Qatar University (QU) yesterday held a ceremony to launch a Minor in French Language and receive a donation of around 100 French books, DVDs and magazines from the French embassy.
The Minor in French Language was created by QU College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Department of English Literature and Linguistics with the aim to give QU students access to another foreign language and culture besides English.
The Minor programme comprises 24 credit-hours and targets students who are beginners or low intermediates in French. It is currently offered only to female students. The number of applicants for the first year is 38, most of them Qataris.
Graduates from this programme will reach a level of competency that is functional enough to travel to French speaking countries. They will also stand in a good position to pursue their studies abroad in French speaking institutions or to work in a professional setting where French may be required.
Basic French is the first course and main entry-point for this programme. It became available for the first time in Fall 2016 and it is currently attended by 22 students.
The event was attended by QU president Dr Hassan al-Derham, French ambassador Dr Eric Chevallier, QU vice-president for Academic Affairs Dr Mazen Hasna, representatives of the French Institute, Lycée franco-qatarien Voltaire and Lycée Bonaparte, as well as QU faculty, students and staff.
The event featured an overview on the Minor in French Language by QU CAS associate professor of French Language Dr Paula Bouffard, an overview on the donated books by QU Library director Dr Imad Bashir, and a presentation by QU French Club president Maytha Mohamed al-Mansoori.
Dr Eric Chevallier receiving a memento from Dr Hassan al-Derham yesterday.
