Modern Languages - French

French language and culture are globally significant as the second most widely learned after English, with over 200 million speakers worldwide. Renowned for its literature, art, cinema, cuisine, and philosophy, French influences global intellectual and artistic movements. As an official language of major international organizations like the UN and EU, French proficiency is crucial for careers in diplomacy and global governance. France's universities offer academic excellence, enhancing opportunities in tourism, hospitality, fashion, and international business. Through cultural diplomacy, Alliances Françaises promote intercultural understanding, emphasizing French's role in global citizenship and professional advancement in today's interconnected world.

Students can take French courses to count toward their language requirements for the B.A., pursue a minor or a major in French, complete a secondary major in International and Area Studies, or pursue graduate studies in French.

French Bake Sale

Want to know more about French @K-State?

The Modern Languages department provides a diverse range of French courses, along with scholarships to support minors, majors, graduate studies, and students studying abroad. We also offer opportunities to earn free credits for prior language experience. Join us at our French Language Table to practice your French, engage in conversations, and connect with others. For further details, please contact:

Dr. Kathleen Antonioli
Associate Professor
EH 108
kantonioli@k-state.edu

Dr. Angélique Courbou
Teaching Assistant Professor
EH 217
angeli@k-state.edu

Dr. Camille Meritan
Teaching Assistant Professor & Language Coordinator
EH 005
cmeritan@ksu.edu

Requirements

French Minor Requirements

French Major Requirements

The French Major requires 11 classes (33 credits) of French courses at and above French 3, including a required literature course (FREN 520 or 521 or 530), and at least three 6/700-level courses.

A grade of “C” or better or a minimum 2.5 GPA is required in all French courses counted towards the major. Classes for the major cannot be taken Pass/Fail. Two non-transfer courses are required at the 700 level. Study Abroad and Retroactive Credit apply toward the French Major.

The French major with distinction requires 13 courses (39 credits) in French at and above level 3 (FREN 300), including one required literature courses at the 500-level (FREN 520 / 521 / 530 recommended), and at least four 6/700-level courses, and a 3.5 GPA in all courses taken toward the major.

To declare a French Major, use this form.

Course Descriptions

See below our course descriptions and here for our upcoming semester course schedule

Course Descriptions - Beginner

Not sure which course you should begin with? Check our placement information.
Do you know you can receive free credit for prior learning if you start above French 1, took AP classes or receive the Seal of Biliteracy? See our placement information for details.

Beginner courses (FREN 101 through 301) are offered in Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. See below for descriptions, contact Dr. Meritan if you have placement questions.

FREN 101 - French 1
 Designed for students with no prior French language experience, or less than one year of prior language study. Students will develop basic language skills and cultural awareness to discuss daily habits, personal information, and communicate in simple everyday situations in French-speaking communities. Conducted in French through speaking, listening, reading, and writing activities

French 102 - French 2
Continuation of French I.  Designed for students with one semester of college French or 1-2 years of high school French. Students will build on basic language skills and cultural awareness to relatepersonal experiences, give recommendations, andinteract in uncomplicated situations in French-speaking communities. Conducted in French through speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

FREN 103 - Accelerated French 1 and 2:
Covers the material of French 101 and 102 in an accelerated one-semester course. Designed for motivated beginners, students with knowledge of another language, or students with 1-2 years of prior language study who want a review of basic concepts. Students will develop basic language skills and cultural awareness to discuss daily habits, personal information, and communicate in simple everyday situations in French-speaking communities. Conducted in French through speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

FREN 201 - French 3
Continuation of French 102. Designed for students with two semesters of college French or 2-4 years of high school French. Enhances skills in reading, listening, speaking, and writing to express themselves creatively in French in straightforward social situations. Students engage with and analyze a variety of content including films and short stories. Conducted in French.

f301

f102

French 301 - French 4
Continuation of French 300. Designed for students with three semesters of college French or 3-5 years of high school French. Overall review of grammatical forms and development of reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in cultural contexts. Conducted in French.

Course Descriptions - Intermediate

Courses at the 500 level comprise our intermediate courses. All count toward the French Minor or Major, and many toward some basic requirements for BA and BS degrees (e.g.: Foreign Language requirements, Western Heritage, Literary/Rhetorical Arts).

If you begin courses at the 500-level or above, you are eligible to receive free retroactive credit for level 1 through 4 courses.

FREN 501 - Readings in French

Introduction to reading French in a variety of genres including fiction, journalism, graphic novel, poetry, and more.

Appropriate for students who have completed French 4 or equivalent, or who are currently enrolled in French 4. In French.

FREN 503 - Composition and Grammar

Develop French writing skills in a variety of genres. This course focuses on grammatical concepts useful for refining your French writing, and for improving your French writing overall.

Appropriate for students who have completed French 4 or equivalent, or who are currently enrolled in French 4. In French.

FREN 512 - French and Francophone Cinema

Discover French and Francophone cinema from the earliest experiments with the Lumiere brothers until modern masterpieces of cinema.

Appropriate for students who have completed French 4 or equivalent, or who are currently enrolled in French 4. In French.
Counts as Fine Arts, and Foreign Language requirements

FREN 514 - Contemporary France

Encounter the cultures of the French speaking world today—from France to Morocco, Senegal to Louisiana, Canada, the Carribean, and more.

Appropriate for students who have completed French 4 or equivalent, or who are currently enrolled in French 4. In French.
Counts as Western Heritage, and Foreign Language requirements

FREN 515 - History of French Culture

Overview of topics in French culture from the medieval period to the present time. May include history, art, architecture, culture, and more.

Appropriate for students who have completed French 4 or equivalent, or who are currently enrolled in French 4. In French.
Counts as Western Heritage, and Foreign Language requirements

FREN 517 - Business French

Learn about the business cultures of the French speaking world while also sharpening your skills in French speaking and writing. Learn grammar and vocabulary related to the French-language business world. Appropriate for students who have completed French 4 or equivalent, or who are currently enrolled in French 4. In French.

Counts as Literary/Rhetorical Arts, and Foreign Language requirements

FREN 518 - French Conversation

Improve your spoken French through dedicated practice. Focus on real-life speaking situations, while also gaining knowledge of French culture. Prepare to study or travel in France or the Francophone world! Become a fun French party guest!

Appropriate for students who have completed French 4 or equivalent, or who are currently enrolled in French 4. In French.

FREN 520 - Introduction to French Literature (19th C. to present)

f520

Discover French literature from 1800-present in a variety of genres, including poetry, prose, theater, and film.

Appropriate for students who have completed French 4 or equivalent. In French.
Counts toward the French minor and major as one of the required literature class.
Counts as Literary/Rhetorical Arts, and Foreign Language requirements

FREN 521 - Introduction to French Literature (Medieval to 18th Century)

Discover French literature from the medieval period through the French revolution.

Appropriate for students who have completed French 4 or equivalent. In French.
Counts toward the French minor and major as the required literature class.
Counts as Literary/Rhetorical Arts, and Foreign Language requirements

FREN 530 - Topics in French / Francophone Literature and Culture

Topic for Summer 2023: Heroes and Villains

What is a hero ? What is a villain ? In this summer course, we will analyze various representations of heroes and villains in the USA as well as in France and in the larger Francophone world.

This course may include a variety of special topics in French or Francophone literature or culture. Past topics include: Paris 1913, Occupied France, Introduction to Francophone Literature, a Francophone Witch in Salem, Senegalese Letters, the French Revolution, French Children's Literature.

Appropriate for students who have completed French 4 or equivalent. In French.
Counts toward the French minor and major as one of the required literature class.
Counts as Western Heritage or Literary/Rhetorical Arts, and Foreign Language requirements

Course Descriptions - Advanced

Most 700-level French courses have variable topics, meaning each semester the course may be different! See below some of the themes discussed in these courses.

NOTE: Students should have completed at least two 500-level French courses prior to taking 700-level courses.

FREN 709 - Medieval French Literature	Topics in French literature during the medieval period. Appropriate for students who have taken at least one 500-level French class. In French. Counts toward French minor and major.
FREN 710 - Sixteenth-Century French Literature	Topics in French literature written between 1500-1600. Appropriate for students who have taken at least one 500-level French class. In French. Counts toward French minor and major.
FREN 711 - Seventeenth-Century French Literature	Topics in French literature written between 1600-1700. Appropriate for students who have taken at least one 500-level French class. In French. Counts toward French minor and major.
FREN 713 - Eighteenth-Century French Literature	Topics in French literature written between 1700-1800. Recent topics include: Imagination and Enterprise. Appropriate for students who have taken at least one 500-level French class. In French. Counts toward French minor and major.
FREN 714 - Romantic French Literature	Topics in French and Francophone literature from 1800-1900. Appropriate for students who have taken at least one 500-level French class. In French. Counts toward French minor and major
FREN 715 - Realist French Literature	Topics in French and Francophone literature from 1800-1900. Recent topics include: French love stories. Appropriate for students who have taken at least one 500-level French class. In French. Counts toward French minor and major.
FREN 716 - Contemporary French Literature	Topics in French and Francophone literature from 1900-present. Recent topics include:Colette!, Paris 1913. Appropriate for students who have taken at least one 500-level French class. In French. Counts toward French minor and major.
FREN 719 - Advanced Spoken and Written French	Development of French speaking and writing skills for advanced students. May include linguistics and advanced grammatical concepts. Appropriate for students who have taken at least one 500-level French class. In French. Counts toward French minor and major.
FREN 720 - Seminar in French Literature and Culture: Quebec	Explore the historical, cultural, and linguistic richness of French-speaking Canada, with an emphasis on literary and cultural production by Quebecois authors and about Quebec across time. Topics to be explored include the question of memory and identity within the larger frame of Canada and North America, linguistic plurality, and the notion of belonging and citizenship. Given in French. Counts toward French minor and major.
FREN 721 - Francophone Literature and Culture	Topics in the literature and culture of the French-speaking world outside of France. May include the literature of Canada, the United States, the Carribean, the Maghreb, West Africa, and more. Appropriate for students who have taken at least one 500-level French class. In French. Counts toward French minor and major.
FREN 742 - Literature for Second Language Acquisition	Approaches to teaching French literature in a variety of contexts. Appropriate for students who have taken at least one 500-level French class. In French. Counts toward French minor and major.
FREN 743 - Culture for Second Language Acquisition	Approaches to teaching French culture in a variety of contexts. Appropriate for students who have taken at least one 500-level French class. In French. Counts toward French minor and major.