French

Bienvenue!

Welcome! The French Program at Hunter College offers majors and minors that provide a unique blend of literary exploration and cultural immersion.

On This Page:

About the Program
French Undergraduate Programs
French Faculty
Our Degree
FAQs

About the Program

As you navigate your academic journey, we encourage you to consider the enriching opportunities within our French Program at Hunter College, CUNY. Whether you are just starting to learn French, are passionate about all things French and Francophone, or simply seeking to broaden your horizons, our program offers a diverse range of courses designed to inspire and challenge you.

Learning Outcomes

Recognize and appreciate key periods, genres, modes and techniques in French and Francophone Literature.
Describe, contextualize and interpret French texts of major writers of literary movements in written and oral reports.
Develop critical thinking by establishing connections between literary works and cultural/historical traditions and apply critical insight from secondary sources to primary sources.
Write expositive and interpretative essays on literary texts, and their aesthetic, cultural and historical contexts.
Establish connections across historical periods and within interdisciplinary theoretical frameworks (for example: cultural studies, gender studies, political theory).
Improve grammatical skills at the advanced level.
Be able to write complex texts reflecting syntactic and morphologic skills at an intermediate level; be able to distinguish genres and registers in written prose.
Improve phonetics and diction skills based on standard practices in advanced French.
Be able to translate texts from a variety of genres and registers into the proper register in French.

Why Study French at Hunter College?

Our French Majors and Minors provide a unique blend of literary exploration and cultural immersion. They are designed to foster a deep understanding of French and francophone literature, enhance critical thinking skills, and promote intercultural competence. Our Majors and Minors offer a pathway to appreciating the richness of global narratives, honing language proficiency, and preparing for diverse career opportunities in fields such as education, translation, cultural affairs, international relations, and so much more!

French Undergraduate Programs

1. French Literature

This concentration in French and francophone literature provides a focus on the study of literary works and criticism. To successfully complete this major, you’ll need to fulfill specific course requirements in different categories.

Core Requirements (30 credits):

Literary Foundations (3 credits)
- FREN 31100 – Advanced French Grammar
- FREN 31200 – French Oral and Written Expression
- FREN 32100 – French Translation
Intermediate Courses (6 credits)
- FREN 34100 – Survey of French Literature from the Middle Ages to the End of the 17th Century
- FREN 34200 – Survey of French Literature from the 18th Century to the Modern Period
Advanced Courses (21 credits)
- FREN 33500 – French Culture I
- FREN 33600 – French Culture 2
- FREN 33700 – Contemporary French Culture
- FREN 34300 – Medieval and Renaissance French Literature
- FREN 34400 – 17th-Century French Literature
- FREN 34600 – 18th-Century French Literature
- FREN 34800 – 19th-Century French Literature (1800-1850)
- FREN 34900 – 19th-Century French Literature (1850-1900)
- FREN 35000 – 20th-Century French Literature to 1930
- FREN 35100 – French Literature from 1950 to the Present
- FREN 35300 – Survey of Francophone Literature
- FREN 36000 – French Literature: Special Topics
- FREN 36100 – Middle Ages and the Renaissance: Special Topics
- FREN 36300 – The 18th Century: Special Topics
- FREN 36500 – The 20th Century: Special Topics
- FREN 37500 – Seminar in French Literary History
- FREN 49100 – Honors Course in French
- FREN 49500 – Indep Study

Teaching Focus (for those planning to teach in grades 7-12): If you’re considering teaching, you will need to complete an additional 3 credits in Second Language Acquisition. You can choose from FREN 399, 495, or SEDC 212 or SEDC 712.

2. French Language and Civilization

This concentration provides a balanced mix of language proficiency and cultural understanding. By selecting courses from different groups, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of French language, literature, and civilization.

Core Requirements (30 credits):

Expression (12 credits)
- FREN 22000 – Advanced French Conversation
- FREN 27500 – Selected Masterpieces of French Literature
- FREN 31100 – Advanced French Grammar
- FREN 31200 – French Oral and Written Expression
- FREN 32100 – French Translation
Group B: (0-9 credits)
- FREN 24100 – Early French Civilization: From Gothic to Revolution
- FREN 24200 – Modern French Civilization: From Revolution to Present
- FREN 25100 – French Literature and the Arts
- FREN 25200 – From Symbolism to Surrealism in French Literature
- FREN 25300 – Modern French Theatre: Theory and Practice
- FREN 25400 – Film and the French Novel
- FREN 25500 – New Approaches to Modern French Literature
- FREN 25600 – Dream and Image
- FREN 25700 – Literary Cross-Currents
- FREN 25800 – French Poetry in Translation
- FREN 25900 – French Theatre in Translation
- FREN 26000 – French Novel in Translation (1600-1900)
- FREN 26100 – Modern French Novel in Translation (1900-Present)
- FREN 26200 – Perspectives on Women in French Literature
Group C: (9-18 credits)
- FREN 33500 – French Culture I
- FREN 33600 – French Culture 2
- FREN 33700 – Contemporary French Culture
- FREN 34100 – Survey of French Literature from the Middle Ages to the End of the 17th Century
- FREN 34200 – Survey of French Literature from the 18th Century to the Modern Period
- FREN 34300 – Medieval and Renaissance French Literature
- FREN 34400 – 17th-Century French Literature
- FREN 34600 – 18th-Century French Literature
- FREN 34800 – 19th-Century French Literature (1800-1850)
- FREN 34900 – 19th-Century French Literature (1850-1900)
- FREN 35000 – 20th-Century French Literature to 1930
- FREN 35100 – French Literature from 1950 to the Present
- FREN 35300 – Survey of Francophone Literature
- FREN 36000 – French Literature: Special Topics
- FREN 36100 – Middle Ages and the Renaissance: Special Topics
- FREN 36200 – The 17th Century: Special Topics
- FREN 36300 – The 18th Century: Special Topics
- FREN 36400 – The 19th Century: Special Topics
- FREN 36500 – The 20th Century: Special Topics
- FREN 37500 – Seminar in French Literary History
- FREN 49500 – Indep Study

Note: You have the flexibility to choose either FREN 241 or FREN 335 (but not both) and either FREN 242 or FREN 336 (but not both) to count towards the major.

1. French Literature

This course of study is designed to provide students with the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the French language beyond the basic language sequence. The focus is on the analysis of French literature, offering a more nuanced understanding of the language in a cultural and literary context.

This minor is suitable for various groups of students, including native speakers of French or those with a francophone background. It is particularly relevant for students whose majors are in disciplines unrelated to French literature. This minor allows them to explore and engage with French literature, adding a valuable cultural and literary dimension to their academic pursuits.

Fulfill ALL of the following requirements:

Complete ALL of the following Courses:
- FREN 34100 – Survey of French Literature from the Middle Ages to the End of the 17th Century
  AND FREN 34200 – Survey of French Literature from the 18th Century to the Modern Period
Complete at least 3 of the following Courses:
- FREN 21100 – Intermediate Grammar and Composition
- FREN 34300 – Medieval and Renaissance French Literature
- FREN 34400 – 17th-Century French Literature
- FREN 34600 – 18th-Century French Literature
- FREN 34800 – 19th-Century French Literature (1800-1850)
- FREN 34900 – 19th-Century French Literature (1850-1900)
- FREN 35100 – French Literature from 1950 to the Present
- FREN 36000 – French Literature: Special Topics
- FREN 36100 – Middle Ages and the Renaissance: Special Topics
- FREN 36200 – The 17th Century: Special Topics
- FREN 36300 – The 18th Century: Special Topics
- FREN 36400 – The 19th Century: Special Topics
- FREN 36500 – The 20th Century: Special Topics

2. French Language and Culture

This course of study provides the opportunity to deepen the knowledge of French language beyond the basic language, sequence and to introduce students to French Culture trans-historically, in ways that could usefully complement a major in another field in the humanities. where a broad knowledge of French history or culture could be useful (for instance in the Arts).

Complete at least 3 of the following Courses:
- FREN 20300 – Intensive Intermediate French
- FREN 20200 – Intermediate French II
- FREN 21100 – Intermediate Grammar and Composition
- FREN 22000 – Advanced French Conversation
- FREN 31100 – Advanced French Grammar
- FREN 31200 – French Oral and Written Expression
Complete at least 2 of the following Courses:
- FREN 33500 – French Culture I
- FREN 33600 – French Culture 2
- FREN 33700 – Contemporary French Culture

3. French Culture and Literature Translation

This course of study provides the opportunity to students with no knowledge of the French language to be introduced to French Culture & Literature. This minor offers an interesting complement or context to studies in other fields (such as history, philosophy, political theory or women’s studies) that have benefited, historically, from French influences.

Earn at least 15 credits from the following:
- FREN 24100 – Early French Civilization: From Gothic to Revolution
- FREN 24200 – Modern French Civilization: From Revolution to Present
- FREN 25100 – French Literature and the Arts
- FREN 25200 – From Symbolism to Surrealism in French Literature
- FREN 25300 – Modern French Theatre: Theory and Practice
- FREN 25400 – Film and the French Novel
- FREN 25500 – New Approaches to Modern French Literature
- FREN 25600 – Dream and Image
- FREN 25700 – Literary Cross-Currents
- FREN 25800 – French Poetry in Translation
- FREN 25900 – French Theatre in Translation
- FREN 26000 – French Novel in Translation (1600-1900)
- FREN 26100 – Modern French Novel in Translation (1900-Present)
- FREN 26200 – Perspectives on Women in French Literature

French Faculty

Sam Di Iorio

Associate Professor

Office: 68th Street West 1326
Phone: (212) 772-5147
Email: adiiorio@hunter.cuny.edu

Noran Mohamed

Assistant Professor

Office: 68th Street West 1316
Phone: (212) 772-5101
Email: noran.mohamed@hunter.cuny.edu

Michael Taormina

Associate Professor

Office: 68th Street West 1320
Phone: (212) 772-4760
Email: mtaormin@hunter.cuny.edu

Our Degree

What Can I Do with a Degree in French?

A major in French opens doors to completing a Masters, a PhD, and various other career opportunities, such as roles in international organizations like the United Nations or the European Union, where the language is crucial. Additionally, individuals with French language skills may find employment in the travel and tourism industry, multinational corporations, or in education as language instructors. Careers in translation and interpretation, media and journalism, and roles within the diplomatic sphere are also viable options. The problem-solving and critical thinking skills developed while mastering a foreign language and studying literature further enhance the adaptability of French majors in various professional settings.

Potential Career Paths:

Literature Professor
Diplomatic Relations Officer
International Business Consultant
Language Instructor
Translator/Interpreter
Journalist/Correspondent
Cultural Exchange Coordinator
Tour Guide
Customer Relations Specialist in Multinational Corporations
International Development Specialist
Education Program Manager

If you’re curious and want to explore how French aligns with your academic and career goals, we encourage you to reach out! Our faculty are here to provide more information, answer your questions, and guide you. To join the listserv, click here.

FAQs

Note: WE DO NOT OVERTALLY.

Q: What are the rules governing the language requirement?

A: Hunter College's official policy is stated here.

Q: I studied French in high school. Can I be exempted?

A: Students who have successfully completed 4 full years of French in high school can apply for exemption with a Hunter College Academic Advisor. Such courses must have been taken in high school. French courses taken in middle school do not count. An official high school transcript must be presented. If you have taken between 1 and 3 years of French in high school, you would normally take the language placement test.

Q: I passed the New York State Regents Exam in French. Does that exempt me?

A: No. If you scored a 3 or higher on the French AP Exam, you may be exempted from FREN 202. No other exam is valid.

Q: I'm a transfer student. Do I need to fulfill the language requirement?

A: Please consult this page and select the link that describes your situation to find out.

Q: I graduated from a high school in France or a French-speaking country. Am I exempt from FREN 202?

A: Yes! Contact a Hunter College Academic Advisor. You will need an official high school transcript or diploma.

Q: I successfully completed an advanced college French course that has a fourth-semester prerequisite. Am I exempt from FREN 202?

A: Yes! Contact a Hunter College Academic Advisor.

Q: This is my last semester and I just found out that I need to fulfill my language requirement. What should I do?

A: Uh oh! You should not have waited so long to address this issue. Contact a Hunter College Academic Advisor immediately. Unfortunately, it is very likely that you will need to stay one or more semesters to fulfill the requirement.

Q: My current French class is too easy. How do I get placed into the right level?

A: Contact a French advisor (find current hours on the homepage). We will approximate your level of proficiency based on an informal interview through email and/or by phone/Zoom.

Q: Who should take the placement test?

A: Normally, you are encouraged to take the placement test if you need to fulfill the language requirement, and if:

you have had between 1 and 3 years of language in high school;
more than 2 years has passed since your last foreign language course;
you have some knowledge of language but never studied it formally;
you have had additional exposure to the language through family, school, travel or work connections.

Placement Tests

Q: The section of the language class I wanted/needed to take is full.

A: We do not over-tally. Please check CUNYfirst regularly, as seats may open up over the course of the enrollment period and (especially) during the first days of class.

Q: I have been placed on the waiting list for my language class. How does it work?

A: Unfortunately, the waiting list is deceiving. It is used by Hunter administrators to gauge which courses have the most demand. The computer does not automatically add you to the section you want when someone gives up a seat. Students on the waiting list have to add the class manually. Nor does the waiting list respect the order in which you are listed. Someone not on the list could theoretically take an open seat before you see it. Seats for all classes are offered on a first come, first served basis.

Q: The waitlist for the language class I want is quite long. Will another section of that course be opened?

A: Not necessarily. The computer does not always remove students from the waiting list once they have registered. More important, the opening of new sections depends on the availability of personnel to teach them as well as sufficient funds.

Q: There are seats available in the section of the language class I want, but CUNYfirst says that they are being held. What do I do?

A: Every semester the Hunter Administration reserves a certain number of seats for transfer students and for Learning Community students. Just because these seats are being held does not mean that they will fill up. Typically, the hold will be lifted from two to four weeks before the start of the next semester. So, for the spring semester, it lifts in the middle of January. For the fall semester, it lifts in August. You must check CUNYfirst vigilantly to register at the first possible opportunity.

Q: Do you offer the intensive FREN 103 and FREN 203?

A: We offer the 6-credit courses FREN 103 (intensive elementary French) and FREN 203 (intensive intermediate French) every other semester. Check the Schedule of Classes on CUNYfirst for the Spring, Summer, and Fall terms to find out more.