Bachelor of Arts
College of Arts and Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Education
College of Education and Human Development
French is recognized as one of the two major international languages of business and diplomacy, and as a dominant language in developing countries. Indeed, there are more French speakers outside of France than in France.
Mastering a foreign language can give students an edge in finding fulfilling careers in government agencies, banking, companies involved in translation, import-export, travel, international development, computer science or any business with foreign contacts. Students may add French to a major in the physical or social sciences, the arts or the humanities for purposes of research.
The number of teaching positions is also increasing as an awareness of the need for foreign languages in a global society grows.
Four years of high school French or two years of college French are required to begin a major. Normally, students will have taken two to four years of the language in high school. Students who do not have high school preparation may take elementary and intermediate French at BGSU, perhaps in the accelerated summer program offered in Tours, France, where it is possible to complete four semesters of elementary and intermediate French in one summer.
The curriculum includes courses in composition, conversation, culture, literature, film and business French. Students opting to go abroad may take courses in French art history, history, literature, civilization and language.
Students who want to teach French in elementary or secondary schools should pursue the bachelor of science in education program. This program requires a series of professional education courses, field and clinical experiences and supervised student teaching, leading to certification from seventh through twelfth grade. Students may fulfill the student teaching requirement in Montreal, Quebec, as well as in Ohio.
All degree programs in French require the completion of general education courses which cover such areas as speech, sciences, arts and social sciences to provide a balanced education.
The Academic Year Abroad program in Tours, France, offers students the language and cultural benefits from extended residence in a foreign country. The program is directed by a BGSU faculty member. Other faculty members are drawn from the Institut de Touraine and the Université François Rabelais in Tours. There is a two-week optional September session in Paris.
Recognizing French as an international language and the growing importance of cross-cultural experiences, the department has established a study program in Francophone Africa, in the country of Burkina Faso. This opportunity includes a four-week summer session which students combine with the summer program in France. Some years there is also a two-week optional study module at the end of the spring semester in France. In both France and Burkina, students live with families carefully chosen to incorporate students into the family life. Cultural excursions within the region of the capital are also arranged.
The French House at BGSU gives women a unique chance to live in a small residential community with other interested students and speak French with the house director, who is a native speaker of French. The French Club also meets in the French House and provides opportunities for both men and women to participate in various social and cultural activities.
BGSU offers Career (business) French which gives students the chance to study administrative writing and commercial practices of France and the francophone world. Students may prepare for the examination leading to a certificate from the Paris Chamber of Commerce.
Students who have taken two years of high school French usually have to complete two college courses in French before courses count toward the major. Students who come to college with four years of language in high school can usually move directly into the major.
Completing the requirements for high school graduation is necessary for admission to BGSU, but only finishing the minimum coursework will leave you unprepared for college. Consider taking four years of mathematics instead of the three that are required. Two, three or even four years of the same foreign language is excellent preparation for college. You will also benefit from competency in computer use. Courses that provide exposure to or training in the visual and performing arts are excellent choices.
Bowling Green State University’s 701 teacher education graduates who took the national Praxis II licensing exam in 2004-05 passed at an overall rate of 88 percent (surpassing the state requirement of 80 percent) and met or exceeded the state requirement for licensure in 13 content or teaching specialty areas.
For individuals identifying themselves as BGSU graduates the pass rate on Praxis III, the professional teacher licensure test, was 99 percent.
For detailed information on BGSU students’ pass rates on the national licensing exam, visit the College of Education and Human Development’s website at www.bgsu.edu/colleges/edhd/
BGSU’s teacher education programs are fully accredited at all levels by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
BGSU's website for future students contains University highlights, admissions procedures, financial aid information and many department profiles. It can be accessed at www.bgsu.edu.
Bowling Green State University is a vibrant university that engages, challenges and prepares students for meaningful futures. At BGSU, students enjoy an education that integrates personal growth, academic excellence and an environment that expands their thinking and potential. A mid-size residential university, BGSU has an enrollment of approximately 20,000 and a full-time faculty of more than 900 on its main campus. More than 200 undergraduate majors and programs are offered as well as master's and doctoral level programs.
NOTE: Information in this guide is subject to change without notice. To learn more about the official program of study for French, please check the undergraduate catalog online at www.bgsu.edu/catalog/A_S/A_S51.html.
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