French is an important language of diplomacy, commerce, and health care, and is used in research across the globe and in many disciplines, such as music, art, linguistics, history, law, political science, anthropology, biology, chemistry, mathematics, and philosophy. The French discipline gives students the language and analytic skills necessary to engage intellectually with these interconnected fields in French and to appreciate the cultures of France and Francophone countries throughout the world. Objectives--The French discipline teaches the skills necessary for communicating with a variety of French-speaking peoples and for understanding their rich cultures, ideas, institutions, and writings, past and present. We invite students to think critically about French and Francophone cultures, and prepare them for graduate school or to enter a bilingual, professional world. STUDY ABROAD In light of today's increasingly interdependent world, the UMM French faculty endorses study abroad in combination with a French major or minor as the most effective means by which to: * improve language abilities; * broaden academic horizons; * globalize one's world view; * expand career opportunities; * advance cross-cultural and problem-solving skills; and * gain confidence in oneself personally and professionally. CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN FRENCH The certificate program in French responds to the growing demand for individuals who can communicate successfully in a global environment, and is intended for students whose other academic commitments prevent them from completing either a major or minor in French. To earn a certificate, a student must a) complete a minimum of 12 credits in French at UMM at the 2xxx and/or 3xxx level. All courses for the certificate must be taken on campus at UMM. Students are encouraged to study abroad, but the UMM French faculty need to assess the skills and progress of the student. Therefore, classes taken abroad (including July in Paris) do not count for the certificate. b) earn at least a B in each of the three courses (S-N grades will not be accepted for the certificate). No courses in English may count toward the French certificate program. Students who complete a major or minor in French are not eligible for the certificate program. A student who has met the above requirements will receive a reference letter from the UMM French faculty certifying completion of the certificate program as well as language competence, based on guidelines published by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).

Students are strongly encouraged to study abroad. Up to 6 credits towards a French minor may be earned abroad and/or transferred from another college/university. Students who wish to apply more than 6 such credits to the French minor must petition the French faculty for approval. Decisions will be made on an individual basis. No courses taught in English may count toward the French minor. No grades below C- are allowed. Courses may not be taken S-N unless offered S-N only. A minimum GPA of 2.00 is required in the minor to graduate. The GPA includes all, and only, University of Minnesota coursework. Grades of "F" are included in GPA calculation until they are replaced.