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
Degree seeking students can declare an French certificate at any time. For more information and/or to declare the French certificate, please see the department website.
Students declared in the French major may not be declared in the French certificate at the same time. French major students who want to switch to the French certificate, must cancel their French major.
Requirements
Students pursuing a French certificate must complete 15 credits beyond FRENCH 204 or FRENCH 205.
Certificate Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| Complete two courses from: | 6 | |
| Intermediate Language and Culture | ||
| Literature, Comics, and Film in French | ||
| Advanced Language Course | ||
| Complete one course from: | 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 1 | ||
| Introduction to Phonetics | ||
| Elective Courses | ||
| Complete two courses from: | 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 1 | ||
| 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 | ||
| Study Abroad: French/Francophone Literature 1 | ||
| Study Abroad: French/Francophone Civilization 1 | ||
| Study Abroad: French Topics 1 | ||
| Readings in Medieval and Renaissance Literature | ||
| Readings in Early Modern Literature | ||
| 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 | ||
| Critical Approaches to Literature and Culture: French and Francophone Perspectives | ||
| Introduction to Phonetics | ||
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Limit on Courses Taught in English
Courses taught in English do not count toward the French certificate.
Courses Taught in English
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| FRENCH 211 | French Literary and Interdisciplinary Studies | 3-4 |
| FRENCH/AFRICAN 216 | Modern and Contemporary Francophone Topics | 3 |
| FRENCH 248 | Ethnic Studies in the French/Francophone World(s) | 3 |
| FRENCH 280 | Exploring Paris | 3 |
| FRENCH 281 | Exploring Montreal and Quebec | 3 |
| FRENCH/GEN&WS 285 | Rebellious Women from the Global South | 3-4 |
| FRENCH 288 | Doctors without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières) | 3 |
| FRENCH 345 | French Fashion and Literature from the Middle Ages to Today | 3 |
| FRENCH/AFRICAN 440 | African/Francophone Film | 3 |
| LITTRANS 103 | Topics in French Literature and Culture | 3-4 |
| LITTRANS 209 | Masterpieces of French Literature and Culture | 3-4 |
| LITTRANS 249 | Literature in Translation: Nineteenth-Century French Masterpieces | 3 |
| LITTRANS 302 | What is Life? Biological Life in Literature and Culture | 3-4 |
| LITTRANS 303 | Topics in French Literature and Culture | 3-4 |
Residence and Quality of Work
- Minimum 2.000 GPA in all certificate courses.
- At least 12 credits of the French certificate must be taken in residence.
- At least 9 credits of the French certificate must be taken on campus. Study abroad programs sponsored by UW–Madison are considered in residence but are not on campus.
- Courses taught in English do not count toward the French certificate.
- Courses taken pass/fail are not eligible for the French certificate.
Footnote
- 1
FRENCH 316, FRENCH 361, FRENCH 362 and FRENCH 420 are only available to students participating in a study abroad program.
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 the undergraduate advisor: frit.wisc.edu/academic-advising
Study Abroad
Learning in Letters & Science emphasizes discovery, growth, understanding different perspectives, and challenging yourself, which makes studying abroad an excellent fit for many L&S students: studyabroad.wisc.edu
As a university with global influence, we have more than 300 study abroad programs in over 80 countries. These vary in length, academic focus, teaching format, language requirements, cost, and level of independence. There are many programs to complement every major and any year of college (including the final semester)—and all meet UW–Madison’s high academic standards. Students admitted into Letters & Science can even choose a short program in the summer before they start college or their whole first year: studyabroad.wisc.edu/launch. Talk with your academic advisor about how studying abroad might fit with your academic plan.
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