This information is part of the Colgate University catalog, 2024-25.
Major Requirements
A major in French is a program of study of French language and literature. It consists of a minimum of eight courses at the 300 and 400 levels. It must include FREN 361, and five 400-level literature courses. Two courses at the 350 level are required before any 400-level literature course may be taken. Exceptions to this rule can be made only with the approval of the department chair. The 400-level courses are divided into the following categories: French: Pre-1800 (category 1) and Post-1800 (category 2).
Independent study courses are permitted only when the above distribution requirements are met. FREN 490 is open only to candidates who are studying independently for honors.
Pre-1800 (category 1)
- FREN 423 - The 18th-Century Epistolary Novel in France
- FREN 425 - Libertine Fiction of the French 18th Century
- FREN 429 - The Age of Enlightenment
- FREN 434 - Storytelling: Medieval and Early Modern Short Stories
- FREN 481 - Special Topics in French (pre-1800)
Post-1800 (category 2)
- FREN 450 - French Narrative in the Early 20th Century
- FREN 453 - Contemporary Literature in French
- FREN 455 - Francophone Voices from North Africa
- FREN 482 - Special Topics in French (post-1800)
Regulations
The following regulations apply:
- With some restrictions, only 300- and 400-level courses in language and literature may be counted.
- FREN 361 may be taken for major credit on campus only. An exception is made for students who have received credit for this course by scoring 5 on the AP language exam.
- A student who has completed a 400-level course may not take a 350-level survey course.
- No course with a grade of less than C– is credited toward a major. For graduation, the minimum GPA required in courses counting toward a major is 2.00 (C); all departmental courses taken in the major are used to calculate this average.
- No more than two departmental courses counting toward a major may be taken in any one term.
Honors and High Honors
Students interested in pursuing honors can find the additional requirements on the Romance Languages and Literatures department page.
Romance Languages and Literatures Department
For more information about the department, including Faculty, transfer credit, awards, etc., please visit the Romance Language and Literatures department catalog page.