The undergraduate certificate in French offers students the opportunity to develop their proficiency in French language and their knowledge of literature and culture in the French-speaking world, thereby complementing their major(s) in other subjects across the university. It also strengthens the applications of students who intend to pursue careers or graduate study in areas where French is useful.
How to Get in
Students can declare a French certificate at any time. For more information, please see the department website and/or consult the undergraduate advisor.
Students declared in the French major are not eligible to declare the French certificate. Students who do wish to declare this certificate must first cancel their declaration in the major.
Requirements
The undergraduate certificate in French requires 15 credits of French coursework (or 5 courses). Retroactive credits may not be applied toward the certificate.
Certificate Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | 6 | |
| Intermediate Language and Culture | ||
| Literature, Comics, and Film in French | ||
| Advanced Language Course | 3 | |
| Advanced Composition and Speaking | ||
| Advanced Writing Workshop | ||
| Professional Communication and Culture in the Francophone World | ||
| Contemporary Issues in Business, Government and NGOs | ||
| Study Abroad: Advanced French Language | ||
| Applied French Language Studies | ||
| Introduction to Phonetics | ||
| Electives: | 6 | |
| Advanced Composition and Speaking | ||
| Advanced Writing Workshop | ||
| Professional Communication and Culture in the Francophone World | ||
| Contemporary Issues in Business, Government and NGOs | ||
| Study Abroad: Advanced French Language | ||
| Medieval and Early Modern French Literature | ||
| Modern French and Francophone Literature | ||
| Visual Culture in French/Francophone Studies | ||
| Knights, Priests and Peasants: France 800-1789 | ||
| Modernity Studies | ||
| Applied French Language Studies | ||
| Study Abroad: French/Francophone Literature | ||
| Study Abroad: French/Francophone Civilization | ||
| Topics in French: Study Abroad | ||
| Readings in Medieval and Renaissance Literature | ||
| Readings in Early Modern Literature | ||
FRENCH 449 | ||
FRENCH 451 | ||
| French/Francophone Literary Studies Across the Centuries | ||
| French/Francophone Cultural Studies Across the Centuries | ||
| Literature and Medicine in French-Speaking Cultures | ||
| French/Francophone Film | ||
| Aspects of Contemporary French Literature | ||
| Undergraduate Seminar in French/Francophone Literary Studies | ||
| Undergraduate Seminar in French/Francophone Cultural Studies | ||
| Critical Approaches to Literature and Culture: French and Francophone Perspectives | ||
| Introduction to Phonetics | ||
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Residence and Quality of Work
- At least 9 credits of the certificate must be taken on campus. At least 12 credits of the certificate must be taken in residence. (UW–Madison approved study abroad programs are considered in residence but are not on campus.)
- Students must maintain a 2.000 cumulative GPA in all courses required for the certificate.
Certificate Completion Requirement
This undergraduate certificate must be completed concurrently with the student’s undergraduate degree. Students cannot delay degree completion to complete the certificate.
Learning Outcomes
- (Interpretive communication) Demonstrate that they understand and can analyze of literary and non-literary texts in French representing a variety of topics, time periods, and geographical regions.
- (Presentational communication) Express themselves effectively in spoken and written French to inform, persuade, and narrate for different audiences of listeners, viewers, or readers.
- (Interpersonal communication) Express themselves effectively in spoken and written French to share information, reactions, and opinions related to a variety of topics and texts.
- (Cultural knowledge) Recognize and explain cultural artifacts, practices, and perspectives of the French-speaking world.
- (Linguistic knowledge) Demonstrate a good degree of understanding of lexical, grammatical, syntactic, and stylistic features of the French language.
- (Cross-cultural awareness) Demonstrate awareness of difference and diversity by comparing and contrasting culturally situated beliefs, behaviors, and norms of the French-speaking world with their own.
- (Engagement with the French language and culture) Engage in a sustained fashion with the French language, its users, and cultural artifacts in and beyond the classroom, e.g., in their own community, virtual communities, and study abroad.
Advising and Careers
Declare or Cancel This Certificate
Please follow the process described on the French & Italian webpage.
For information about academic advising including language proficiency, language placement, and retrocredits, please visit our website or schedule an appointment with Mandi Schoville: frit.wisc.edu/academic-advising
SuccessWorks
SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps you turn the academic skills learned in your classes into a fulfilling life, guiding you every step of the way to securing jobs, internships, or admission to graduate school.
Through one-on-one career advising, events, and resources, you can explore career options, build valuable internship and research experience, and connect with supportive alumni and employers who open doors of opportunity.
- What you can do with your major (Major Skills & Outcomes Sheets)
- Make a career advising appointment
- Learn about internships and internship funding
- Try “Jobs, Internships, & How to Get Them,” an interactive guide in Canvas for enrolled UW–Madison students