French Studies

With an emphasis on the oral component of the language, the French program is designed to ensure that the student acquires appropriate fluency in the language, as well as a panoramic knowledge of the culture, history, and traditions of the French-speaking countries. Students who study French are urged to study for at least one summer, fall, or spring term in a French-speaking country.

The minor in French studies is designed to enrich and enhance a student’s major area of study by providing the opportunity to acquire functional fluency in the language as well as a working knowledge of the cultures and peoples of the French-speaking world.

Minor in French Studies: 18 semester hours in French including a maximum of 12 semester hours from FR 131, 132, 231, 232; and six semester hours from FR 331, independent study or internship.

A semester or year of study abroad in a francophone country may be substituted for the upper division work, and is strongly recommended for all students who wish to become fluent in French.

To be placed at the appropriate level of proficiency in French, students registering for a course at TLU for the first time must consult with the chairperson or his/her designate.

FRENCH STUDIES

FR 131. French Language and Culture I (3:3:0)
An introductory course for those with little or no knowledge of French. Integrates language and culture with classroom activities that focus on listening and speaking in personal contexts. Reading and writing strategies are introduced.

FR 132. French Language and Culture II (3:3:0)
Classroom activities focus on student interactions in personal and survival contexts. Students read simple connected texts and write creatively, using rudimentary discourse strategies.

FR 220, 230, 320, 330. Directed Study (X:X:X)
Directed study courses in French studies are individualized study courses under the general supervision of a French faculty member. The topic chosen by the student and approved by the faculty member and department must be sufficiently delimited to permit oral and written reports. Consult the French instructor for details.

FR 231. French Language and Culture III (3:3:0)
Emphasis is on conversational strategies in a wide range of contexts likely to be encountered in francophone countries (concrete topics). Connections between language and culture are stressed. Students read short texts and write coherent paragraphs in present, past, and future time frames.

FR 232. French Language and Culture IV (3:3:0)
Continued emphasis on concrete discourse strategies in practical and social situations, with an introduction to those strategies needed to sustain a more complex conversation. Cultural clichés and realities are further explored through a variety of readings and classroom activities. Students write short descriptive and narrative essays.

FR 331. French Language and Culture V (3:3:0)
Students develop discourse strategies needed for sustained conversation on concrete and abstract topics. Classroom activities concentrate on more complex cultural and linguistic tasks in a variety of situations. Students begin to write coherent short discursive essays.

FR 410, 420, 430. Independent Study (X:X:X)
Intensive, individual study and research are available to qualified students with a special interest in doing advanced work in French studies. The student devises the study proposal in consultation with the faculty supervisor and obtains the approval of the department. The student basically works independently until the presentation of the final results. Consult the French instructor for details.

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