French Studies at Rice University integrates several disciplinary perspectives in the study of contemporary France and the broader French-speaking world. Accordingly, the faculty includes literary theorists, philosophers, historians, linguists, cultural critics, as well as language instructors. The program seeks to situate French culture within the broadest possible context of European and world thought and history as a crucial component of those over-arching historical phenomena known as "the West" and "modernity". The program courses reflect this intellectual diversity and thus range the fields of not only language and literature, but also social science, history, philosophy, and the respective studies of feminism, gender, film, and post-colonialism. The Department of French Studies also sponsors undergraduate courses in Italian language, literature, and culture.
Requirements For Majors And Double Majors:
The major in French Studies is required to complete a minimum of 30 semester hours (10 three-credit courses) in advanced French courses (300 level or above). For double majors or area majors, at least 24 semester hours (8 three-credit courses) are required.
The following is a list of courses required of all majors in French Studies, unless the student is exempted by the department's undergraduate advisor:
- FREN 311 Major Literary Works and Artifacts of Pre-Revolutionary France
- FREN 312 Major Literary Works and Artifacts of Post-Revolutionary France
- FREN 336 Writing Workshop
The department recommends that the major in French Studies also take courses in European history, English, another European literature, and/or courses closely related to French and francophone literature and culture. In addition to the departmental requirements for the major, students must also satisfy the distribution requirements (as outlined in the General Announcements) and complete no fewer than 60 semester hours outside the departmental requirements, ultimately totaling at least 120 semester hours. All majors and prospective majors should have their degree plans approved by the department's undergraduate advisors.
Students with diplomas from French-speaking institutions will need to consult with the department's advisor before enrolling in courses. In addition, those entering Rice University with prior training in French should take the language placement exam administered during Freshman Week to determine their level of proficiency.
Honors Program. An honors program in French Studies is open to qualified students. French majors who complete any course at the 300 or 400 level that is not specifically a language instruction course are eligible to apply to the program. Those interested in the honors program should consult the department's undergraduate advisors.
The Department of French Studies encourages its students to spend time in France or in a French-speaking country and thus provides opportunities to do so. The Alliance Française of Houston each year presents a summer travel scholarship of $3,000 to a sophomore or junior for six weeks of study in France. Also, the department each year awards a rising junior in French Studies the Clyde Ferguson Bull Travel Fellowship of $15,000. Applications must be received in the department office by January 22, 2008.
The French Club, Club Chouette, organizes and hosts numerous activities each year, including the weekly French Table at noon on Wednesdays at Lovett College, films, dinners, and plays. There is also an active chapter of the French honorary society Pi Delta Phi.