French Courses
Elon offers a variety of writing, language, and literature courses for our French majors and minors. Not all descriptions may be found in our general catalog. Below are specialized courses commonly taught during the academic year. Special topics for coming semesters are listed in the appropriate sections.
FRE 121. Elementary French I (4 sh)
This course is designed for students with little or no prior experience in the language. Special emphasis is placed on active communication to develop oral and comprehension skills. Students will learn to converse and write about daily routines, likes and dislikes in the present and commence usage of past tenses. Factual information about the nature of daily life and routines in French and Francophone cultures will also be acquired. Proficiency goal on the ACTFL scale: novice high. No prerequisite or admission by placement test. Offered every semester.
FRE 122. Elementary French II (4 sh)
This course continues development of skills in basic structures within increasing cultural and literary competence. Special emphasis continues to be placed on development of oral and comprehension skills. Students will learn to discuss topics of a personal nature in present, past and future, and to express opinions on a limited range of topics. Knowledge of French and francophone history and cultures is also extended. Proficiency goal on the ACTFL scale: Intermediate low. Prerequisite: FRE 110 or 121 or placement at this level.
FRE 221. Intermediate French I (4 sh)
This course provides intensive development of all language skills. Increased emphasis is given to reading strategies and composition. Students will be able to describe, analyze, hypothesize and express opinions on a widening range of cultural topics. Proficiency goal on the ACTFL scale: Intermediate mid. Prerequisite: FRE 210 or 122 or placement at this level.
FRE 222. Intermediate French II (4 sh)
This final course in the basic language sequence consolidates skills attained in French 121, 122 and 221, or the equivalent. Advanced reading, writing and speaking skills are developed through study of increasingly sophisticated cultural and literary topics. This course or its equivalent is the prerequisite for all French courses numbered 300 or higher. Proficiency goal on the ACTFL scale: Intermediate high. Prerequisite: FRE 310 or 221 or placement at this level.
Conversational study develops abilities in everyday spoken communication with emphasis on building vocabulary and speaking proficiency. Prerequisite: FRE 222 or four or more years of high school French or permission of instructor. Offered every third year.
FRE 319. Conversational French: Everyday Topics (2 sh)
This course is designed to develop students' oral communication skills by expanding vocabulary, improving grammatical accuracy and increasing fluency through readings and discussions on a wide range of everyday topics. In addition to the required textbook, a variety of resources (including newspapers, journals, reviews, television advertisements, audio and video clips) expose students to the sights and sounds of the living French language. Together, these materials are designed to place emphasis on communicative proficiency while developing the ability to think critically about social and cultural issues. Prerequisite: FRE 222 or permission of instructor. Offered every fall.
FRE 320. Conversational French: Popular culture (2 sh)
This course is designed to develop students' oral communication skills by expanding vocabulary, improving grammatical accuracy and increasing fluency through readings and discussions about popular culture. In addition to the required textbook, a variety of resources (including newspapers, journals, reviews, television advertisements, audio and video clips) expose students to the sights and sounds of the living French language. Together, these materials are designed to place emphasis on communicative proficiency while developing the ability to think critically about social and cultural issues. Prerequisite: FRE 222 or permission of instructor. Offered every spring.
FRE 322. Written and Oral Expression in French (4 sh)
Intensive practice in oral and written expression focuses on refinements in structure, conversation and writing for specific purposes. Prerequisite: FRE 222 or permission of instructor. Offered every third year.
FRE 324. French Phonetics (4 sh)
This course analyzes the sound components of spoken French. Students will learn how sounds are produced and how to imitate native speakers accurately through transcription, both from and into French and the International Phonetic Alphabet. Students will also be exposed to phonetic variations within the French-speaking world. Prerequisite: FRE 222 or permission of instructor. Offered every third year.
FRE 325. Advanced French Grammar (4 sh)
This course is an intensive review of all French grammar, including literary tenses. Through composition, translation and oral practice, as well as activities focused on discrete grammar points, the student should gain a more confident command of the French language, both written and spoken. Prerequisite: FRE 222 or permission of the instructor. Offered every third year.
FRE 331. Introduction to French Literature I (4 sh)
Major texts of literature of France from the Middle Ages through the 18th century are taught in their historical, social and cultural context. Prerequisite: FRE 222 or permission of instructor. Offered every third year.
FRE 332. Introduction to French Literature II (4 sh)
Major French literary texts since the French Revolution are taught in their historical, social and cultural context. Prerequisite: FRE 222 or permission of instructor. Offered every third year.
FRE 341. Francophone Literature (4 sh)
This course covers the major texts of French expression from Africa, the Antilles and Canada. Prerequisite: FRE 222 or permission of instructor. Offered every third year.
FRE 361. French Civilization (4 sh)
A survey of the history, geography, people and institutions of France from prehistoric times to the present emphasizes France's many contributions to Western civilization. Prerequisite: FRE 222 or permission of instructor. Offered every third year.
FRE 362. Francophone Cultures Outside of France (4 sh)
This course studies regional cultures around the world influenced by France, notably Africa, the Antilles and Canada. Prerequisite: FRE 222 or permission of instructor. Offered every third year.
FRE 363. The French Cinema (4 sh)
A chronological approach to the study of the French cinema, beginning with the first films of the Lumière brothers and including the silent era, the period between the wars, the postwar period, the New Wave and the contemporary cinema. The course includes consideration of the work of major directors as well as cultural and artistic characteristics of French cinema. Prerequisite: FRE 222 or permission of the instructor.
FRE 371-379. Special Topics (4 sh)
Topics may include advanced study of cinema, selected literary authors, periods, genres or regions. Prerequisite: FRE 222 or permission of instructor.
FRE 481. Internship (1-4 sh)
The internship provides students with practical experience using French in a professional setting. It may include internships in teaching, social service, government service, business, etc., in the U.S. or abroad. Prerequisite: at least one course above the FRE 222 level and departmental approval.
FRE 499. Independent Study (2-4 sh)
