Major Code BA1914

Honors Tutorial College  
35 Park Place
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.593.2723
Fax: 740.593.9521
honors.college@ohio.edu
www.ohio.edu/honors

Lois Vines, director of studies/contact person
vinesl@ohio.edu

Program Overview

French tutorials provide students with a deep knowledge not only in language but also in culture content so vital for understanding and navigating the world through one-on-one tutorials. French tutorial students learn to think analytically and critically in tutorials on literature, culture, linguistics, film, and art; and they acquire clarity of thought and expression through intensive and extensive writing assignments, speaking activities and in-depth research. Students enhance their technological skills in our Language Resource Center’s audio, video and computer labs.

The French director of studies and the French faculty are committed to student advising, and to guiding students successfully through their tutorials. Most tutorial students also consider adding a double major or a certificate program. The director of studies meets regularly with tutors and with honors students to ensure that tutorials are suiting their needs. In addition, all French honors tutorial students must complete at least one study abroad program, and successfully pass the ACTFL Oral Proficiency exam. All French honors tutorial students must also take regular French courses to complement their tutorials. This allows them interaction with French majors and minors and to create a camaraderie.

The final outcome of the honors tutorial degree is the production of a thesis. Students choose a thesis topic during their second year and carry out research during their third year of tutorials. Although the final chapters are polished during their senior year, various drafts are written during the junior year of the program. HTC students also present their research at research fairs and conferences. The French honors tutorial program challenges undergraduate students in a supportive environment where they can thrive and prepare themselves for a successful future.

Admissions Information

Freshman/First-Year Admission

Students are selected by the director of studies of the French tutorial program and the Honors Tutorial College on the basis of superior ability and sustained motivation. An excellent high school record (class standing in the top 10%) and high scores on standardized tests (30 or better composite ACT or a combined 1300 or higher on the SAT). An interview with the director of studies is required for acceptance into our program. Recommendations from two high school teachers are strongly recommended. The priority deadline for application for admission is December 1st, and admission interviews are held in January.

Change of Program Policy

First-year students at Ohio University may apply to transfer into the French honors tutorial program and the Honors Tutorial College. These students must meet the same entrance requirements as entering first-year students. The priority deadline for application is December 1st.

External Transfer Admission

First-year students at another institution may also apply to transfer into the French honors tutorial program and the Honors Tutorial College. These students must meet the same entrance requirements as entering first-year students. The priority deadline for application is December 1st.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

French honors tutorial students are not limited to a specific career track. The ability to think analytically, communicate clearly, and understand people from diverse cultural backgrounds has served our graduates well in a wide range of professions. Ohio University French honors tutorial majors discover that current job listings call for the types of abilities they have acquired through their tutorials, independent research and other specific courses: communication skills, analytical skills, interpersonal skills, a capacity for problem solving, and the ability to learn quickly. Many job listings include foreign language proficiency as a desirable or necessary tool.

In consultation with the French director of studies and other French faculty members, and with the help of Ohio University Career Services, students approaching graduation can identify companies and organizations offering job opportunities that correspond to the student’s personal interests. When recent graduates employ their marketable skills in the pursuit of an individual passion, they greatly enhance their chances for success, satisfaction, and lifelong rewards. Some of our honors students combine an HTC major in Spanish with a secondary discipline such as journalism, political science, education, sociology, or business, and then seek employment in print or broadcast media, government, teaching, social services, or industry. These students possess career-specific skills in addition to specific French and Francophone content knowledge and language proficiency.

Many HTC majors acquire additional academic training prior to seeking employment. Some pursue internships, either in the United States or abroad, in which they employ their foreign language skills in a professional capacity. With faculty guidance, our seniors have successfully competed for postgraduate awards such as Fulbright, Boren, and Truman Scholarships. Many graduates enter either M.A. or Ph.D. programs, either in French or another discipline, and go on to academic positions at universities. Others attend law school or medical school. Volunteer service abroad with organizations such as the Peace Corps provides training that can help a student identify a future career track.

Requirements