Spring 2025 French Courses
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All the 3000-level courses count towards the French minor (6 courses)
and the French major (10 courses).
Introductory courses
FREN 1101, Elementary French 1
4 sections are open: MWF 10:10-11am; MWF 11:15am-12:05pm; and 2 sections on Tu Th 11am-12:15pm
It’s never too late to start learning French! This course is for true beginners. The goal is to acquire gradually the four language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) within French and Francophone cultural contexts.
FREN 1102, Elementary French 2
2 sections are open: MWF 12:20-1:10pm; Tu Th 9:30-10:45am
This course is designed for students who have some basic knowledge of French. It will continue the development of language skills using the vocabulary and structures to listen, speak, read, and write.
FREN 1103, Intermediate French 1 MWF 11:15am-12:05pm
This course will deepen your awareness and understanding of the French language and culture. Students will work on a variety of short projects and activities designed to reinforce all language skills and will explore a series of social and cultural topics.
FREN 1104, Intermediate French 2 Tu Th 12:30-1:45pm
It’s never too late to brush up on your French! This course provides a comprehensive review of fundamental grammar points and vocabulary items. It includes the study of two French films as well as a project to be performed outside of the classroom.
- Modernity in Crisis: France from 1850 to Today Tu & Th, 12:30-1:45pm SHH 104
A cultural history of France viewed through artistic, social, and political trends and revolutions. Topics include the French Revolution and its aftermath, reforms and republics, social classes, the colonial empire, war and peace, artistic scandals, Nazi occupation and resistance, relations between France and the U.S, feminism, national identity, and social justice. We will explore the varied processes of exclusion in France’s theoretically universalist society. CA 1. CA 4-INT. Taught in English.
- French Cinema Th 6:30-9:45pm, SHH 101
Weekly screenings of French films from the first comedies and surrealism to the New Wave and the young filmmakers of the 1990’s. Introduction to film history, analysis, and interpretation of films. CA 1. CA 4-INT. Taught in English.
- Literature and Cultures of the Postcolonial Francophone World Tu & Th, 12:30-1:45pm SHH 101
Evolution of literatures and cultures formerly under French colonial rule. Language, identity, religion, art and politics as they shape these societies’ passage to cultural autonomy. CA 1. CA 4-INT. Taught in English.
- Magicians, Witches, Wizards: Parallel Beliefs and Popular Culture in France
Th 6:25pm-9:10pm, ITE C80
The search for traces of a counterculture which grew out of pagan beliefs and remained latent despite the domination of Christianity from the Middle Ages to modern times. Tales of magic and witchcraft, as presented by texts and films. The evolution of exemplary figures like Merlin or Nostradamus. CA 1. CA 4-INT. Taught in English.
Courses for a French major/minor
(Prerequisite for courses taught in French: three years of high school French, French 1104, or instructor consent)
3211W. Contemporary France Tu & Th 9:30am-10:45am, SHH 269
This course provides students with an overview of some of the forces that have shaped contemporary French society. The compositions will be written in French and will cover issues of interest for each student; we will focus on the recent Paris Olympics to better understand topics such as sports, the arts, women’s rights, the media, politics, religion, and education, as well as questions of national identity and of international relations. Satisfies the W requirement of the French major. Prerequisite: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011. CA 1. CA 4-INT. Taught in French.
- 3215. Introduction to Translation Mo & We 11:15am12:05pm, SHH 111
In this course, students will learn techniques needed to render English into French, and French into English. We will compare French and English stylistics; study existing translations; explore different registers of the French language; and then translate texts from a range of genres, including novel excerpts, film subtitles, technical texts, etc. By working on translation skills, students will improve their vocabulary, writing, and understanding of French sentence structure. This course, taught in French, will also include practical information for aspiring professional translators.
- 3218. Francophone Studies Mo & Wed & Fri 10:10am-11:00pm, SHH 269
How can literary and artistic expression offer a way to address, denounce, and cope with the legacy of traumatic historical events such as slavery and colonization, celebrate the achievements of the precolonial past, and critically reflect upon the challenges of building new nations, while navigating a rich but sometimes precarious balance between multiple languages, religions, and cultures? Students will become better acquainted with writers and cultural and sociopolitical debates in countries such as Algeria, Haiti, or Senegal today. CA 1. CA 4-INT. Mo & Wed in person, Friday online. Taught in French.
- 3250. Global Culture in French: A conversation class Tu & Th 11:00am-12:15pm, SHH 269
What is happening in the French-speaking world today? In this conversation course, students will improve their oral skills and pronunciation, learn new idiomatic expressions and develop vocabulary. They will also deepen their knowledge of French-speaking cultures with authentic sources such as radio, television, newspaper articles, and films. We will read, discuss, and debate headline stories, current films and/or TV series. This course is open to French majors and non-majors who wish to improve their spoken French. Taught in French.
- 3269. Advanced French Grammar Mo & Wed 12:20-1:10pm, SHH 111
This course is designed for students who are both weary of struggling with French grammar and interested in grasping the subtleties of the French language. It focuses on both the reinforcement of grammatical points familiar to students and the introduction of new, more sophisticated topics. Students will engage in a wide range of activities, from drills to short writing projects, that will encourage reflection on and appreciation of the organizational function of grammar. This course is also very useful for vocabulary enrichment. Taught in French.
3270W. French Literature and Civilization in English
2 sections are open: Tu & Th 2pm-3:15pm, MCHU 107
or Tu & Th 3:30-4:45pm, SHH 268
Representative works of French literature, on a particular theme. How literary forms articulate the ideas and values of different periods. CA 1. Prerequisite: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011. Taught in English
- 3102. French for Engineering II Tu 4-4:50pm SHH 235
Provides dual-degree Engineering and French students more advanced vocabulary, methods, and field-specific knowledge. Students will learn to describe scientific processes, to follow scientific presentations in French, and to create preparation and evaluation materials for these presentations. Taught in French.
For more information on the Program in French and Francophone Studies, please contact:
Professors Ally Ladha (ally.ladha@uconn.edu) and Valérie Saugera (valerie.saugera@uconn.edu)