French Department Courses


FREN 111 – Beginning French I, 4 credits. E1. Students learn the basics of French communication and are introduced to the cultures of the French-speaking world. Students engage in various individual, class and group activities to develop their ability to speak and understand French. Resources, including the World Wide Web, CD-ROMs, French children’s books, movies and magazines are used to increase students’ understanding of French culture and the French language.
FREN 112 W – Beginning French II, 4 credits. E2, D. Students learn the basics of French communication and are introduced to the cultures of the French-speaking world. Students engage in various individual, class and group activities to develop their ability to speak and understand French. Resources, including the World Wide Web, CD-ROMs, French children’s books, movies and magazines are used to increase students’ understanding of French culture and the French language. Students will also have the opportunity to interact with the local community through cultural projects. Prerequisite: FREN 111 – Beginning French I, placement exam, or consent of the department
FREN 211 U, W – Intermediate French I, 4 credits. E. This course is an approved U.S. perspectives course and focuses on “French in the Americas” featuring units on Canada, the United States (Louisiana, New England and Native Americans), South America and the Caribbean Islands. After a general introduction to each site, the course examines a different theme such as family life, youth, educational systems and everyday lives. These discussions are not possible without discussing race, ethnicity, gender and social issues such as education, class and religion. This course is also designed to increase students’ ability to speak, write, read and understand French. Students review basic language structures and vocabulary, as well as develop new language skills. In addition to class meetings on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, students also work with the French native assistant for small-group discussions and projects, usually on Tuesday and Thursday at an agreed upon time. Prerequisite: FREN 112 – Beginning French II, placement exam, and consent of the department
FREN 212 G, W – Intermediate French II, 4 credits. E. This course is an approved global perspectives course and focuses on “French in the Francophone World” featuring various regions in France as well as Asia, the Pacific Islands, and Africa. After a general introduction to each site, the course examines different cultural components. This course is also designed to increase students’ ability to speak, write, read and understand French. Students review basic language structures and vocabulary, as well as develop new language skills. In addition to class meetings on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, students also work with the French native assistant for small-group discussions and projects, usually on Tuesday and Thursday at an agreed upon time. Prerequisite: FREN 211 – Intermediate French I, placement exam, and consent of the department
FREN 220 – The Best of French Literature, 4 credits. D. This course, taught in English, enables students without a background in French language or in French literature to share in this rich heritage. The primary goal of the course is the appreciation and enjoyment of fine literature. The masterpieces selected, beginning with a few legends and farces of the Middles Ages, trace the evolution of social, religious, political and economic aspects of the French civilization.
FREN 223 – Race, Gender and Power in the Francophone World, 4 credits. D. This course, taught in English, examines literatures of both European and Francophone (primarily African) writers. Students will develop an understanding of the impact of racial, gender and economic relationships on the peoples of the French-speaking world.
FREN 250 – Pre-May Seminar: Francophone World, 4 credits. D. Designed to prepare the student for a meaningful period of study and travel in the Francophone world, this course is required as preparation for FREN 300 – May Seminar and is required of students preparing for certification by the Minnesota Board of Teaching. Prerequisite: FREN 212 – Intermediate French II (concurrent enrollment acceptable) or consent of department
FREN 255 – Pre-May Seminar: France, 2 credits. B3 or B4. Designed to prepare the student for a meaningful period of study and travel in France, this course is required as preparation for FREN 300 – May Seminar and is required of students preparing for certification by the Minnesota Board of Teaching. Prerequisite: FREN 212 – Intermediate French II (concurrent enrollment acceptable) or consent of department
FREN 300 – May Seminar, 4 credits. MS.
FREN 310 – Understanding Health, History, and Culture In Southeast Asia, 4 credits. D. This course is taught in English, examines the health, history and culture of Southeast Asian Francophone countries to understand how these facets work together to impact the mentality and present-day situation in the target country/countries. Interviews with natives from the target culture enhance understanding of how language, culture, history, and health practices inform identity. Work on global health practices and perspectives lends to the interdisciplinary nature of this course. Prerequisite: FREN 112 or higher
FREN 311 G, W – Intensive Oral and Written Communication, 4 credits. E1. This course is designed to develop students’ ability to organize clearly and communicate effectively in French their own knowledge and ideas, as well as the meaning of cultural texts dealing with France. Students are assisted in transferring grammatical concepts to practical communication skills through oral and written practice. In addition to class meetings on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, students also work with the French native assistant for small-group discussions and projects, usually on Tuesday and Thursday at an agreed upon time. Students will also discover the world of children and adolescent literature. Prerequisite: FREN 212 – Intermediate French II, placement exam or consent of department
FREN 331– French Culture and Civilization, 4 credits. E2. This is a survey of the history and development of French civilization and of the Francophone world. The course, and all work, is conducted in French. Prerequisite: FREN 311 – Intensive Oral and Written Communication or consent of department
FREN 340 – French Phonetics and Other Linguistics Issues, 2 credits. B3 or B4. This course is designed for students interested in understanding the sound system of French. Students will learn the International Phonetic Alphabet and the standard pronunciation of the phonetic symbols in French. Using these symbols, they will learn to improve their own pronunciation and comprehension of spoken French. In addition, students will be introduced to the history and geography of the French language, examine linguistic issues in French that derive from its Latin heritage with Germanic influence, and linguistic issues of the Francophone world today. This course is required in order to meet the Minnesota Board of Teaching standards for K-8 and K-12 licensures. Prerequisite: FREN 331 – French Culture and Civilization or consent of department
FREN 360 – French in the Business World, 4 credits. A1 (2013-2014). Intended for students interested in using French in the workplace, the course concentrates on understanding French business culture and practices and economics. Prerequisite: FREN 331 – French Culture and Civilization or consent of department
FREN 370 – Current French Political, Social and Economic Affairs, 4 credits. A1 (2012-2013). Through intensive study of articles from French periodicals, the World Wide Web and other sources, students prepare outlines, lead class discussions and produce a major project (such as televised news reports, a newspaper, brochures, etc.) regarding current topics relating to individual areas of interest. Prerequisite: FREN 331 – French Culture and Civilization
FREN 380 – Special Topics, 2 to 4 credits. D. Courses covering various topics of interest in this particular discipline are offered regularly. Contact department or program chair for more information.
FREN 390 – Cooperative Education, 1 to 8 credits. E, S.
FREN 395 – Cooperative Education at the Concordia Language Villages, 2 to 4 credits. D. This course is intended to provide students of modern languages with opportunities to teach and study the language of their choice at the Concordia Language Villages. Prerequisite for acceptance: at least two years of coursework or the equivalent in the language. The final decision on acceptance into this course is based on mutual agreement of both Concordia language department faculty and Concordia Language Villages faculty concerning both the student and the project. A total maximum equivalent of two full courses from 390 and 395 may be counted toward graduation.
FREN 410 – Introduction to French Literature Through Poetry, 2 credits. B3 or B4. This course introduces students to literature through poetry from throughout the French-speaking world. Students will develop analytical skills, an understanding of the development of literature and an appreciation of the impact of culture on literature. Prerequisite: FREN 331 – French Culture and Civilization
FREN 411 – Development of French Theatre, 4 credits. A1 (2013-2014). This study of the French theatre from its origin in the Middle Ages to the present places emphasis on the classical theatre. Prerequisite: FREN 331 – French Culture and Civilization
FREN 412 – Development of French Prose, 4 credits. A1 (2012-2013). Students examine the development of prose writing in the French-speaking world in its various forms from the Middle Ages to the present. Prerequisite: FREN 331 – French Culture and Civilization
FREN 413 – Advanced Composition and Grammar, 2 credits. B3 or B4. This course is designed for students who have completed a study abroad experience such as the May Seminar or a practicum or who have completed another upper-division French course. This course will clarify grammar and syntax issues, as well as improve writing skills. Prerequisite: FREN 255 – Pre-May Seminar; FREN 360 – French in the Business World; FREN 370 – Current French Political, Social and Economic Affairs; FREN 411 – Development of French Theatre; FREN 412 – Development of French Prose; or FREN 490 – Practicum; or consent of department
FREN 480 – Independent Study, 1 to 4 credits. D. This course provides an opportunity for individual students to conduct in-depth research of a particular topic under the direct supervision of a faculty member. Contact the department or program chair for more information.
FREN 490 Z – Practicum, 4 credits. E, S. The practicum is a living and learning experience in France generally lasting at least two months, but which may be extended over a longer period of time. The student lives with selected families in France and completes written assignments. The practicum may be arranged for either the summer or a portion of the school year. Prerequisite: FREN 300 – May Seminar and/or consent of department