French Studies

French Studies at South Dakota State University offers students an in-depth exploration of the French language, literature, and culture, aiming to develop advanced linguistic skills and a comprehensive understanding of Francophone societies. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in international business, education, translation, diplomacy, and other fields where proficiency in French and cultural literacy are valuable assets. Students will engage in rigorous coursework covering French grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and conversation, which enhances oral and written communication abilities. The curriculum also emphasizes the study of French and Francophone literature, history, and cultural practices, providing a well-rounded perspective on the diverse regions where French is spoken.

The program encourages immersive learning through study-abroad opportunities, enabling students to experience life in French-speaking countries and practice language skills in authentic contexts. Students are also encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities such as French clubs, cultural events, and language partners to deepen their engagement with the language and culture. Faculty members are dedicated to student success, offering personalized instruction and mentoring to help students achieve their academic and professional goals.

Graduates of the French Studies program at South Dakota State University will be equipped with strong communicative competence, intercultural awareness, and critical thinking skills, making them competitive in a globalized job market. Whether pursuing graduate studies, teaching careers, or international opportunities, students will find a supportive academic environment to cultivate their language abilities and cultural understanding. The program is flexible, allowing students to tailor their coursework to specific interests within French linguistic and cultural studies. With a commitment to excellence in education and experiential learning, the French Studies programme prepares graduates to become effective global citizens and professionals in a variety of fields.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline June for Fall semester; November for Spring semester Tuition fee

• USD 7321 Year (National)
• USD 18044 Year (International)

Start date January,September 2015 Credits 120 credits
Duration full-time 48 months Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time

Course Content

Major Requirements: 37

• Introductory French
• Intermediate French
• French Language Skills
• Topics in Francophone Culture
• French Culture and Civilization

Literature, Language, and Culture Elective Credits: 16
The following is a suggested sequence.

• Intermediate Oral Practice
• Exploring Literature in French
• Travel Study Abroad Francophone
• Independent Study

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 5.5 TOEFL paper-based test score : 500 TOEFL iBT® test : 61

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

take an IELTS test. More About IELTS

Requirements

There are no application requirements to enroll in the French Studies major. However, students with previous knowledge of the language must take the placement test and register for an appropriate course. Additionally, all the courses for the major must be passed with a grade of “C” or better.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Alumni Study Travel Fund

  Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.

• Amsterdam Merit Scholarships

  The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than South Dakota State University.

Funding

SDSU offers a variety of academic scholarships. Awards are based on academic achievement, activities participation and leadership.

Accreditation

South Dakota State University has been granted the full, ten-year reaccreditation by the Higher Learning Commission. An accreditation team of representatives from peer institutions commended SDSU for:

• Dedicated faculty and staff
• Quality new facilities
• Excellent student leadership
• Shared governance
• Partnerships with local community
• Robust and Integrated assessment program
• Successful transition to NCAA Division I Athletics