Academic Programs - French

French Concentration

In addition to requiring successful completion of all general education and degree studies requirements (see index), the concentration in French requires successful completion of the following courses in major and elective studies:

1. Either FREN 301 or 303;
2. Select one: FREN 302, 304, 306, or 308;
   (Except native speakers - choose a French elective.)
3. FREN 310;
4. Either FREN 311 or 312;
5. FREN 351 and 352;
6. Three 300- or 400- level FREN electives.
7. MLAN 308 and competency through the 202 level in a language different from the one of concentration, OR MLAN 308, competency through the 102 level in a language other than the one of concentration, CLST 210*, and either MLAN 205G* or 206G*.

Minor in French

The minor program in French is a valuable complement to many concentrations, particularly biology, business administration, chemistry, economics, elementary education, English, history, philosophy and religious studies, political science, psychology, sociology, and theatre arts. The minor program in French requires 18 credits in French above the 100 level and MLAN 308. No specific French courses are required.

Five-year Teacher Preparation Programs

For those students wishing to become teachers, CNU has programs leading to a bachelor's degree in Modern Languages with a concentration in French and the MAT (Master of Arts in Teaching). This program also includes teacher licensure. Application to these programs is made during the second semester of the junior year. Because course sequencing is critical to success, interested students should talk to an advisor about their interest in the five-year program early. For information about admission to the five-year program and program requirements, consult the Graduate Catalog (pdf) or your department advisor.

The Curriculum in French

FREN 101. Elementary French I (3-3-0)

Students with 3 or more years of high school French are encouraged to enroll in FREN 200.

Establishment of a basic foundation in the French language. Emphasis on the acquisition of practical vocabulary and structure through oral usage in the classroom. Reading and writing skills based on the same material are developed simultaneously.

FREN 102. Elementary French II (3-3-0)

Recommended prerequisite FREN 101, or 2 years of high school French  or consent of instructor. Students with 3 or more years of high school French are encouraged to enroll in FREN 200.

A continuation course that builds on the skills developed in FREN 101.  Establishment of a basic foundation in the French language. Emphasis on the acquisition of practical vocabulary and structure through oral usage in the classroom. Reading and writing skills based on the same material are developed simultaneously.

FREN 195. Special Topics (3-3-0)

Topics vary, determined by the special interests and needs of students and the expertise of faculty.

FREN 200. Effective Communication in French (3-3-0)

Recommended prerequisite: FREN 102 or 3 years of high school French or consent of instructor.

This course focuses on practical work in the four basic skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) of foreign language competency. It will review and build on students’ prior knowledge with the goal of developing their functional and communicative abilities. Readings, videos and other media will broaden students’ knowledge of French and Francophone cultures and strengthen their command of the language. Students who are interested in continuing their studies in French, should take French 201 instead of French 200.

FREN 201. Intermediate French I (3-3-0)

Recommended prerequisite: FREN 102, or FREN 200, or 3 or more  years of high school French or consent of instructor.

A course designed to review the major grammatical structures of the language and to develop further the student’s ability to understand, speak, read, and write French.  Students who are interested in continuing their studies in French, should take French 201 instead of French 200.

FREN 202. Intermediate French II (3-3-0)

Recommended prerequisite: FREN 201, or FREN 200 with a grade of A- or better, or 3 or more years of high school French or consent of instructor.

More advanced work in all skill areas of the language. Material equally divided between practical conversation and selected readings. Conducted chiefly in French. 

FREN 295. Special Topics (3-3-0)

Topics vary, determined by the special interests and needs of students and the expertise of faculty.

FREN 301. Grammar and Composition (3-3-0)

Recommended prerequisite: FREN  202, or 4 or more years of high school French, or consent of instructor.

Review of the main principles of syntax, composition, and translation. Conducted chiefly in French.

FREN 302. Practical Conversation (3-3-0)

Recommended prerequisite: FREN  202, or 4 or more years of high school French, or consent of instructor. 

Develop fluency in speaking French. Intensive oral-aural training. Conducted chiefly in French. Not open to native speakers of French.

FREN 303W. Process Writing-WI (3-3-0) 

Prerequisite:  ENGL 123; ULLC 223; Recommended FREN  202 or 4 or more years of high school French.

This course is designed to focus on writing as a process.  Students will analyze models of specific styles of writing and use a variety of methods, including peer-editing, self-correction, and stylistic exercises, to improve the accuracy and the effectiveness of their writing in French.  Study of grammatical points will be individualized and will arise as a by-product of the process of learning to write more effectively.  Assignments will encompass a variety of styles, including descriptions, narrations, resumes, literary analysis, and business and technical writing.  Techniques of translation will be used as means to improve the students’ basic vocabulary and appreciation for levels of style and usage in French.  Partially satisfies the Writing Intensive requirement.

FREN 304. Conversational Approach to Society and Institutions (3-3-0) 

Recommended prerequisite: FREN  202, or 4 or more years of high school French, or consent of instructor. 

Conversations based on video and radio programs emphasizing social phenomena and institutions serve as the format for improving general fluency and developing a more abstract vocabulary than in FREN 302. Stress will be placed on vocabulary related to French society and social situations. Not open to native speakers of French.

FREN 305.  French for the Professions (3-3-0)

Recommended prerequisite: FREN  202, or 4 or more years of high school French, or consent of instructor.

FREN 305 is designed to be a practical course that will enable students to further develop their language skills and help them function in a professional environment.  FREN 305 will allow students to acquire specialized vocabulary of professions and grasp an understanding of the functioning of French companies, business practices and culture within the European environment.  Readings will be supplemented by internet based activities, realia from the business world.

FREN 308. Conversation via Cinema (3-3-0)

Recommended prerequisite: FREN  202, or 4 or more years of high school French, or consent of instructor. 

Use of videotapes of recent French films to improve listening comprehension, writing and conversation skills. A required lab will consist of a second viewing of each film at the student’s convenience. Not open to native speakers of French.

FREN 310. Practical French Phonetics (3-3-0)

Recommended prerequisite: FREN  202, or 4 or more years of high school French, or consent of instructor.

An intensive study of pronunciation, rhythm, intonation, and the International Phonetic Alphabet designed to increase oral proficiency. 

FREN 311. French Civilization (3-3-0)  AIWT

Recommended prerequisite:  FREN  202, or 4 or more years of high school French, or consent of instructor.

A study of French society, history and culture from their origins to the Third Republic, encompassing social and political trends, art, architecture, and social customs.

FREN 312. Contemporary France (3-3-0)  AIGM

Recommended prerequisite:  FREN 202, or 4 or more years of high school French, or consent of instructor.

A study of French culture and society from the Third Republic to the present, encompassing social and political trends, art, architecture, and historical events.

FREN 351. Studies in the Early Modern Era (3-3-0)

Recommended prerequisite:  FREN  202, or 4 or more years of high school French, or consent of instructor.

Selected readings from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, 17th and 18th centuries will acquaint students with the major authors, works, themes and genres of the Early Modern period. Readings will be supplemented by other materials, including film, slides, and video, in order to situate literary works in their cultural context.  A variety of activities conducted primarily in French, including group work, class presentations, opinion and research papers, will make critical thinking and the development of language skills an inherent focus of the course.  This course may include a practicum and/or interdisciplinary component, especially for students intending to enter the teaching profession.

FREN 352. Studies in  the Modern Era (3-3-0)

Recommended prerequisite:  FREN  202, or 4 or more years of high school French, or consent of instructor.

Selected readings from the 19th and 20th centuries and beyond will acquaint students with the major authors, works, themes, and genres of the Modern period.  Literary texts will be supplemented by readings from other print materials, such as journals, periodicals, advertisements, and other authentic documents, as well as by film, video, and web sources, in order to situate literary works in their cultural context.  A variety of activities conducted primarily in French, including group work, class presentations, opinion and research papers, will make critical thinking and the development of language skills an inherent focus of the course.  This course may include a practicum and/or interdisciplinary component, especially for students intending to enter the teaching profession.

FREN 353. Francophone Literature and Culture

(3-3-0)

Recommended prerequisite:  FREN  202, or 4 or more years of high school French, or consent of instructor.

This course will introduce students to francophone literatures from around the world.  Excerpts from poetry, prose, and theater of francophone expression will for the basis of the course, and authors will be chosen from all the major francophone areas such as sub-Saharan Africa, the Magreb, central Africa, the Indian Ocean, the Caribbean, and Canada.  Each offering of the course will give special focus to one of these francophone areas. The study of francophone literature will be situated in the cultural and historical context of its creation.

FREN 354. French Women Writers (3-3-0)  AIWT

Recommended prerequisite: FREN  202, or 4 or more years of high school French, or consent of instructor.

This course offers an insight in the works of French (and Francophone) women writers, from the Middle Ages to the present. The selections are organized around themes such as marriage, love, politics, and family and include various genres:  poems, stories, autobiographical writings, letters, manifestoes, political and historical documents, interviews.  Do women write differently? This course will address issues of stereotypes, social class, identity, freedom, rights, creativity while exploring the relations between authorship and gender within the social, cultural, and political context.

FREN 370. CNU Seminar Abroad. (3-3-0)

Prerequisite: FREN 202 or consent of instructor.