The Humanities Department offers a range of options for the study of French language and the cultures of the French-speaking world. Courses at Eastman include:
- Elementary and Intermediate language sequences
- Two semesters of French Lyric Diction
- Advanced courses (in French) on cinema, literature, and culture
- Electives on French history, literature, film, and culture taught in translation
Additional courses are offered each year in the Modern Language and Cultures (MLC) program on the River Campus. For more information on Eastman courses, see below.
French courses may be taken to satisfy a language requirement, or as a Humanities elective. Courses are open to all students but non-Voice majors will need permission for the Elementary courses; please contact the instructor.
Student with little or no prior experience should enroll in French 101. Students who have previously studied French should take the online placement test. On your Blackboard home page click on the “Services” tab, then click on “Academics.” You will find a link to the online exam under “Language Placement.” Upon completion, contact Professor Scheie (tscheie@esm.rochester.edu) for advising. All students with prior study of/ exposure to the language must consult with their instructor in the first week of classes to assess proper placement. Students who fail to do so and are found to be overqualified for their chosen level risk receiving no credit for the course.
200-level French courses at Eastman may qualify towards a Minor or Major in French in the Modern Language and Cultures (MLC) Department on the River Campus (interested students should contact the MLC program). The MLC French program also runs a 6-week summer program in Rennes (scholarship funds may be available for interested students). https://www.sas.rochester.edu/mlc/abroad/france.html
Eastman students have won Fulbright grants for study in France, Belgium, and Switzerland. Eastman administers its own “in-house” Fulbright program. Informational sessions are held on campus every fall (September) and spring (April-May). If you think you are interested in applying, contact Professor Scheie (tscheie@esm.rochester.edu).
Fulbright applicants are encouraged to study French language to improve their chances of winning a grant. For information on eligibility, kinds of grants, competitions for each country, etc. visit the US Fulbright Program’s website: https://us.fulbrightonline.org/
