Overview

The student will complete the French major that will normally include the requirements for the major outlined above. In addition, the student will complete FORL-4457 Methods of Teaching Foreign Languages. The student will also complete the requirements for teacher certification outlined under Education.

Foreign Language Placement (Spanish and French)

During fall orientation, freshmen and eligible transfer students will be given the opportunity to test out of the college requirements in French and Spanish. Those who score high enough on the language tests may have satisfied the college’s general education requirement for one or two semesters of language and will be eligible to continue with sophomore-level courses or higher. Students who have completed three or more years of French or Spanish are required to take the placement exam before taking a course in the same language. If the student does not intend to continue studying the same language, the exam is optional. Students who received credit for any BC language cataloged courses (Ex SPAN-1000 Beginning Spanish, FREN-1000 Beginning French, SPAN-1020 Second Semester Spanish, FREN-1020 Second Semester French, etc.) through dual credit, AP test, CLEP test, or transfer credit are not required to take the exam. Students who received credit recorded as "elective credit" (e.g. SPAN-ELE, FREN-ELE) must take the exam to continue in the same language. Students who are planning to complete the language requirement in Italy do not need to take the exam; however, if they have three years previous experience in a language other than Italian, they are encouraged to take the placement exam in case their plans to complete the requirement in Italy change. It is highly recommended that students take the placement exam within one year of enrolling at Benedictine College, as this is when their previous language experience will be strongest. Students may not take the placement exam more than once. The placement exam is regularly scheduled at the beginning of the semester. See the Academic Calendar for dates. For more information, contact the Department of World Languages and Cultures.

Native speakers of Spanish or French do not take the placement exam. They satisfy the Foreign Language General Education Requirement by testing out of ESL or by completing the ESL program.

A non-native speaker of a language other than French or Spanish may take a proficiency exam to determine if his or her skills and knowledge are at an appropriate level (Intermediate Low / B1) to waive the foreign language requirement. It is normally taken before the beginning of one’s junior year and costs $250. Students who are non-native speakers of a language other than French or Spanish should contact the Chair of the Department of World Languages and Cultures to schedule the proficiency exam. 

Students do not receive academic credit for any placement exam results. 

Study Abroad

Students majoring in French are required to have an immersion experience abroad in French, either through studying, completing an internship, doing service-learning, or volunteering abroad. This requirement may be waived for students who already demonstrate advanced proficiency in the language or who have substantial immersion experience in the target language.

The department sponsors a study abroad program in Lyon, France. Students also have the option of participating in an exchange program through the College’s affiliation with ISEP, or through the exchange program at ICES in La Roche-sur-Yon, France; these programs are administered by the International Programs office.

Some language courses are offered on an alternate semester or yearly basis. Those who choose to major or minor in a foreign language should consult with an advisor in the department and declare their course of study as early as possible so as to follow the recommended schedule of classes.

Program Mission

The mission of the French Program is to develop proficient communicators in and translators and readers of French. Learners will also demonstrate knowledge of the structure of the French language and of the cultures, history, and literatures of the Francophone world.

Program Outcomes

1. Graduates will demonstrate proficiency in interpersonal communication in French.
2. Graduates will demonstrate proficiency in presentational communication—writing in French.
3. Graduates will use French in interpersonal communication that is appropriate to the context and the intended audience.
4. Graduates will demonstrate an awareness of Francophone cultures and how they shape perceptions, practices, and cultural products.
5. Graduates will be able to recognize and express understanding of difference, express a respect for the perspectives of others, and critically reflect on their own worldview.

French and Secondary Education Double Major Program Requirements

Licensure Program Requirements

Changes in Kansas State Department Licensure requirements will preclude requirements established by Benedictine's School of Education. Students will complete the College's general eduation requirements in addition to the following courses:

¹

Secondary majors satisfy one Historical Foundation by taking a World Civilization Course.

²

One general education Philosophical Inquiry requirement may be met by EDUC-4451 Philosophy of Education.

Suggested Sequence of Courses for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in French and Secondary Education (Double Major)