What is the French Honors Program?
The French Honors Program is open to all students majoring in French. The minimum eligibility requirements are an overall grade point average of 3.65 and an average of 3.65 in the major.
Students admitted to the Honors Program will complete a 6-credit sequence in addition to the credits for their major during their senior year:
- Honors students take a methodological “French Research Lab” seminar (2 credits).
- Additionally, Honors students write a thesis, an original work of scholarship in the field of French literature, culture, or francophonie (4 credits). Students may write the thesis either in French (25-30 pages) or in English (40-60 pages). Students work on their thesis throughout the year with the support of a departmental faculty advisor. The advisor will be chosen in consultation with the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
Why apply for the Honors Program?
The Honors Program is a unique opportunity to develop an original research project, elaborate a methodology, and contribute to intellectual debates in the field of French literature, thought and culture. Over the course of the program, you will become an expert on a topic about which you are passionate. Your thesis will be a testament to this rigorous and engaging work.
Completing the Honors program is especially helpful for applying to graduate school, as your thesis will demonstrate a significant achievement in original research and academic writing. Yet it can also help you on the job market by demonstrating to potential employers that you have the skills and abilities to ask complex questions, conduct thorough research, and complete an extensive written project from start to finish.
What are the professional outcomes of the Honors Program?
Our recent Honors students were admitted to prestigious graduate programs including the Yale Law School, the London School of Economics, the Sorbonne, the Institut d’Etudes Poltiques (Sciences-Po), etc. Our students have embarked on careers in law, diplomacy, publishing, journalism, academia, and more. Meet our Honors students.
Grants
Through the generosity of parents, alumni, and friends of the College, an endowment Fund provides grants to assist student research. This includes up to $1,000 per grant for an Individual or Team Research Grant and up to $500 for Conference Grant.
Eligible applicants should apply by email to Prof. Bolduc, at benoit.bolduc@nyu.edu