French
French at UTEP
French, a curricular component of the Department of Languages and Linguistics, occupies a unique position in our bi-national, multilingual southwestern location. The French program and the French faculty contribute to the teaching and research function of the University in various areas, including language acquisition, language variation, cultural awareness, international business, literary studies, and promotion of study abroad. The program provides students pursuing an undergraduate minor in French with the unique opportunity of learning and practicing the world language spoken on five continents by more than 28 countries.
French Minor
A French minor is a great complement to a degree in Education for preparing future French teachers. French is also an excellent minor for many Liberal Arts majors such as Psychology and Political Science because of the influence of French history and thought both in the past and in these areas today. French also supports other programs across the university, including Spanish, Linguistics, History, and Women’s Studies.
Our French minor is oriented towards the development of communicative competency in the language. Information about the course requirements and degree plan for the French minor can be found in the UTEP Academic Catalog.
French Placement Test
Students who have acquired a significant knowledge of French through high school study (usually two years or more) or by some other means are urged to take the French Placement Exam before enrolling. The Department of Languages and Linguistics reserves the right to rectify errors in placement caused by a student's failure to observe these guidelines, including the option to drop a student enrolled in an inappropriate course. Students who take the placement and place out of one or more courses will receive equivalent credit upon completion, with a grade of C or better, for the course into which they have placed. No credit is granted by examination only.
Study Abroad
UTEP highly encourages its students to take part in study abroad opportunities. There are many possibilities for students wishing to perfect their French language skills. Students may take advantage of UTEP programs to study in Canada, Europe or the French-speaking Caribbean. Study abroad programs may last anywhere from 2 weeks to an entire academic year. In many cases, students may apply their financial aid to study abroad programs and there are also scholarship opportunities. Students should contact the Office of International Programs and Study Abroad or one of the French faculty members for further information.