Students majoring in French are required to complete 33 hours beyond the FRE 202 course, including the core curriculum courses (FRE 301, 304, 306, 307), and FRE 495 (Capstone). The core curriculum must be taken after successful completion of FRE 202 and before other advanced courses, although students may elect to begin taking advanced courses in the same semester as their final core curriculum classes. FRE 495 must be taken in their last year preceding graduation, and not before. In addition, majors must take ENG 261 if they are seeking elementary or secondary teacher certification.

Upon declaring the French Major, or completing the core curriculum, whichever comes first, students must elect one of three specialized tracks: literature, linguistics, or civilization. Click for a checklist of courses for the French major, to assist in planning your program of study.

For the literature track, students must complete FRE 300, 302, 303.

For the linguistics track, students must complete FRE 305 and FRE 355. They must also complete either FRE 308 or 310. Students in the linguistic track are strongly encouraged to take at least one of the following courses in general linguistics: ENG 261, ENG 363, or ENG 364.

For the civilization track, students must complete FRE 308, FRE 310 and FRE 312. Students in the civilization track are strongly encouraged to take at least one of the following courses in European or French History: HST 365, HST 385, HST 386, HST 643.

Electives: In addition to the courses listed above, students in all tracks must complete four elective courses at the 300- and 400-level, at least two of which have a focus on literature. At least one of these four courses must be at the 400-level. Students should take careful note of the prerequisites for their chosen courses. The choices of elective courses should be pre-approved by advisor.

Students seeking to pursue a higher-level degree are strongly advised to complete a minor or major in a second foreign language. All majors are strongly advised to complete a study abroad program in France or a French-speaking country.

Students choosing French as a minor program must complete 22 hours of French beyond the FRE 201 course, including 202 or its equivalent, and the French core curriculum (FRE 301, FRE 304, FRE 306,and FRE 307). Students must then complete six more hours of 300- or 400-level French courses. In addition, minors must take ENG 261 if they are seeking elementary or secondary teacher certification.

FRE 306 and FRE 495 are offered as Supplemental Writing Skills courses. FRE 202 fulfills the World Perspective designation.

An introduction to the language with emphasis on understanding, speaking, and reading, complemented by taped materials available in the language laboratory. Not for credit for students with prior college French or more than two semesters of high school French. Four credits. Offered fall and winter semesters.

FRE 102 Elementary French II.
Continuation of 101. Students may not receive credit for both 150 and 102. Prerequisite: C (not C-) or better in 101, or credit, or appropriate placement test score. Four credits. Offered fall and winter semesters.

FRE 150 Intensive Elementary French.
One semester review of elementary French for students with prior study but who are not adequately prepared for 200-level courses. Covers the same material as 101 and 102. Not open to students with credit in FRE 101 or 102 or their equivalent. Prerequisite: appropriate high school background or placement test score. Four credits. Offered fall and winter semesters.

FRE 180 Special Topics in French.
Course content varies. Expectations of students approximate those in other 100-level courses. May be repeated for credit when content differs. Variable credit. Offered on sufficient demand.

FRE 201 Intermediate French I.
Continuation of 102 or 150. Prerequisite: C (not C-) or better in 102 or 150, or credit, or appropriate placement test score. Four credits. Offered fall and winter semesters.

FRE 202 Intermediate French II.
Study of written language through readings from modern authors, continued practice in listening and speaking, review of grammar. Prerequisite: C (not C-) or better in 201, or credit, or appropriate placement test score. Fulfills World Perspective requirement. Four credits. Offered fall and winter semester.

FRE 280 Special Topics in French.
Course content varies. Expectations of students approximate those in other 200-level courses. May be repeated for credit when content differs. No more than four credits can be applied to the minor or major. Prerequisite: FRE 201.Variable credit. Offered on sufficient demand.

FRE 300 Survey of French Literature I.
A survey of French literature of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Prerequisite: Core curriculum (FRE 301, 304, 306, 307) with C (not C-), or permission of instructor. Three Credits. Offered winter semester in even-numbered years.

FRE 301 Introduction to Literature.
Students read entire literary texts and poetry. They are introduced to the analysis of literary texts, and to literary translation. By close reading and study, students develop the confidence and competence needed to pursue further study of literature in French. FRE 301 must to be taken before any other literature course in French. A French core curriculum course required for advanced study. Prerequisite: FRE 202 and FRE 306 with C (not C-), or permission of instructor. Three credits. Offered winter semester.

FRE 302 Survey of French Literature II.
A survey of French literature of the 17th and 18th centuries. Prerequisite: Core curriculum (FRE 301, 304, 306, 307) with C (not C-), or permission of instructor. Three credits. Offered winter semester in even-numbered years.

FRE 303 Survey of French Literature III.
A survey of French literature of the 19th and 20th centuries. Prerequisite: Core curriculum (FRE 301, 304, 306, 307) with C (not C-), or permission of instructor. Three credits. Offered fall semester in even-numbered years.

FRE 304 French Conversation.
Extensive practice in oral communication. Prerequisite: FRE 202 with C (not C-). A French core curriculum course required for advanced study. Three credits. Offered fall semester .

FRE 305 French Phonetics.
Intensive study of the basic principles of French phonetics with the emphasis on improving pronunciation and aural comprehension. Introduction to principles of French pronunciation, the International Phonetic Alphabet, and phonetic transcription. Intensive exposure to French through a variety of media, including the language laboratory, and practice with each major phoneme. Prerequisite: FRE 202 and one other course at the 300-level with C (not C-), or permission of instructor. Three credits. Offered fall semester odd-numbered years.

FRE 306 French Composition.
Extensive practice in written composition. Review of the finer points of grammar and study of stylistic techniques through an analysis of excerpts from French literature. Prerequisite FRE 202 with C (not C-). A supplemental writing skills course. A French core curriculum course required for advanced study. Three credits. Offered fall semester.

FRE 307 Advanced French Grammar.
Detailed study of French grammar with a focus on areas of difficulty for speakers of English. Extensive written and in-class oral practice. Course is designed to help students expand their French skills to a level appropriate for third- and fourth-year reading and writing courses. Prerequisite: FRE 202 with C (not C-). A French core curriculum course required for advanced study. Three credits. Offered winter semester.

FRE 308 French History and Civilization.
A study of the main themes of French civilization and culture with their implications for contemporary France and their literary manifestations. Taught in French. Prerequisite: Core curriculum (FRE 301, 304, 306, 307) with C (not C-), or permission of instructor. Three credits. Offered fall semester even-numbered years.

FRE 310 Contemporary France.
French civilization and culture as seen through books, periodicals, and films; discussion of current events. Prerequisite: Core curriculum (FRE 301, 304, 306, 307) with C (not C-), or permission of instructor. Three credits. Offered winter semester odd-numbered years.

FRE 312 Francophone Civilization.
The study of aspects of French and Francophone culture. Topics include language and communication; marriage, the family and gender roles; immigration and colonization; socio-political institutions; and the arts. Materials are drawn from novels, short-stories, plays, newspapers, films, music, and video documentation. Prerequisite: Core curriculum (FRE 301, 304, 306, 307) with C (not C-), or permission of instructor. Three credits. Offered fall semester odd-numbered years.

FRE 350 Business French.
Study of the economy and business practices in France. The French language as used in business, cultural differences, new technologies. Conducted in French. Credit toward French minor, and for Civilization Track major. Prerequisite: FRE 202 or equivalent. Three credits. Offered fall and winter semester odd-numbered years.

FRE 355 Introduction to French Linguistics.
An introduction to general linguistics through the French language. Phonology, sociolinguistics and dialectology, applied linguistics, bilingualism and language contact. Prerequisite: Core curriculum (FRE 301, 304, 306, 307) and FRE 305 with C (not C-), or permission of instructor. Three credits. Offered winter semester in even-numbered years.

FRE 380 Special Topics in French.
Course content varies. Expectations of students approximate those in other 300-level courses. May be repeated for credit when content differs. Prerequisite: Core curriculum (FRE 301, 304, 306, 307) with C (not C-), or permission of instructor. Variable credit. Offered on sufficient demand.

FRE 399 Independent Reading.
One to four credits. Offered fall and winter semesters.

FRE 410 Medieval or Renaissance French Literature.
Course focus alternates. Study of representative French medieval works. Readings include poetry, courtly literature, fables, farces, and theatre. The Renaissance course explores historical and cultural topics and their impact on 16th century literatures. May be repeated for credit when content differs. Prerequisite: Core curriculum (FRE 301, 304, 306, 307) and FRE 300 with C (not C-), or permission of instructor. Three credits. Offered fall semester even-numbered years.

FRE 412 French Literature of the 17th or 18th Century.
Course focus alternates. 17th: Classical literature in social context. Social mobility, court / city rivalry, the female condition, education, social distinction. 18th: Writers whose ideas and militant prose provoked the intellectual and social ferment leading to the French Revolution. Criticism of the monarchy, the social order, education and civilization. May be repeated for credit when content differs. Prerequisite: Core curriculum (FRE 301, 304, 306, 307) and FRE 302 with C (not C-), or permission of instructor. Three credits. Offered fall semester in odd-numbered years.

FRE 414 French Literature of the 19th Century.
Study of drama, criticism, poetry, and the novel of the 19th century. Prerequisite: Core curriculum (FRE 301, 304, 306, 307) and FRE 303 with C (not C-), or permission of instructor. Three credits. Offered winter semester in even-numbered years.

FRE 416 French Literature of the 20th Century.
Study of contemporary literature with representative works in prose, poetry, drama, and scenarios. Prerequisite: Core curriculum (FRE 301, 304, 306, 307) and FRE 303 with C (not C-), or permission of instructor. Three credits. Offered winter semester in odd-numbered years.

FRE 420 Francophone Literatures and Cultures.
Readings of novels, plays, and poetry from the Francophone world. Regions chosen vary according to instructors field of specialization. Close readings emphasizing the distinctive cultures of the Francophone world and discussion of the important issues raised by these texts, in particular: racism, the colonial past, present corruption, and memory. Prerequisite: Core curriculum (FRE 301, 304, 306, 307) and FRE 312 with C (not C-), or permission of instructor. Three credits. Offered fall semester in even-numbered years.

FRE 480 Special Topics in French. Course content varies.
Expectations of students approximate those in other 400-level courses. May be repeated for credit when content differs. Prerequisite: Core curriculum (FRE 301, 304, 306, 307) with C (not C-), or equivalent, or permission of instructor. Variable credit. Offered on sufficient demand.

FRE 495 Advanced Topics in French (Capstone).
Content varies according to the instructor: French studies in Literature, Linguistics, or Civilization. The Capstone course connects the different fields of specialization by providing a forum with invited guests, who will complement the current instructors perspective. All presentations and papers will be geared toward the students chosen track Prerequisite: Core curriculum (FRE 301, 304, 306, 307) with C (not C-), or permission of instructor, and senior standing. A supplemental writing skills course. Three credits. Offered winter semester.

FRE 499 Independent Study and Research.
One to four credits. Offered fall and winter semesters.