French Studies

Faculty

Lecturers
Caroline Herbelin, PhD., University of Paris-Sorbonne (Program Director)
Veronique Martin, PhD., University at Albany

Professors Emeriti
Susan Blood, PhD., Johns Hopkins University
Eloise A. Brière, PhD., University of Toronto
Jean-François Brière, PhD., York University
Cynthia A. Fox, PhD., Indiana University, Bloomington
Martin Kanes, PhD., University of Pennsylvania
Georges V. Santoni, PhD., University of Colorado
Mary Beth Winn, PhD., Yale University

Adjuncts (estimated): 3

French Studies offers a range of courses in language, literature, and culture as well as in French for special purposes (e.g., French for business, French for international relations). The program combines innovative and traditional approaches leading to teaching, international business, graduate work or other career objectives. A minor in French is available; many students also opt to combine advanced coursework in French with work in a related field to create their own interdisciplinary major.

Courses of general interest, taught in English and requiring no knowledge of French, are also offered regularly.

Careers
Students of French Studies enter careers in education, government service, business, law, healthcare, tech, international organizations, public relations, communication, translating and interpreting, library science, and Foreign Service. Along with English, French is the official working language of the United Nations, the International Red Cross, the Council of Europe, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Any field of work that requires a broad liberal education, linguistic skill and knowledge of French-speaking cultures will offer job opportunities. Combinations with particularly strong employment potential are French Studies and economics, political science, and business.

Special Programs and Opportunities
Many exchange programs with universities in francophone countries are offered by universities and colleges within the SUNY system. The Center for International Education and Global Strategy’s Education Abroad Office provides guidance in choosing the right program; faculty are also a useful resource for informal advisement on study abroad options.

Opportunities to use French and to exchange ideas outside of class are provided through Le Cercle français (the French Club) and La Pause café (an informal conversation group). For contact information: https://www.albany.edu/llc/events. We also offer lecture and film series and other activities.

The Paris Chamber of Commerce Exam: The French Studies Program at UAlbany is an approved testing site for the the Diplôme de français professional-niveau A2, an internationally recognized certification of business French skills awarded by the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The French Program offers A FRE 270 to facilitate students’ mastery of both the written and oral parts of this exam. Recipients of the diploma enhance their employment potential in international business and management. For more information, contact Veronique Martin ([email protected]).

Language Placement: How do I know what level French is for me?
Students wishing to enroll in French for the first time at the University at Albany should use the following guidelines in selecting the appropriate course. Please note that students taking a lower level course after having completed a course at a higher level will not receive graduation credit for that course.

• A FRE 101 Students who have no previous experience with French or whose experience is the equivalent of less than one year of high school level French.
• A FRE 102 Students who have completed one year of high school level French or its equivalent.
• A FRE 221 Students who have completed two years of high school level French or its equivalent.
• A FRE 222 Students who have completed three years of high school level French or its equivalent. These students should see the French Program Director to discuss the possibility of a minor or other advanced studies in French.
• A FRE 301 Students who have completed four years of high school level French or its equivalent. These students should see the French Program Director to discuss the possibility of a minor or other advanced studies in French.

Exceptions:

1. Students may elect to enroll one level higher or lower than the level suggested by the above guidelines. Factors which could be taken into consideration in making this decision are: the length of time which has elapsed since last formal study of French; additional travel or home experience with the language; quality of previous program of study; grades earned (overall performance) in previous study. Note, however, that the Language Placement rules of the Undergraduate Bulletin state that A FRE 101 may not be taken for credit by students who have taken three years of high school French or passed the Regents examination within the last five years.
2. Students who wish to be placed more than one level higher or lower than the placement suggested by these guidelines must have written permission from the French Program Director (Professor Caroline Hereblin, [email protected]).
3. Students who have completed A FRE 221 through the University in High School Program should enroll in A FRE 222; students who have completed A FRE 222 should enroll in A FRE 301.
4. Students who have received Advanced Placement (AP) credit should see the French Program Director to discuss their program of study.
5. Students whose experience with French has not been primarily through organized study in an American high school setting should consult with the French Program Director for help in selecting an appropriate class.

Students are strongly encouraged to see the French Program Director if they feel they are in the wrong class or if they have any questions about placement. Decisions to change courses should be made no later than the second week of classes.

The Student-Initiated Interdisciplinary Major in French Studies*

Students wishing to go beyond the undergraduate minor in French Studies should meet with the French Program Director to discuss proposing their own Interdisciplinary Major by combining courses from the French Program with those from other academic departments on campus. Many departments offer courses relevant to France and the Francophone world, including (but not limited to) Africana Studies, Anthropology, Art, English, History, Latin American, Caribbean & U.S. Latino Studies, Linguistics, Music, Philosophy, Political Science and Women’s Studies. See the guidelines for the Student-Initiated Interdisciplinary Major at www.albany.edu/undergraduateeducation/interdisciplinary_studies.php.

Teacher Education Program
To obtain teacher certification students must combine French credits with an M.A. in Education, according to New York State Education Department regulations for teacher certification. Students interested in teaching as a profession should contact the Pathways Into Education (PIE) Center at [email protected], 518-442-3529.