Spring 2026 French Courses  

Sign up now! 

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 11:15am-12:05pm; MWF 12:20pm-1:10pm; MWF 1:25am-2:15pm; Tu Th 11am-12:15pm

It’s never too late to start learning a foreign language! This class welcomes students with minimal or no prior knowledge of French. Its goal is to help beginners acquire 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 11am-12:15pm

This course is designed for students who have some basic knowledge of French. It will continue the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing through the study of vocabulary and structures.

FREN 1103, Intermediate French 1 MWF 11:15am-12:05pm

This course will deepen students’ awareness and understanding of French language and culture. It is based on a variety of short projects and activities designed to reinforce all language skills.

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 based on a short novel.

FREN 1057. Medicine, Disability and Literature Tu Th 12:30-1:45pm

This course offers an introduction to Medical Humanities and Disability Studies; it is particularly adapted for students interested in careers in Medical, Dental, Nursing, Public Health, and other care-related professions. Students will assess the importance of narrative structures in the individual and social perception of health and sickness, the impact of strategies of inclusion on disability, the efficiency of doctor-patient communication in a range of texts and visual works from the French and Francophone world. By discussing works thematically relevant to medical and care professions, students will enhance skills in cultural competency, writing and reading, and ethical reasoning. Counts towards TOI-1, TOI-2, as well as the Leadership Skills and Ethics CLAS Skills Area.

FREN 1169. Revel, Riot, and Revolution: France and the Francophone World from 1792 to Today Tu Th, 12:30-1:45pm

This course presents a cultural history of France 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 different processes of exclusion in France’s theoretically universalist society. CA 1. CA 4-INT. Counts towards TOI-2, Taught in English.

FREN 1171. French Cinema Th 6:30-9:45pm

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. Counts towards TOI 1. Taught in English.

FREN 1177. Magicians, Witches, Wizards: Parallel Beliefs and Popular Culture in France Th 6:25pm-9:10pm

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. Counts towards TOI 1 and TOI-2, 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)

FREN 3102. French for Engineering II Tu 4-4:50pm

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.

FREN 3211W. Contemporary France Tu Th 9:30am-10:45am

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. Counts towards TOI-1 and TOI-2. Taught in French.

FREN 3215. Introduction to Translation Mo We 11:15am-12:05pm, Friday online

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. Taught in French.

FREN 3261. Knights and Fairies: Fantasizing About the Middle Ages Tu Th 11am-12:15pm

Examination of literary appropriations of the Middle Ages throughout history, including stories of the Grail. Emphasis on conflicting models that evoke both courtly love and internecine hate; Christian virtue and feudal exploitation, knightly honor and mercenary rapacity; cultural homogeneity and admixture with neighboring cultures. Comparison of seminal French medieval texts with the contemporary adaptations of medieval stories in films, TV series, and video games. Taught in French. CA1. Counts towards TOI-2 and 3.

FREN 3269. Advanced French Grammar Mo Wed 12:20-1:10pm Friday online

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.

FREN 3270W. French Literature and Civilization in English: 2 sections are open: Tu Th 11am-12:15pm or Tu Th 2pm-3:15pm

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. Counts towards TOI 3 Taught in English

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)