Language Proficiency Certificates (LPCs) require 16 credits. They differ from minors in that fewer credits are required and study abroad is not required. For fuller exposure to a language and to develop intercultural skills the department recommends a minor or major. Certificates are designed to help students increase proficiency in a language and culture and introduce them to some specialized vocabulary. Certificates offer students the opportunity to showcase additional areas of their university education in preparation for the professional world. Language study adds value to a chosen field and gives students an edge in the job market. Through studying culture, embedded in language courses and in specific content courses, students prepare for active integration in a multi-cultural work setting.

Students with prior language experience must take a placement exam to be placed into the appropriate level of language courses. In order to complete a certificate, students must attain an intermediate-mid level or higher. Language proficiency target levels are set by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). LPCs also require at least an introductory cultural studies course to help develop tools for working in multi-cultural or cross-cultural environments. To be granted a certificate, students also need to develop an individual project as determined by the Departmental Faculty. For the successful completion of a certificate, students must attain a minimum B average for all required courses.

Language certificates must be paired with a bachelor's degree and may not be earned by themselves.

Certificate Requirements

Complete 16 credits, including the following:

Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
GLFR 102	ELEMENTARY FRENCH II 1,2	4
Complete two of the following: 2		8
GLFA 215	INTRODUCTION TO AFRICAN CINEMA
GLFA 230	INTRODUCTION TO AFRICAN STUDIES
GLFR 302	INTRODUCTION TO FRENCH AND FRANCOPHONE STUDIES
GLFR 350	TOPICS IN FRENCH LITERATURE
Complete two of the following: 2		2
GLFR 222	FRENCH CULTURE AND LANGUAGE ACROSS THE CURRICULUM
Language Practice 2		2
GLFR 030	FRENCH CONVERSATION PRACTICE
Final Project
Complete an individual final project connecting an aspect of the French language or Francophone cultures to a career. 3
Total Credits		16

¹

Students with prior language experience must take a placement exam to determine the appropriate course level. 

²

Students who place above ELEMENTARY FRENCH II (GLFR 102) should instead complete one additional Global French content course and its CLAC, then complete only 1 credit of FRENCH CONVERSATION PRACTICE (GLFR 030). 

³

To complete the requirements for the certificate, the student will develop an independent project connecting an aspect of the French language or Francophone cultures to the career of their choice. This can be met through research of an independent project related to professional plans (planning to join the Peace Corps, a Master's program in France, or applying for an English assistantship, for example) or a pre-approved internship experience. In some circumstances this project can be completed in an advanced culture class with prior approval. All students will have opportunity to present their final project in a poster session, a fair or student symposium.

For the successful completion of a certificate, students must attain a minimum B average for all required courses.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Develop the ability to communicate effectively in spoken and written French in a variety of everyday and academic contexts.
• Demonstrate engagement with French and Francophone cultures to better understand global connections and navigate cultural diversity in academic, professional, and civic settings.
• Exhibit unbiased engagement with cultural groups of the French-speaking world.
• Use specialized vocabulary pertaining to a chosen profession.
• Apply French language learning to a professional project.