Develop global perspectives sought by companies, educational institutions and NGOs in the US, France and other French-speaking countries (Canada, Haiti, Belgium, Congo, etc.), and explore our many study abroad opportunities. Students who enter UWM with advanced French can earn both a bachelor’s and master’s in 5 years to become a translator/interpreter. Fluency in French can provide a career advantage in all types of professions including business, medicine, law, the arts, politics, government work, and more. The country of France is a leader in science and high-tech, architecture, fashion, and cuisine, making French fluency valuable in these industries as well.
At UWM, language students receive an education in not just language fluency but also in the culture surrounding that language. Context matters in communication, and we believe it is important for students to understand the history, literature, and customs of native speakers of French in order to successfully apply their fluency.
Student with no previous experience in French will start in the introductory French language class; those who have studied French in high school should take the placement exam to determine if they can start at a higher level. Students who place in a higher-level course who subsequently complete that course with a "B" or better may receive retroactive credits for the courses that were skipped.
Requirements
The College of Letters & Science requires that students attain at least a 2.0 GPA on all credits in the minor attempted at UWM. In addition, students must attain a 2.0 GPA on all minor credits attempted, including any transfer work. At least 9 credits must be taken at the 300 level or above in residence at UWM.
The minor in French consists of a minimum of 18 credits as follows:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| FRENCH 204 | Fourth-Semester French (or equivalent) | 3 |
| FRENCH 303 | Conversation and Composition: Intermediate Level (or equivalent) | 3 |
| FRENCH 332 | Reading French Texts (or equivalent) | 3 |
| Select 9 credits in French literature, language, and culture above the 300 level | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Letters & Science Minor Advising
Advising for the minor takes place within the department by a faculty member or staff member. Follow the steps using the "Declare a Minor" button on the department’s website which may include instructions on how to select a faculty advisor if there is more than one to choose from.
Students who already have an L&S college advisor because their degree plan is in L&S can discuss the minor with them as well since they will be familiar with any minor in L&S. Students who are working on a degree from a UWM college other than the College of Letters & Science will not need an L&S college advisor for just a minor and one will not be assigned. These students should work with the faculty or staff advisor they receive as part of the minor declaration process or contact the department directly for assistance.
Applicants who have not started classes at UWM yet who wish to declare a minor should wait until they are registered for their first UWM classes and then can declare the minor using the “Declare a Minor” button on the program’s website. If you have questions about the minor before then, contact let-sci@uwm.edu.