About
Majoring in Languages, Literatures and Cultures (BS) - French and Francophone Studies, Education (K-12) leads to a licensure that allows you to teach French at any level in both public and private schools, from kindergarten to high school. As a French teacher, you will have the opportunity to open students’ minds to other languages, cultures and ways of seeing the world.
Research has shown that learning a second language provides students with a wide range of social and cognitive benefits, and in an increasingly globalized world the intercultural understanding and communication skills that language teachers impart are vital and valued by employers. For this reason, language teachers are in great demand in both public and private schools across the country.
In addition to French courses in the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, you will complete professional teaching courses through Appalachian’s prestigious Reich College of Education. Various field experiences plus a semester-long student teaching experience will prepare you well for the K-12 classroom.
After Graduation
Employment: Graduates are teaching across North Carolina, including Alamance, Buncombe, Catawba, Forsyth, Guilford, Mecklenburg and Wake counties, as well as in other U.S. states and overseas.
Graduate School: Alumni of the program often stay at Appalachian for the Accelerated Master’s Program in Romance Languages.
Professional Licensure
This is a program that can lead to licensure or certification in North Carolina. Appalachian State University cannot confirm whether this program will meet the requirements for professional licensure in other states or territories.
If this applies to you, check the Professional Licensure webpage for information on licensure requirements and licensing agencies in other states. Or, you may address questions to State Authorization at App State at stateauthorization@appstate.edu or 828-262-7559.
People
Related Program
Minors
A minor is not required for the French K-12 degree. However, many language education majors choose to add a minor in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), as jobs in ESL are also in high demand.
Engagement Outside the Classroom
- Pi Delta Phi, Gamma Phi Chapter - Appalachian’s chapter of the national French honors society. It is led by Dr. Darci Gardner. Students are admitted through nomination and must have completed at least one upper level French course, be at least a sophomore, and meet a minimum GPA requirement.
- Le Cercle Francais – A social and cultural club for students interested in French and French-speaking cultures. For information contact Lynn McNeil.
Global Learning
Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.
In the last two years, LLC faculty members have led service-learning trips to Costa Rica, Ecuador, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Ghana. There also are opportunities for students to complete part of their student teaching abroad. Read more
Admission Requirements
Prerequisite placement tests are used to assess incoming student levels of language ability, to better advise them which courses to take and to assist in class level placement.
Why Appalachian?
- Recipients of this degree are highly successful in finding teaching jobs.
- The Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures offers a variety of courses related to the French language and French-speaking cultures, with small class sizes and individualized attention and mentoring.
- Students have several study abroad options to choose from, both in France and elsewhere in the French-speaking world, and an opportunity to complete part of their student teaching abroad.
- Appalachian offers a Master’s Degree in Romance Languages with specializations in French Teaching at both the K-12 and community college levels. High-achieving students have the option to participate in an accelerated MA program by taking graduate-level courses during their senior year and then completing the rest of their master’s coursework in a single year.
- Faculty members include students in their research and frequently present in regional conferences. Topics include contemporary French literature and culture, the literature and culture of Francophone Africa, and techniques for building language proficiency.
- Faculty regularly host immersion weekends where students prepare meals together and engage in other activities, all without the use of English.
- Appalachian has been training quality educators for more than 100 years and is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
Location
Boone campus only
Contacts
Dr. Paul Worley
Department Chair
worleypm@appstate.edu
828-262-6709