Graduate
MA in French Language and Literature
This two-year degree program ensures that the students acquire a broad knowledge of French and francophone literatures and cultures.
Requirements
Students in this program are required to take eight courses and pass comprehensive exams that cover major literary and cultural movements, genres, and literary theory.
A minimum of eight one-term courses in French literature and culture is required, of which at least six must be 2000-level courses. French 2710 (Introduction to Literary and Cultural Theory) is required for all students. French 2970 (Teaching of French) is required for students holding a Teaching Assistantship or a Teaching Fellowship, but does not count among the eight courses.
To ensure the acquisition of a broad knowledge of French literature and culture, candidates must have had taken at least one course or one exam in each field (Middle Ages, Renaissance, 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries and African and Caribbean literatures) before they can graduate.
Candidates for this degree must also fulfill the following additional requirements:
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Second Language
Candidates must demonstrate a reading knowledge of Latin or German or a Romance language other than French. Other languages will be considered upon petition. This requirement can be fulfilled by a reading exam, by passing a reading course in the appropriate department or by passing a fourth semester language course.
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Comprehensive Examination
The MA comprehensive examination is a written examination designed to ensure that the candidates have acquired a thorough overall knowledge of French language, culture, literature, and linguistics. It is divided into two four-hour sections.
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Seminar Paper
This research paper (5,000–8,000 words) is written in French, usually in a course specifically designated as a seminar. It must receive a grade of B or better and a corrected version must be approved by a second faculty member.