French Courses

French Course Rotation 2021-2028PDF File

FREN 101 – Fundamental French–A (3 units)
Category: Language & Culture | GE Category C2
Introduces essentials of the French language: fundamental vocabulary and grammatical structures. Conversational and reading/writing skills are equally stressed, and relevant cultural aspects are considered. Conducted in French.

FREN 102 – Fundamental French–B (3 units)
Category: Language & Culture | GE Category C2
Prerequisite: FREN 101 or equivalent
Continues introduction of fundamental vocabulary and grammatical structures. Maintains equal emphasis on speaking and reading/writing skills, along with considerations of French culture. Conducted in French.

FREN 203 – Intermediate French–A (3 units)
Category: Language & Culture | GE Category C2
Prerequisite: FREN 102 or equivalent
Intensive practice in conversation and composition involving intermediate-level use of language and further exploration of French culture.  Conducted in French.

FREN 204 – Intermediate French–B (3 units)
Category: Language & Culture | GE Category C2
Prerequisite: FREN 203 or equivalent
Intensive review of grammatical structures; developing mastery of conversational and compositional skills at the intermediate level.  Conducted in French.

FREN 300 – Advanced Oral Expression and Phonetics (3 units)
Category: Linguistics
Prerequisite: FREN 204 or equivalent
Developing oral control of the language through discussions, oral presentations, dialogues/ debate and further study of phonetics. Conducted in French.

FREN 307 – Advanced Composition and Grammar–A (3 units)
Category: Language
Prerequisite: FREN 204 or equivalent
Helps achieve advanced levels of oral and written expression. Discussions, systematic study of complex modes of expression and thoughtful compositions. Conducted in French.

FREN 308 – Advanced Composition and Grammar–B (3 units)
Category: Language
Prerequisite: FREN 204 or equivalent
Helps achieve advanced levels of oral and written expression. Discussions, systematic study of complex modes of expression and thoughtful compositions. Conducted in French.

FREN 310 – French in the Professional World (3 units)
Category: Language
Prerequisite: FREN 204 or equivalent
Working knowledge of spoken and written professional language usage in the French-speaking world. Emphasizes cultural and sociological contexts of professional interaction. Use of appropriate current periodicals and electronic resources. Conducted in French.

FREN 311 – French for International Business (3 units)
Category: Culture
Prerequisite: FREN 204 or equivalent
Designed to give students experience in reading comprehension and analysis of materials dealing with economic and political realities of international trade in the French-speaking world. Use of appropriate current periodicals and electronic resources. Conducted in French.

FREN 315 – Origins of Modern France (3 units)
Category: Culture | GE Category C3
Prerequisite: FREN 204 or equivalent
Social, intellectual and artistic origins of French civilization.  Conducted in French.

FREN 325 – Contemporary French Civilization (3 units)
Category: Culture | GE Category C3
Prerequisite: FREN 204 or equivalent
Contemporary French culture organized along the lines of economics, geography, political life, social and artistic institutions. Conducted in French.

FREN 375 – Explorations in Literature (3 units)
Category: Literature | GE Category C3
Prerequisite: FREN 204 or equivalent
Promotes deeper understanding and appreciation of French literary texts. Each genre (narrative, dramatic, poetic) introduces great writers. In-depth study of selected works initiates students to critical modes of reading and tools for literary analysis. Conducted in French.

FREN 407 – French Film (3 units)
Category: Culture
Prerequisite: 6 units from 300, 307, 308, 315, 325 or 375 (or consent of instructor)
Developing art of the French film, with special emphasis on the many roles of language. Subjects include: montage, visual/verbal meaning, literary/cinematic narrative, non-realistic language, read language, non-narrative continuity. Conducted in English.

FREN 408 – Advanced Writing (3 units)
Category: Language
Prerequisite: 6 units from 300, 307, 308, 315, 325 or 375 (or consent of instructor) 
Mastery of forms and structure of the French language. Analysis and guided composition of various styles of discourse. Detailed study of mood, sequence of tenses, voice, aspects and nuances of meaning.
Conducted in French.

FREN 409 – Techniques of French-English Translation (3 units)
Category: Linguistics
Prerequisite: 6 units from 300, 307, 308, 315, 325 or 375 (or consent of instructor)
Overview of theories of translation; examination of several types and examples of translation (technical to literary). Major emphasis on actual translation from English to French and French to English.

FREN 435T – Topics in French/Francophone Culture (3 units)
Category: Culture
Prerequisite: 6 units from 300, 307, 308, 315, 325 or 375 (or consent of instructor)
Different “texts” (cinema, the media, internet, literature, art) centered around cultural topics (e.g., “City and Country,” “The Outsider”). Tools to understand French-speaking culture(s), from recent social issues to classic art and literature. Course may be taken up to three times with a different topic. Conducted in French.

FREN 466 – Introduction to French Linguistics (3 units)
Category: Linguistics
Prerequisite: 6 units from 300, 307, 308, 315, 325 or 375 (or consent of instructor)
Analytical procedures of general linguistics applied to French. Structural contrasts between French and English. Application of linguistic analysis to the teaching of modern foreign languages. Conducted in French.

FREN 470 – French Literature and Power (3 units)
Category: Literature
Prerequisite: 6 units from 300, 307, 308, 315, 325 or 375 (or consent of instructor)
Socio-political dimensions of French literature throughout its history. Expressions of alliance with, or resistance to, the established political order will be studied from the medieval epic through 20th century literary texts. Conducted in French.

FREN 471 – French Literature and the Human Psyche (3 units)
Category: Literature
Prerequisite: 6 units from 300, 307, 308, 315, 325 or 375 (or consent of instructor)
Psychological explorations in French literature through texts that provide insights into the human psyche and shape our notion of the self at different moments of French cultural history. A variety of works will be studied, from the Renaissance through the 20th century. Conducted in French.

FREN 472 – Philosophical Exploration in French Literature (3 units)
Category: Literature
Prerequisite: 6 units from 300, 307, 308, 315, 325 or 375 (or consent of instructor)
Philosophical dimensions of French literature throughout its history. Interrogations about the human condition, and the role and place of human consciousness in the universe will be guiding theme in texts ranging from the Renaissance through the 20th century. Conducted in French.

FREN 485 – Senior Seminar in French Studies (3 units)
Category: All
Prerequisite: 3 units from 407, 408, 409, 435T, 466, 470, 471 or 472 (or consent of instructor) 
Students will develop an individualized research project to integrate and expand their knowledge and skills. They will analyze and synthesize, debate, and evaluate their own and other students’ projects on social, literary, linguistic, cultural, and/or philosophical issues related to the French-speaking world. May be repeated for credit with different topic.

FREN 499 – Independent Study (1-3 units)
Category: All
Supervised projects in French language, linguistics, culture or literature. Consent of the instructor and department chair required. May be repeated for credit.