Major Explorations: French

Did you know that French is the fifth most spoken language in the world? The Department of French invites you to explore its curriculum and to consider it as a major part of our commitment to humanistic inquiry and global citizenship.

Value of the French Major & Placement Information for New Students

Alumni Survey: Value of the French Major

In June of 2012, the French Department conducted a survey of its alumni.   The linked *.pdf file below consists of comments submitted in response to the question below.  (All of the respondents cited gave permission to have these comments posted in a public forum.) 

If you were asked by an in-coming first-year student what the value of an Amherst College French Major might be, what would you say? 

Placement Information for New Students

Most courses in the French department are conducted in French. 

  • Students who have completed an AP French course in high school should sign up for French 207 or French 208.
  • Students who have completed four years of high school French, even if they have not completed an AP course, should sign up for French 207 or French 208.  
  • Students who have completed only three years of high school French should sign up for French 205.
  • Students who have completed two years of high school French should sign up for French 103.
  • Students with no training in French should sign up for French 101.
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Alumni Survey: Value of the French Major 146.3 KB