French Course Descriptions
FREN 111 Beginning French I
Credit Hours:
3
Introduces students to the culture and language of the French-speaking world. Students develop an ability to communicate in real-life situations by acquiring reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. This course is intended for students with no prior knowledge of French, or those who have had two years or less of high school French.
FREN 112 Beginning French II
Credit Hours:
4
Builds on the skills acquired in FREN 111. Students continue to develop an ability to communicate in real-life situations by acquiring additional reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills as well as cultural competency in the French-speaking world. Students meet once a week with a language assistant from France. Prerequisite: FREN 111 or 2-3 years of high school French.
FREN 123 Explorations of Francophone Literature in English Translation
Credit Hours:
3
Is taught entirely in English. The course introduces basic literary concepts and explores themes and movements of French literature from the seventeenth to the twentieth centuries.
FREN 211 Intermediate French I
Credit Hours:
4
Continue the development of interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational skills through a variety of texts (journalistic, short story, poetry, advertising, film, etc.) that reflect the cultural, social, and linguistic diversity of the French-speaking world. Students explore the diversity of practices, products, and perspectives found within contemporary French-speaking societies. Topics may include gender, multiculturalism, ethnicity, family, religion, literature, art, music, gastronomy, education, economics, and politics. Students meet once a week with a language assistant from France. Prerequisite: FREN 112 or its equivalent.
FREN 212 Intermediate French II
Credit Hours:
4
Continue the development of interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational skills through a variety of texts (journalistic, short story, poetry, advertising, film, etc.) that reflect the cultural, social, and linguistic diversity of the French-speaking world. Students explore the diversity or practices, products, and perspectives found within contemporary French-speaking societies. Topics may include gender, multiculturalism, ethnicity, family, religion, literature, art, music, gastronomy, education, economics, and politics. Students meet once a week with a language assistant from French. Prerequisite: FREN 211 or its equivalent.
FREN 240 Business French
Credit Hours:
3
Introduces basic concepts of business communication in the French-speaking world. Topics include finance, economics, marketing, and intercultural awareness. Prerequisite: FREN 212, its equivalent, or permission of instructor.
FREN 251 French Table
Credit Hours:
1
Offers the opportunity to practice conversational French in an informal setting. Activities are designed to encourage students to express themselves creatively in French. The course may be taken up to three times for credit, but applied to the major only twice. Prerequisite: FREN 111 or its equivalent.
FREN 291 Advanced French Table
Credit Hours:
1
A weekly meeting designed to expand vocabulary and increase the speaking proficiency of students at or above the advanced-intermediate level. Maximum number of French Table classes (251, 291, or a combination) that may be taken for credit: three. Maximum number of French Table classes that can be applied to the 33 hours required for the major: two (can consist of two 251s; two 291s, or one of each). Prerequisite: FREN 212, its equivalent, or permission of instructor.
FREN 301 Advanced French: Conversation and Pronunciation
Credit Hours:
3
Emphasizes listening and speaking skills. Students improve their comprehension and speech through laboratory exercises, class discussions, and other activities. Prerequisite: FREN 212 or its equivalent.
FREN 302 Advanced French: Grammar and Composition
Credit Hours:
3
A writing course that focuses on writing for a number of purposes, including essays, correspondence, narratives, and literary analysis. An overview of French grammar is included. The course may be taken twice for credit. Prerequisite: FREN 212 or its equivalent.
FREN 303 Survey of French Literature
Credit Hours:
3
Introduces major literary movements, principal writers, and outstanding works of French literature in their historical contexts beginning with the sixteenth century. Prerequisite: FREN 302 or permission of instructor.
FREN 304 Survey of French and Francophone Literatures
Credit Hours:
3
Surveys contemporary French-language literatures and their cultural contexts in French-speaking Africa, North America, and the Caribbean as well as in France. Prerequisite: FREN 302 or permission of instructor.
FREN 310 Study Abroad Seminar
Credit Hours:
1
Satisfies the study abroad requirement for the major. Students attend preparatory meetings and participate in assignments designed to maximize the value of the required study abroad experience. Before departure, students engage in readings and discussions. After study abroad, students submit a reflection paper and/or assigned written work related to their formal and informal learning gained during the stay.
FREN 325 Topics in French Civilization
Credit Hours:
3
Explores aspects of French civilization and culture, including history, religion, the arts, politics, and gender. The course may be repeated for credit as the subject matter changes. Prerequisite: FREN 212, its equivalent, or permission of instructor.
FREN 350 Survey of French Cinema in English
Credit Hours:
3
Provides an overview of French and Francophone cinemas starting with the origins of cinematic art. The course examines landmark film classics as well as a selection of contemporary French-language films. The basic vocabulary and concepts of cinematography are taught in order to give students tools for an in-depth analysis of the films.
FREN 360 Topics in French Language and Culture
Credit Hours:
1-3
Provides an opportunity to study a linguistic, literary, or cultural topic related to the French-speaking world. Courses in topical areas not offered in the regular curriculum may be offered on a rotating basis. The course may be repeated for credit as subject matter changes. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing and permission of instructor.
FREN 431 French Culture Seminar
Credit Hours:
3
Provides the advanced student the opportunity for in-depth study of an aspect of French or Francophone culture, which may include: literature, art, cinema, business culture, or another approved topic. The course serves as a capstone for the French major. Prerequisite: Two French courses numbered above 302, at least one of which is taught in French, or permission of instructor.
