Department Requirements

Requirements for the Major in French

All French majors are expected to achieve breadth in their knowledge of the French-speaking worlds by taking courses on the literatures and cultures of these areas from their origins to the present. Students should also take complementary courses in study-away programs or in other departments and programs such as Art History, History, English, and Africana Studies. The major consists of nine courses more advanced than French 204.


Nine courses above French 204*, including:

1. Two of the following four courses (one from 207, 208; one from 209, 210, or the equivalent in study abroad):

  • French 207
  • French 208
  • French 209
  • French 210

2. Three courses at the 300-level, including French 351 (senior seminar)

*or eight courses above 204 for students beginning in 101, 102, or 203

Requirements for the Minor in French

The minor consists of three Bowdoin courses above 204, including one 300-level course.