in the introductory French language class; those who have studied French in high school should take the placement exam to determine if they can start at a higher level. Students who place in a higher-level course who subsequently complete that course with a "B" or better may receive retroactive credits for the courses that were skipped.
Program Type
Major
Program Format
On Campus
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Major Requirements
The College of Letters and Science requires that students attain at least a 2.0 GPA on all credits in the major attempted at UWM. In addition, students must attain a 2.0 GPA on all major credits attempted, including any transfer work.
The major in French consists of 37 credits, at least 15 numbered above 303 taken in residence at UWM.1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| The beginning and intermediate level sequence 1 | ||
| FRENCH 104 | Second-Semester French | 4 |
| FRENCH 203 | Third-Semester French | 3 |
| FRENCH 204 | Fourth-Semester French | 3 |
| FRENCH 303 | Conversation and Composition: Intermediate Level | 3 |
| One of the following electives: 2 | 3 | |
| Introduction to Global Languages and Cultures | ||
| Views of France: | ||
Any French course at the 300-level or above | ||
| Select 21 credits from the two categories below as follows: | 21 | |
| Select 6-12 credits from the following 300-level courses 1 | ||
| Contemporary French Language and Culture | ||
| Intensive Grammar and Usage | ||
| Reading French Texts | ||
| French on Screen | ||
| Select 9-15 credits at the 350 level or above 3 | ||
| Literature of the French-Speaking World in Translation: | ||
| Phonetics | ||
| French Immersion: Advanced | ||
| Growing Up French | ||
| Advanced Written Expression | ||
| Castles, Cathedrals, and Common People: The Foundations of French Culture | ||
| Royalty, Reason, and Revolution: The Golden Age of French Culture | ||
| Reaction and Innovation: French Culture of the 19th and 20th Centuries | ||
| Seminar in Literature of the Francophone World: | ||
| Seminar in French and Francophone Cultures: | ||
| Seminar in French Literature: | ||
| Institutions and Culture of Contemporary France | ||
| Cinema of the French-Speaking World: | ||
| Topics in French and Francophone Studies in Translation: | ||
| Internship in French | ||
| Seminar on Masterpieces of Literature Written in French: | ||
| Seminar in Contemporary French Literature: | ||
| Seminar in French Language: | ||
| Total Credits | 37 | |
- 1
Students receiving a B or better in any of these lower division courses, or FRENCH 324 or FRENCH 325, if it is their first French course at university level, can receive retro-credits for all the first- and second-year courses preceding that course in the sequence, up to 14 credits. For example, a student completing FRENCH 303 as the first French course at UWM with a B or better would receive the 3 credits for FRENCH 303 and 14 credits for first- and second-year sequence.
- 2
Study abroad courses (numbered 297, 397 or 497), internship credits (numbered 289 and 489) or immersion weekends (numbered 210 or 410), can count toward these credits. Students are encouraged to consult with French faculty members about these options.
- 3
Only one course taught in English can be counted toward the 15 upper-division elective credits. Courses taught in English are FRENCH 357; FRENCH 383; and FRENCH 457.
Additional Requirements
All French majors are required to pass an advanced language proficiency examination, which they are advised to take in the second-to-last semester of their BA.
Advising
The French Faculty Advisor works closely with students to develop an individual course of study that fulfills program requirements, prepares them to meet their professional and educational goals, and incorporates opportunities to use French outside of the classroom when possible, including during international study abroad experiences or internships.
Letters & Science Advising
During your time at UWM, you may have multiple members of your success team, including advisors, peer mentors and success coaches. Letters & Science students typically work with at least two different types of advisors as they pursue their degrees: professional college advisors and faculty advisors. L&S college advisors advise across your entire degree program while departmental faculty advisors focus on the major.
College advisors are located in Holton Hall (or virtually for online students) and serve as your primary advisor. They are your point person for your questions about navigating college and completing your degree. College advisors will:
- Assist you in defining your academic and life goals.
- Help you create an educational plan that is consistent with those goals.
- Assist you in understanding curriculum, major and degree requirements for graduation, as well as university policies and procedures.
- Provide you with information about campus and community resources and refer you to those resources as appropriate.
- Monitor your progress toward graduation and completion of requirements.
Faculty advisors mentor students in the major and assist them in maximizing their development in the program. You will begin working with a faculty advisor when you declare your major. Faculty advisors are an important partner and will:
- Help you understand major requirements and course offerings in the department.
- Explain opportunities for internships and undergraduate research and guide you in obtaining those experiences.
- Serve as an excellent resource as you consider potential graduate programs and career paths in your field.
Students are encouraged to meet with both their college advisor and faculty advisor at least once each semester. Appointments are available in-person, by phone or by video.
Currently enrolled students should use the Navigate360 website to make an appointment with your assigned advisor or call (414) 229-4654 if you do not currently have an assigned Letters & Science advisor. Prospective students who haven't enrolled in classes yet should call (414) 229-7711 or email let-sci@uwm.edu.
Students interested in French likely are interested in a career with global features. And that is a very possible outcome! The challenge is figuring out how and where you want to apply your French skills – Do you want to work in a business setting for an international company? Do you want to work within the U.S. or work abroad? Do you want to work directly to promote and teach French language and culture in an educational or social service setting? Do you want to use your French skills everyday in a public facing career in the hospitality or travel industry?
There are so many options, and you will need to research, explore and gain hands-in experience while in college to match your skills, knowledge and interests to jobs in the marketplace.
Internships, research projects, and part-time jobs can help you determine which career path is right for you. French majors often find job opportunities in social research, business administration, marketing and market research, banking, social services, community development, health services, journalism, travel and tourism, sales, teaching, human resources/personnel management, corporate training, and fundraising.
We encourage you to begin exploring career options when you declare your French major or at the start of your sophomore year, whichever comes first.