French (FREN)
Subject-area course lists indicate courses currently active for offering at the University of Louisville. Not all courses are scheduled in any given academic term. For class offerings in a specific semester, refer to the Schedule of Classes.
500-level courses generally are included in both the undergraduate- and graduate-level course listings; however, specific course/section offerings may vary between semesters. Students are responsible for ensuring that they enroll in courses that are applicable to their particular academic programs.
Course Fees
Some courses may carry fees beyond the standard tuition costs to cover additional support or materials. Program-, subject- and course-specific fee information can be found on the Office of the Bursar website.
FREN 000. French Study Abroad1-30 Units
Prerequisite(s): A letter of intent addressed to the department chair and membership in a program approved by the department.
Description: Credit awarded to students upon successful completion of the program as documented by the Francophone institution. Upon return, students will be required to demonstrate proficiency at a level agreed upon by the Department of Classical and Modern Languages prior to departure.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
FREN 121. French Language and Culture I4 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Prerequisite(s): No previous study of the language or placement score below 250 on the WebCAPE French placement exam.
Description: Learn to communicate in French in everyday practical situations while exploring the various cultures of the French-speaking world. This is the first course in a two-semester program designed to introduce students to French.
Note: Not counted toward French major.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
FREN 122. French Language and Culture II4 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Prerequisite(s): FREN 121.
Description: Develop and improve your communication skills in French through real-life tasks as you continue to explore the various cultures of the French-speaking world. This is the second course in a two-semester program designed to introduce students to French.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
FREN 141. Intensive French I6 Units
Description: For beginners. Basic grammar, with practice in hearing, speaking, reading, and writing.
Note: Not counted toward major.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
FREN 142. Intensive French II6 Units
Prerequisite(s): FREN 141.
Description: A treatment of more advanced grammar topics and the continuation of work with the development of basic language fluency in listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Note: Does not count toward major in French.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
FREN 201. Continuing French Language and Culture I4 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Prerequisite(s): FREN 122 or or score between 250-399 on the WebCAPE French placement exam.
Description: Review fundamental elements of French as you expand your ability to communicate in French in everyday practical situations while developing a deeper understanding of the peoples and cultures of the French-speaking world. This course is designed to review and expand upon your existing knowledge of French, either through high school or previous college study. Successful completion of this course meets the requirement for the Bachelor of Arts in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Note: Formerly FREN 123.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
FREN 202. Continuing French Language and Culture II3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Prerequisite(s): FREN 201.
Description: Continue to expand your communicative competency through authentic reading, writing, speaking, and listening tasks. Deepen your understanding of the people(s) and culture(s) of the French-speaking world. Identify opportunities to apply French language skills to career and life goals.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
FREN 250. Introduction to the French-Speaking World - AH, D23 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Description: A general introduction, taught in English, to the arts, culture and history of areas throughout the world in which French is the primary language.
Note: Cross-listed with ML 250.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
FREN 313. Special Topics in French Literature, Language, and Culture3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Prerequisite(s): FREN 201 or equivalent or higher Critical reading and interpretation of works in French whose themes and issues have relevance to today's world.
Description: Topics may vary from semester to semester.
Note: May be repeated once for credit.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
FREN 321. French Conversation3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Prerequisite(s): Completion of FREN 202 or equivalent or score between 400-500 on the WebCAPE French placement exam.
Description: Learn French as it is spoken in real life on the streets of Paris, Montreal, Dakar, Brussels, Geneva, and other francophone locations. Study the features of oral French through the discussion and analysis of real-life conversations in videos, movies, and sound recordings. Practice speaking French like a native in a relaxed environment.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
FREN 322. Written Expression - WR3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): Completion of FREN 202 or equivalent or score between 400-500 on the WebCAPE French placement exam.
Description: Practice and improve your French writing skills, expand your vocabulary, work on grammar. Learn the distinctive features of a variety of texts (short stories, news articles, poems, etc.), and find your own French writing style. Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).
Note: Required of all French majors and minors.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
FREN 323. French for The Workplace3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): FREN 321 or FREN 322, or faculty consent.
Description: French professional correspondence; commercial practices; workplace behavior and expectations; workplace-specific vocabulary; sensitivity and exposure to cultural practices.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
FREN 325. French Theater Practicum3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): FREN 321 or faculty consent.
Description: Components in the production of a French play, from the decision to produce it to formal presentation before an audience.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
FREN 326. Francophonie: Text and Context3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): FREN 202 Literature and culture of the French-speaking world outside France, including Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, the Caribbean, the Americas.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
FREN 327. The French Detective Story3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): FREN 202 Exploration of the detective novel genre through study of works by French and francophone authors.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
FREN 328. French Cinema3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): FREN 202 or consent of instructor.
Description: Did you know France is the country where cinema was born? Explore the history of French film from the late 19th century to the present. Watch, discuss, and analyze French movies from various eras and genres (comedy, drama, art-house, etc.). Whenever possible, course offered in conjunction with the UofL French Film Festival, with free access to screenings of the most recent French movies.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
FREN 329. Paris in Literature and Film3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): FREN 202 or consent of instructor.
Description: Explore the representation of Paris in literature, cultural texts, and films from the Middle Ages to the present.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
FREN 331. French Civilization3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Prerequisite(s): FREN 321 or FREN 322.
Description: Explore the development of French civilization throughout the ages. Study historical figures, political regimes, arts and architecture. Learn about the features of daily life in France across time and regions.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
FREN 332. France Today3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): FREN 321 or FREN 322.
Description: What makes France a unique country? What is the place of France in the world? What does it mean to be French today? Explore contemporary French society through the study of current events, political and social issues, arts and culture, etc.
Note: Required of all French majors.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
FREN 440. Community Internship3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Prerequisite(s): FREN 320 and FREN 321 and permission of instructor.
Description: An individually arranged internship that allows majors and minors to practice their language skills while enhancing their knowledge of culture as well as practical and critical thinking skills. Students work for a total of 80 approved hours per semester and complete accompanying academic work.
Note: May be repeated once for credit.
Course Attribute(s): CBL - This course includes Community-Based Learning (CBL). Students will engage in a community experience or project with an external partner in order to enhance understanding and application of academic content.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
FREN 455. Reading in French3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Prerequisite(s): FREN 321 and FREN 322, or faculty consent.
Description: Study of literary and non-literary texts from France and/or other francophone regions.
Note: Required of all French majors.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
FREN 500. French Work Exchange3-6 Units
Prerequisite(s): Membership in a University of Louisville Work-Exchange Program with Montpellier administered by the International Center.
Description: Credit awarded upon demonstration of successful completion of course undertaken with prior approval of the department. Cooperating businesses in Montpellier provide jobs for participants who gain practical experience in a French work environment.
Note: Only three credits can be applied to a French major.
Note: May be repeated.
Course Attribute(s): CBL - This course includes Community-Based Learning (CBL). Students will engage in a community experience or project with an external partner in order to enhance understanding and application of academic content.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
FREN 506. Francophone Women Writers3 Units
Prerequisite(s): FREN 321 and FREN 322, or faculty consent.
Description: Readings of literary and non-literary texts by women of the French-speaking world.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
FREN 522. French Phonetics and Diction3 Units
Prerequisite(s): 6 hours of French at 300+ level or consent of instructor.
Description: Pronunciation, diction, and intonation in theory and practice. Corrective exercises, recordings for the analysis of individual pronunciation problems. Poetry and prose studied in phonetic transcription, using the International Phonetic Alphabet; extemporaneous speaking and prepared readings.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
FREN 523. Advanced Communication Skills3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Prerequisite(s): FREN 321 and FREN 322, or faculty consent.
Description: Advanced French language course focusing on written and oral expression through the study of French and/or francophone literary and cultural texts.
Note: Required of all French majors.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
FREN 524. Theory and Practice of Translation3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): FREN 455.
Description: Discusses translation theory and develops techniques for the effective translation of a variety of materials.
Note: Required of all French majors.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
FREN 531. Special Topics in Literature and Cultural Studies3 Units
Prerequisite(s): FREN 455 or faculty consent.
Description: An intensive study of an aspect of French or Francophone literature and/or culture.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
FREN 551. French Oral Practicum3 Units
Grading Basis: Pass/Fail
Prerequisite(s): Membership in the UofL work-exchange program with Montpellier administered by the International Center.
Description: Credit awarded upon demonstration of successful completion of course undertaken with prior approval of the department. Cooperating businesses in Montpellier provide jobs for participants who gain practical experience in a French work environment.
Note: Only 3 credits total count toward French minor.
Note: May be repeated for credit.
Note: Taught on Pass/Fail basis.
Course Attribute(s): CBL - This course includes Community-Based Learning (CBL). Students will engage in a community experience or project with an external partner in order to enhance understanding and application of academic content.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
FREN 552. French Work: Exchange Research3 Units
Prerequisite(s): Membership in the UofL work-exchange program with Montpellier administered by International Center.
Description: Credit awarded upon demonstration of successful completion of a research project supervised by a French faculty member. Cooperating businesses in Montpellier provide jobs for participants who gain practical experience in a French work environment.
Note: Only 3 credits total count toward French major.
Note: May be repeated for credit.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
FREN 561. Independent Study I1-3 Units
Prerequisite(s): Consent of department.
Description: Independent study in areas not covered in the regular curriculum.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
FREN 562. Independent Study II1-3 Units
Prerequisite(s): Consent of department.
Description: Independent study in areas not covered in the regular curriculum.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
FREN 590. Senior Capstone - CUE3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): Declared French major, Senior standing, and completion of all 300- and 400-level requirements for the French major.
Description: Critical and reflective thinking to integrate undergraduate work and explore options for future employment.
Note: Required for all French majors.
Course Attribute(s): CUE - This course fulfills the Culminating Undergraduate Experience (CUE) requirement for certain degree programs. CUE courses are advanced-level courses intended for majors with at least 90 earned credits/senior-level status.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
FREN 599. Special Topics3 Units
Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.
Description: Topics of a unique or specialized nature in French language, literature or culture.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
