More than 200 million people around the world— in North and South America, the Caribbean Islands, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Indochina and the islands of the Pacific and Indian Oceans— speak French. According to Language Today, French is the second most influential language in the world. French is an official language at the Red Cross, the World Health Organization, the International Olympic Committee, and the United Nations, among others. France has the fourth largest Gross National Product and is the second largest exporter in the world, per capita. Many students considering careers in business, diplomacy, or teaching wisely choose to complete a major in French, sometimes with another major. In fact, over 50% of international jobs require or prefer candidates to have French experience, according to the U.S. State Department.
In the French section of the Foreign Language Department at Bradley University we offer a variety of courses in French language, French and Francophone culture and civilization, translation, phonetics, conversation, literature, and business French for students at all levels, both majors and non-majors.
To expand French beyond the classroom, the French section sponsors a weekly French conversation table as well as the student-run Bradley French Club, which hosts a variety of cultural activities throughout the year.
Students can follow the foreign language major or minor requirements for the catalog year that they entered Bradley. The new requirements apply only to those students whose catalog year is 2008FA or later. If you do not know your catalog year, it appears at the top of your Academic Degree Audit.
Students majoring in one of the foreign languages will find that Bradley emphasizes the applied skills of speaking the language and understanding the language when it is spoken by a native in ordinary conversation. Topics courses offer a wide variety of language courses in small classes where the student receives personal attention. Students can also choose from a wide variety of language offerings including literature and linguistics, translation, culture, and commercial courses.
The new requirements are: A student must take a minimum of 24 hours at 300 level or above, to include the following:
- FLF 303 Composition (pre-requisite for other 300 level courses)
- FLF 304 Conversation
- FLF 320 Phonetics
- 1 Literature Course: FLF 325, FLF 340 or FLF 341
- 1 Civilization Course: FLF 321 or FLF 322
- 3 French Electives
In addition, students must earn a grade of C or better in all French courses. 12 credits must be taken at Bradley, 3 of which must be taken during the senior year. Study Abroad is highly recommended.
The old requirements are: A student must take a total of eight approved courses at the 200 level or above. Also, FLF 320 Phonetics is required.
The new requirements are: A student must take a minimum of 18 hours at 300 level or above, with at least 9 of the hours to be taken at Bradley. In addition, students must earn a grade of C or better in all French courses.
The old requirements are: A student must take a total of six approved courses at the 200 level or above.