A French Major/Minor? Did You Know?

• A major in French can open the door to careers in international business, diplomacy, journalism, the art and fashion worlds, the travel industry and teaching
• You can work toward your major or minor in French at the CUNY/Paris exchange program (and pay the same tuition you would pay at Queens College)
• If you are taking Intermediate French I (FREN 203) you are earning credits toward the minor in French
• You can become a member of the French Honor Society (Pi Delta Phi) if you have taken 11 credits above FREN 204 and have a B+ average

For more information on French courses offered this semester contact the Department of European Languages and Literatures, King 207, 718-997-5980, or go to the Undergraduate Program page or Graduate Program page.

For information about the major or minor in French, scholarships, and study abroad opportunities contact the Undergraduate Program Coordinator: Karen Sullivan, 718-997-5652, karen.sullivan@qc.cuny.edu.

Ten Tips for Learning French

1. Start early. Good work habits early in the semester will help you progress in the course. It is better to do a little each day rather than spend hours reviewing before a quiz or exam.
2. Work outside of class. We have a limited number of class hours. If you do not devote significant time to homework, review, listening, speaking, and writing practice, it will be very difficult for you to make significant progress during the semester.
3. Take good notes. Reserve a section of your notebook for class vocabulary. Separate verbs, nouns, adjectives, adverbs and prepositions. This will make it easier for you to review before exams.
4. Speak French. This may seem obvious, but the only way to learn a language is to use it. In addition to trying to speak French in class (even when it would be so much easier to speak English) and doing the listening/speaking exercises in your workbook, you can take part in an outing offered by the Queens College French Club.
5. See the Tutors. We offer FREE tutoring to all students of French. There are two tutors who are available to help students for a total of six hours per week during the semester. (Hours posted outside King 207) Please do not be shy and don't wait until right before the exam to ask them for help. As an extra incentive you will receive a coupon for 1 bonus point towards an quiz each time you see the tutor for 15 minutes or more. If the hours of the departmental tutors are inconvenient for you, Ms. Turner in the Department of European Languages and Literatures (King 207) has a list of French tutors who can help you for a fee.
6. Attend class. There is a high correlation between class participation and success in the course. If you miss a language class, getting the notes from someone else does not help much. If you are absent/late too often, you are putting yourself at a disadvantage.
7. Ask your professor about your progress. If you have questions or concerns about the course or your progress, see your instructor. If you want to know more about future courses or a major/minor in French, contact the French Program Coordinator, Karen Sullivan, Kiely 708, 718-997-5652, karen.sullivan@qc.cuny.edu.
8. Form a study group. Exchange phone numbers/e-mail addresses with one or two of your classmates and form a study/review group. You will make friends, learn by explaining grammar to others, and practice your French.
9. Open your eyes and ears. There are many opportunities to speak/hear French at Queens College and in New York City. The Queens College French Club organizes several outings during the semester. The Alliance Française, the Maison Française at NYU, and the Maison Française at Columbia University present a selection of free or low-cost films, conferences and performances.
10. Don't worry about making mistakes in class. The only way to learn a language is to make mistakes. Nobody expects you to get it right the first time. If you participate actively in class by speaking, completing homework assignments on time, and paying close attention to your instructor and your fellow students, you will succeed. Bonne chance!