French

The French culture and economy are among the strongest and most prevalent in the world with French being a critical global language and a language of the future. France continues to be a leader in science, agriculture, industry, technological innovations, and academic thought and research. When you study French at ISU, you learn much more than just the language. You strengthen your cultural intelligence, increase your marketability, and learn to see, understand, and relate to the world from a new perspective.

Our French program offers the possibility of either majoring solely in French or combining French with any other ISU major through courses that focus on the language, cultures, histories, civilizations, literatures, and cinemas of France and Francophone countries.

General requirements

The French program offers majors in our “classic” and “LCP” tracks, with a minor available in the “classic” track. Our classic track spends more time on literature and media as well as civilization. Our Languages and Cultures for Professions (LCP) track highlights more current culture and business applications. LCP is only available as a second major.

In addition to general education course requirements in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS), students obtaining a French emphasis for a bachelor’s degree in world languages and cultures must also complete at least 30 credits beyond the intermediate level (FRNCH 2010 & FRNCH 2020). Also required are 4 credits in French from FRNCH 3700, FRNCH 3750, and/or FRNCH 3780. No more than 12 credits from FRNCH 3700, FRNCH 3750, and/or FRNCH 3780 may be counted for the major. Credit from French 3950 “En France” or an approved study abroad program may be applied to the major.

LAS majors require a minimum of 120 credits, including a minimum of 45 credits at the 3000/4000 level.

Minor

A minor in French requires at least 17 credits of courses taught in French beyond the elementary level (FRNCH 1010 Elementary French I & FRNCH 1020 Elementary French II). Credit from French 3950 “En France” or an approved study abroad program may be applied to the minor. French 3700, 3750, 3780, and 4760 cannot count toward the minor. Students who place into and earn credit in the 3000-level sequence may replace FRNCH 2010 & 2020 with test-out credit.

Study abroad

There are many summer, semester, and academic year study abroad programs available to ISU students in several French-speaking locations, including Belgium, France, Québec, and Switzerland. Read through just some of the possibilities below and contact the appropriate representative. You can earn up to 18 credits abroad towards the major!

NOTE: Study abroad is open to every student, regardless of field of study. Discuss your plans with your academic advisor as well as study abroad advisors on campus to plan your journey.

For more information students can reach out to LAS Study Abroad or the ISU Study Abroad Center.

Student clubs and organizations

Students at Iowa State University can tailor their experience to make sure they gain valuable skills for the future.

WLC students can engage with other language and cultural studies students when they join one of our department-specific student clubs: Spanish Club, German Club, Anthropology Club, Classical Studies Club, and others.

A wide variety of campus-wide student organizations and clubs are available for students to join—including academic, honor societies, political and activism, and intramural sports. Gain leadership and service experience through the Student Activities Center, go to one of the many fun campus events like the Cyclone Carnival, or learn more about clubs and activities at the annual ClubFest to see the many ways you can get involved during your time at Iowa State.

Have an idea for the next big thing? The Start Something LAS Academy, part of the ISU Start Something network, provides hands-on learning experiences for students interested in innovation and entrepreneurship. Build community with other innovators as you explore innovation and entrepreneurship.