The undergraduate minor in French requires a minimum of 15 s.h. earned in advanced French courses (prefix FREN) numbered 3000 or above, including at least 9 s.h. taken at the University of Iowa. All courses for the minor must be taught in French. Students must maintain a g.p.a. of at least 2.00 in all courses for the minor and in all UI courses for the minor. Coursework in the minor may not be taken pass/nonpass. Furthering Language Incentive Program (FLIP) credit may not be counted toward the minor.

The French Language and Culture Advanced Placement (AP) exam with a score of 4 or higher is considered to be the equivalent to FREN:3000 - Third-Year French. Students with previous knowledge of French language, should take the World Languages Placement Test (WLPT) to determine the best level for your first enrollment in a language course.

Credit from the University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) programs in Pau and Lyon, France, and the Study in Montpellier program in France counts as University of Iowa credit for the minor; 6 s.h. earned in other study abroad programs may be counted toward the minor. 

The undergraduate minor in French includes courses in language, literatures and cultures of France and the francophone world. Language courses focus on developing the four communicative skills—speaking, listening, reading, and writing, while upper level courses expand upon these skills and help to foster critical analysis skills through the study of cultural products, including literary texts and films.  

Listed below are the general categories of coursework required to earn the degree; for more specific information on courses, curriculum, and requirements of the minor in French, visit the UI General Catalog.