THE FRENCH MAJOR

Students take Composition and Conversation, Approaches to French Literature, three of the four courses in the literature and civilization sequence, a Senior Seminar, and several elective courses to total 27 credit hours (8-9 courses total).

THE FRENCH MINOR

Students take Composition and Conversation, plus at least one course in either civilization or literature, and enough elective credits to total at least 14 credit hours (about 5 courses total).

STUDY ABROAD
We strongly encourage our students to spend a semester or an academic year in a French-speaking country. VU is affiliated with five programs that offer study in France. One exchange program, just inaugurated in 2006, allows students to take French-language and other classes along with French students at Université de Cergy-Pontoise.  A second program offers a traditional course sequence in language, civilization, and literature (either spring semester or academic year). A third offers students the opportunity to do a work internship in a French business, NGO, or government office as part of the academic program (either fall or spring semester). Courses you take in France may count toward the French major or minor, or toward certain General Education requirements. You will work closely with your French advisor to determine the appropriate semester for you to study abroad and the appropriate courses to take.

CAREERS & COMPLEMENTARY MAJORS FOR FRENCH MAJORS
Many students combine a foreign language major with a second major program. Some of the most common combinations are French and International Economics & Cultural Affairs (IECA); International Service; Modern European Studies; Political Science. VU recently began offering an option for students who want to combine Engineering with French through the VIEP Program -- Valparaiso International Engineering Program in French. Some students choose to hold a second major in International Business or complete a International Business and Global Studies Minor or a Liberal Arts Business Minor if they are planning to enter the business world after graduation. If you plan to teach at the high school level, you will major in French and in Secondary Education.

SCHOLARSHIPS
The Department offers competitive scholarships of $1,000 for freshman students who will major in French. These merit awards are renewable three times for a total of $4,000 if the student remains a French major and makes satisfactory academic progress. Scholarship holders may have two majors.

There are three steps to the application process.

Additionally, the Department offers two awards desginated specifically for French students:

• The Professor Carol Petersen Scholarship is awarded to an incoming student majoring in French or German.
• The Patterson McLean Friedrich French Scholarship is awarded to a Junior student majoring in French.

CAMPUS ACTIVITIES FOR STUDENTS OF FRENCH
There are numerous ways for students to use their French outside the traditional classrooms:

• Join the Cercle français for activities with other French students-making crêpes or a bûche de Noël, viewing French films, celebrating Mardi Gras or la Chandeleur, visiting special exhibits at the Art Institute of Chicago, attending professional theater in Chicago, or just hanging out at the French House with other speakers of French.
• Join the Valparaiso International Student Association (VISA) and help plan activities involving VU students from around the world.