Minor in French

Course Descriptions

FRE 101-102 Elementary French I, II (3) (3)

Introduction to French as a spoken and written language; conversation with emphasis on practical vocabulary and accurate pronunciation; practice in class and in the laboratory in understanding and using the spoken language; reading and writing with progressive grammatical explanations. Language lab component. Prerequisite for FRE 102: FRE 101 or equivalent.

FRE 199 Special Topics (3)

Lower division special topic course. Content to be determined each semester by the Department as requested by faculty and/or students to fill specified needs or interests.

FRE 203-204 Intermediate French I, II (3) (3)

Intensive oral and written review of the pronunciation and the structures of the French language; recognition and active handling of aural comprehension and oral production; reading and writing. Language lab component. Prerequisite for FRE 203: FRE 102 or equivalent; prerequisite for FRE 204: FRE 203 or equivalent.

FRE 250 Conversation and Composition (3)

Diction and fluency in the language; prepared and extemporaneous dialogues and reports on current topics; practice in writing French with accuracy; systematic review of the grammatical principles of the French language; study and practice of French pronunciation with exercises in diction. Language lab component. Prerequisite: FRE 204 or equivalent.

FRE 300 Special Topics (3-12)

Content to be determined to fill specific needs or interests.

FRE 301 Advanced Conversation, Composition, and Grammar (3)

Intensive study of written and spoken French. Development of skills to facilitate spontaneity of expression. Practice in contemporary usage through selected readings. Techniques of composition. For native and non-native speakers with command of the language.

FRE 302 Introduction to French Literary Texts (3)

Introduction to French literature through close reading and discussion of selected works chosen from representative genres. Includes compositions, conversation, and introduction to literary criticism. Conducted in French. Prerequisite: FRE 250 or equivalent.

FRE 303 Advanced Conversation (3)

Development of advanced speaking skills, prepared dialogues, extemporaneous dialogues, reports, skits based on real-life situations, and other projects. Prerequisite: FRE 204 or equivalent.

FRE 305-306 Major French Authors I, II (3) (3)

Historical survey of French literature from its origins to the twentieth century; representative works from each period. Conducted in French.

FRE 317 Commercial French (3)

Introduction to the use of the French language as a means of communication in the world of business. Emphasis on basic commercial terminology, documentation and correspondence. Areas such as advertising, trade, banking and finance will be investigated in this course. Conducted in French.

FRE 325 Introduction to Translation (3)

Emphasis on basic principles of translation and interpretation. Techniques and resources for professional translation. Conducted in French.

FRE 359, 459 Independent Study (3), (3)

Opportunity for extensive research in an area of special interest to the student. Requires approval of Department Chair and Dean of Arts and Sciences.

FRE 326 Introduction to Interpretation (3)

Emphasis on basic principles of interpretation. Techniques and resources for professional interpretation.

FRE 379 Culture and Civilization (3)

Historical survey of the life and culture of the French people. Conducted in French. Prerequisite: FRE 250 or equivalent.

FRE 380 Contemporary Culture and Civilization (3)

Survey of the life and culture of the French people of the twentieth century. Panorama of contemporary French intellectual and artistic achievements. Conducted in French. Prerequisite: FRE 250 or equivalent.

FRE 400 Twentieth-Century Cinema (3)

Study of the development of the French cinema from 1895 to the present. Film will be studied as an art form and as an expression of the society that produces it. Developments from the silent era, through sound, to contemporary technical achievements will also be analyzed.

FRE 440 Classicism (3)

Classical and baroque in French seventeenth-century literature; themes and structures in works of the principal figures of the day, such as Descartes, Corneille, Pascal, Moliere, Racine, Mme. de Sevigne, La Fontaine, and La Bruyere.

FRE 444 Eighteenth-Century Literature (3)

Focus on eighteenth-century French literature; themes and structures in the works of the principal literary figures of the century.

FRE 445 Nineteenth-Century Literature (3)

Study of themes and structures in the works of the principal literary figures of the nineteenth century, from Chateaubriand to Mallarme.

FRE 460 Contemporary Literature (3-6)

Main currents of thought and choices in literary style among contemporary authors.

FRE 461 Twentieth-Century Theatre (3-6)

Plays and dramatic theories of representative dramatists of the twentieth century.

FRE 499 Internship (3-6)

Practical experience within a professional setting. Prerequisites: Senior status (90+ credit hours); 2.5 overall G.P.A.; all paperwork must be completed before the end of the semester preceding the internship. Prior approval of Department Chair and Dean required.