French (FR)

FR 101  Elementary French I  
Credits 3   Grading Basis Graded  
This course introduces the fundamentals of French through listening, speaking, reading and writing. This course provides practice in pronunciation and development of comprehension. Instruction is in French.
FR 102  Elementary French II  
Credits 3   Grading Basis Graded  
This course builds on the foundations established in FR 101 through listening, speaking, reading and writing activities. This course provides practice in pronunciation and development of comprehension. Instruction is in French.
Prerequisites: FR 101 or by placement exam.
FR 103  Passport to French: A Survival Kit  
Credits 3   Grading Basis Graded  
This course teaches students basic communication skills and cultural competence needed for studying, traveling or working in a French-speaking country. Students will practice typical communicative contexts using authentic materials and gain insight into the real-life situations of French speakers. This course has no prerequisite and is designed for those who have had little or no previous experience with French. It does not count towards the French major or minor or fulfill the B.A. language requirement. Instruction is in French and English.
FR 109  Accelerated Review of Elementary French  
Credits 3   Grading Basis Graded  
This course reviews elementary reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in French. This course is for students who qualify through the placement exam. Instruction is in French.
Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor or by placement exam score.
FR 111  Intensive French I  
Credits 6   Grading Basis Graded  
This course covers the fundamentals of French through intensive listening, speaking, reading and writing. The course is the equivalent of FR 101 and FR 102. Instruction is in French.
FR 212  Intensive French II  
Credits 6   Grading Basis Graded  
This course covers the fundamentals of French through listening, speaking, reading and writing. This course is the equivalent of FR 231 and FR 232. Instruction is in French.
Prerequisites: FR 102, FR 109 or FR 111; or by placement exam or permission of the instructor.
FR 231  Intermediate French I  
Credits 3   Grading Basis Graded  
This course provides a thorough review of grammar, vocabulary building, conversation, composition and reading. Instruction is in French.
Prerequisites: FR 102, FR 109 or FR 111; or by placement exam or permission of the instructor.
FR 232  Intermediate French II  
Credits 3   Grading Basis Graded  
This course provides a thorough review of grammar, vocabulary building, conversation, composition and reading at the advanced intermediate level. Instruction is in French.
Prerequisites: FR 231; or by placement exam or permission of the instructor.
FR 300  Language for Living  
Credits 3   Grading Basis Graded  
This is an advanced communication and culture course designed to bridge basic language study with upper-level coursework in French language. It is intended for students who have begun to develop advanced skills and are interested in continued training in language proficiency through reinforcing foundations of everyday language communication and cultural knowledge. Instruction is in French.
Prerequisites: FR 212 or FR 232 or per placement exam score.
FR 301  Pop Culture through Language  
Credits 3   Grading Basis Graded  
This class examines popular culture in France and the Francophone world in a variety of forms and media: history, politics, literature, sport, music, cinema, fashion, comics and media. By focusing on pop culture and different media, this course teaches the critical analysis of textual and visual imagery in their historical and cultural context. Students will be able to learn the main pop culture references that are recognized nationally and internationally. Instruction is in French.
Prerequisites: FR 212 or FR 232 or per placement exam score.
FR 307  History of French Culture and Society  
Credits 3   Grading Basis Graded  
This course studies the social, economic, political and artistic development of France from the Middle Ages to 1900. Instruction is in French.
Prerequisites: FR 212 or FR 232.
FR 308  Contemporary History and Culture in the Francophone World  
Credits 3   Grading Basis Graded  
This course is a study of life and culture in the Francophone world, with emphasis on the 20th century. Instruction is in French.
Prerequisites: FR 212 or FR 232.
FR 315  Sounds of Speech  
Credits 3   Grading Basis Graded  
This course is designed to help students improve their competency in French oral expression. Students will be listening and reacting to audio and visual documents, transcribing, analyzing, and acting out daily situations using authentic materials in French. The class involves an empirical aspect based on exercises relying on phonetics, phonology, prosody, pronunciation and intonation. Instruction is in French.
Prerequisites: FR 300, FR 301, FR 320 or FR 322.
FR 320  Culture and Communication in Context  
Credits 3   Grading Basis Graded  
This French course focuses on building proficiency in the language with an emphasis on oral and written expression to facilitate further study of the culture. Students will learn how to use the appropriate language in culturally specific contexts and develop intercultural competence. The course's essential question is "How do French and Francophone people communicate on subjects that are at the heart of their society?" Instruction is in French.
Prerequisites: FR 212 or FR 232 or per placement exam score.
FR 322  Language Landscapes  
Credits 3   Grading Basis Graded  
This French course introduces students to the regions or countries where the language is spoken, the features of the area, and the ways of life there. The course examines the identities, customs and events that influence the lives of people living in these culturally and linguistically defined areas and explores the diverse cultural landscapes that shape their lives. Instruction is in French.
Prerequisites: FR 212 or FR 232 or per placement exam score.
FR 330  Business French  
Credits 3   Grading Basis Graded  
This course studies commercial and technical vocabulary and trade customs in conjunction with practice in the art of commercial communication including interviews, letter writing and simultaneous interpretation. Instruction is in French
Prerequisites: FR 212 or FR 232.
FR 335  A Journey through Literature  
Credits 3   Grading Basis Graded  
The purpose of this course is to acquaint students with French and Francophone literature through the study of excerpts of canonical texts ranging from the 10th to the 21st century. Different genres will be studied: philosophy, essay, poetry, theater, novel, short story and song, always presented within an historical, political, social and artistic framework. In this class, students will also learn strategies, using models and tools (such as the methodology for textual analysis and the study of rhetorical terms) to read and analyze any text better. Instruction is in French.
Prerequisites: FR 300, FR 301, FR 320 or FR 322.
FR 365  French for Global Health  
Credits 3   Grading Basis Graded  
This course examines issues in global health throughout the French-speaking world, with particular emphasis on relevant terminology and vocabulary, moments of both challenge and opportunity throughout the current Francophone world, and real-life preparation for international professional opportunities in the global health and humanitarian job fields. Instruction is in French.
Prerequisites: FR 212 or FR 232. Corequisites: FR 212 or FR 232.
FR 375  Business and Society in the Francophone World  
Credits 3   Grading Basis Graded  
This course explores the development of the Francophone societies in the historical, political and economic context. In this course several aspects will be investigated: agricultural, textile, fashion and wine industries; motion picture, music and media industries; and import and export products. In addition, this course will include the study of banking and financial institutions, and health and education systems. Instruction is in French.
Prerequisites: FR 212 or FR 232. Corequisites: FR 212 or FR 232.
FR 380  French Cuisine  
Credits 3   Grading Basis Graded  
This course aims at making students confident about one of the most appreciated aspects of Francophone culture: Francophone cuisine. Students will engage in the art of food in theory and practice. In addition to learning how to properly prepare some of the best French recipes and analyze them in French, students will get a better understanding of the history of the Francophone gastronomic traditions. Instruction is in French.
Prerequisites: FR 300, FR 301, FR 320 or FR 322.
FR 386  French Short Stories  
Credits 3   Grading Basis Graded  
The purpose of this course is to acquaint students with different types of French short stories and the various narrative techniques writers use to address issues of plot, character, place and theme. Students will acquire familiarity with methodologies and tools that will sharpen their understanding of the genre and their ability to analyze it. Students will engage with the course material through academic and/or creative writing. Instruction and readings are in French.
Prerequisites: FR 300, FR 301, FR 320 or FR 322.
FR 390  French Language and Culture Abroad  
Credits 1-3   Grading Basis Graded  
This is an advanced communication and culture course designed to bridge basic language study with upper-level coursework in French literature and culture. It is intended for students who have begun to master advanced skills in interpretive, interpersonal and presentational communication and are interested in examining nuances of the French language and culture while studying abroad.
Prerequisites: FR 232 or by permission of the instructor.
FR 420  Stories and Histories in French Culture  
Credits 3   Grading Basis Graded  
This class uses literature, stage performances, comics, series, movies and advertisements to study the specificity of French humor. In this class, we'll study how French humor is used as an outlet to broadcast sharp political commentary on the constantly evolving social situation. While exploring the specificity of French humor from the 15th century to today, students will learn a palette of strategies for the critical assessment of creative works in various formats and identifying and analyzing iconic comedic acts while learning about the history, politics and social context of the time. Instruction is in French.
Prerequisites: FR 300, FR 301, FR 320 or FR 322.
FR 421  Stories and Histories in Francophone Culture  
Credits 3   Grading Basis Graded  
This class focuses on the literature of Francophone cultures through the ages. Performances, comics, series, movies and advertisements serve as subjects of analysis. Instruction is in French.
Prerequisites: FR 300FR 301, FR 320 or FR 322; or by placement exam or permission of the instructor. Corequisites: FR 300FR 301, FR 320 or FR 322.
FR 422  Voices of Today  
Credits 3   Grading Basis Graded  
This course provides an exploration of key literary works in France during the 20th century. Emphasis is placed on the intersection of French history, society and culture, focusing on the postwar period (1945-) and the role of historical memory in shaping both the artistic expressions and the collective consciousness of France. This course explores topics such as cultural memory, identity, globalization, multiculturalism, climate change, digitalization and social justice. The topics, literary works and genres will vary according to the instructor's expertise. Instruction is in French.
Prerequisites: FR 300, FR 301, FR 320 or FR 322.
FR 425  Transformative Texts  
Credits 3   Grading Basis Graded  
The purpose of this course is to acquaint students with historical periods in French literature and culture through the study of key influential texts. Analyses of these texts (i.e. essays, novels, plays, films, paintings and comics) will be grounded in key political, scientific and artistic movements. Instruction is in French.
Prerequisites: FR 300FR 301, FR 320 or FR 322; or by placement exam or permission of the instructor. Corequisites: FR 300FR 301, FR 320 or FR 322.
FR 435  Translation Strategies  
Credits 3   Grading Basis Graded  
This course includes learning about both the theory and the practice of translation. Students will learn some basic electronic tools and word processing skills for translators and practice several types of translation, including direct translation, inverse translation and back translation. A variety of examples and texts will be used such as professional and technical texts, idiomatic expressions, comics, songs, poetry and theater. Instruction is in French and in English.
Prerequisites: FR 212 or FR 232.
FR 446  Special Topics in Francophone Literature  
Credits 3   Grading Basis Graded  
This course is a study of a particular topic in Francophone literature. It may cover one or more genre. Course may be repeated if content varies. Instruction is in French.
Prerequisites: FR 300FR 301, FR 320 or FR 322; or by placement exam or permission of the instructor. Corequisites: FR 300FR 301, FR 320 or FR 322.
FR 447  Special Topics in Francophone Culture  
Credits 3   Grading Basis Graded  
Students will study a particular topic in the culture of Francophone countries. This course may be repeated if content varies. Instruction is in French.
Prerequisites: FR 300FR 301, FR 320 or FR 322; or by placement exam or permission of the instructor. Corequisites: FR 300FR 301, FR 320 or FR 322.
FR 448  Special Topics in Francophone Linguistics  
Credits 3   Grading Basis Graded  
Students will study a particular topic of French linguistics within the Francophone world. Topics could include an introduction to French sociolinguistics and psycholinguistics. This course may be repeated if content varies. Instruction is in French.
Prerequisites: FR 300FR 301, FR 320 or FR 322; or by placement exam or permission of the instructor. Corequisites: FR 300FR 301, FR 320 or FR 322.
FR 464  French and Francophone Theater  
Credits 3   Grading Basis Graded  
In this class, we work on refining French language skills to facilitate further study of French language and culture. To this end, the course will focus on the reading and studying of full unabridged plays from various centuries as well as staging and performing selected scenes. In class, students will engage in improvisations and games with classmates to study all aspects of theater. Instruction is in French.
Prerequisites: FR 300, FR 301, FR 320 or FR 322.
FR 465  French and Francophone Cinema  
Credits 3   Grading Basis Graded  
This course is designed to help students improve their French conversational and writing skills by discussing a variety of topics as they are portrayed in cinema. It integrates language acquisition with cultural immersion through film. This course is both an elementary introduction to film studies (learning to critically read a film) and an opportunity for extensive practice in speaking and writing in French. Emphasis is placed on building practical vocabulary and enhancing comprehension, as well as oral and written expression. Through the study of selected films, students will strengthen their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, while gaining a deeper understanding of French and Francophone cultures. Each film will provide a foundation for exploring thematic, cultural and linguistic content, offering authentic contexts for language practice and discussion. Instruction is in French.
Prerequisites: FR 300, FR 301, FR 320 or FR 322.
FR 490  Independent Study in French  
Credits 3   Grading Basis Graded  
This course allows students an opportunity to complete independent studies under faculty supervision. Instruction is in French.
Prerequisites: One FR course at the 300-level or above and permission of the instructor.
FR 497  French Internship  
Credits 3   Grading Basis Graded  
This course will provide students with experiential learning opportunities within the Francophone field. The internship course is designed to provide practical experience in fields such as government, business, industry, health sciences, administration, education, translation or the arts, where they can apply their language skills. Examples of internship work may include working for a company in the student's field of interest abroad; serving as a research assistant for a professor; completing a translation project or working as an interpreter. A journal, internship report, research paper, bibliography or evaluation from the internship provider is required. Credits earned correspond to the internship hours completed. Up to six credits may be applied as electives in the French major or minor.
Prerequisites: One FR course at the 300-level or above and permission of the instructor.
FR 499A  Honors  
Credits 1   Grading Basis Graded  
FR 499B  Honors Project  
Credits 3   Grading Basis Graded  
FR 499C  Senior Honors Project  
Credits 2   Grading Basis Graded