FRE 101 - Beginning French I: Language and Culture

An introduction to the French language and to the cultures of the French-speaking world. Practice in speaking, listening, reading, writing at the Novice level. Supplemented by multimedia and the Language Resource Center. No more than two years of high school French, or permission of instructor. Students are strongly encouraged to take the free Placement Exam in the Language Resource Center prior to registering. Offered each semester.

Credits: 4

 

FRE 102 - Beginning French II: Language and Culture

Continuation of FRE 101. Practice in speaking, listening, reading, and writing at novice and intermediate levels. French and Francophone culture integrated throughout. Supplemented by multimedia and the Language Resource Center. Students who did not complete FRE 101 at GVSU are strongly encouraged to take the free Placement Test in the Language Resource Center prior to registering. Students may not receive credit for both FRE 150 and FRE 102. Offered each semester. Prerequisite: C (not C-) or better in FRE 101, or credit, or appropriate placement test score.

Credits: 4

 

FRE 150 - Accelerated Beginning French I and II: Language and Culture

One semester accelerated review of beginning French for students with prior study. Covers the same material as FRE 101 and FRE 102. Not open to students with credit in FRE 101, FRE 102 or their equivalent. Offered fall and winter semesters. Prerequisites: Minimum of two years of high school French and appropriate Placement Test score (free in Language Resource Center).

Credits: 4

 

FRE 180 - Special Topics in French

Course content varies. Expectations of students approximate those in other 100-level courses. May be repeated for credit when content differs. Offered on sufficient demand.

Credits: 1 to 4

 

FRE 201 - Intermediate French I: Language and Culture

Continuation of FRE 102 or FRE 150. Practice in speaking, listening, reading, and writing at the Intermediate level. French and Francophone Cultures integrated throughout. Supplemented by multimedia and the Language Resource Center. Offered each semester. Prerequisite: C (not C-) or better in FRE 102 or FRE 150, or credit, or appropriate placement test score (free in the Language Resource Center).

Credits: 4

 

FRE 202 - Intermediate French II: Language and Culture

Continued practice in speaking, listening, reading, writing at the Intermediate level. Review of grammar and expansion of vocabulary. Focus on French and Francophone culture through authentic texts and multimedia materials. Counts toward the French minor (noneducation). Fulfills Cultures - Global Perspectives. Offered fall and winter semesters. Prerequisite: C (not C-) or better in FRE 201, or credit, or appropriate placement test score (free in the Language Resource Center).

Credits: 4

 

FRE 280 - Special Topics in French

Course content varies. Expectations of students approximate those in other 200-level courses. May be repeated for credit when content differs. No more than four credits can be applied to the minor or major. Offered on sufficient demand. Prerequisite: FRE 201.

Credits: 1 to 6

 

FRE 315 - French Conversation

Extensive practice in oral communication through exposure to French and Francophone cultures. Introduction to the Proficiency Guidelines of ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages). Course may be taken concurrently with FRE 316 Advanced Grammar. Offered every semester. Prerequisite: C (not C-) or better in FRE 202 or permission of instructor.

Credits: 3

 

FRE 316 - Advanced French Grammar

Detailed study of French grammar with a focus on areas of difficulty for speakers of English. Extensive written and in-class oral practice. Course may be taken concurrently with FRE 315 French Conversation. Prerequisite: C (not C-) or better in FRE 202, or permission of instructor.

Credits: 3

 

FRE 317 - Writing in French

Extensive practice in writing. Study of various stylistic techniques using texts from multiple sources. Review of the finer points of grammar and usage. Offered for SWS credit. Course offered fall and winter. Prerequisite: C (not C-) or better in FRE 202; Recommended after FRE 315 and FRE 316.

Credits: 3

 

FRE 318 - Introduction to French Literature

An introduction to French and Francophone literature. Emphasis on development of reading strategies and learning to analyze literary texts and poetry. A French core curriculum course required for advanced study. Offered fall and winter semesters. Prerequisite: C (not C-) or better in FRE 202; Recommended after FRE 315, FRE316 and FRE 317.

Credits: 3

 

FRE 321 - Survey of French Literature I

A survey of French literature of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Offered winter semester in even-numbered years. Prerequisites: C (not C-) or better in all core curriculum courses (FRE 315, FRE 316, FRE 317, FRE 318) or permission of instructor.

Credits: 3

 

FRE 322 - Survey of French Literature II

A survey of French literature of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Offered winter semester in odd-numbered years. Prerequisites: C (not C-) or better in all core curriculum courses (FRE 315, FRE 316, FRE 317 and FRE 318) or permission of instructor.

Credits: 3

 

FRE 323 - Survey of French Literature III

A survey of French literature of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. Offered fall semester in even-numbered years. Prerequisites: C (not C-) or better in all core curriculum courses (FRE 315, FRE 316, FRE 317 and FRE 318) or permission of instructor.

Credits: 3

 

FRE 331 - French Phonetics

Study of the basic principles of French phonetics with emphasis on improving pronunciation and aural comprehension. Introduction to the International Phonetic Alphabet and phonetic transcription. Intensive exposure to spoken French through a variety of media, including the Language Resource Center, and practice with each major phoneme. Offered fall semester. Prerequisites: FRE 202 and one other course at the 300-level with C (not C-) or permission of instructor.

Credits: 3

 

FRE 332 - Introduction to French Linguistics

Analysis of the evolution of the French language, phonology, sociolinguistics and dialectology, applied linguistics, bilingualism and language contact. Prerequisites: C (not C-) or better in FRE 315, FRE 316, and FRE 317, or permission of instructor.

Credits: 3

 

FRE 334 - Foreign Language Acquisition and Pedagogy

Provides prospective French and German high school teachers with an introduction to foreign language acquisition theory and practical applications of language teaching pedagogy. Students will also observe language teachers in local high schools. Cross-listed with GER 314. Course offered winter semester. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.

Credits: 3

 

FRE 341 - French History and Civilization

A study of the main themes of French civilization and culture with their implications for contemporary France and their literary manifestations. Taught in French. Offered fall semester even numbered years. Prerequisite: C (not C-) or better in FRE 315 or permission of instructor.

Credits: 3

 

FRE 342 - Contemporary French Culture and Society

Analysis of French contemporary civilization and culture using a variety of multimedia sources. Discussion of current events. Offered winter semester odd-numbered years. Prerequisite: C (not C-) or better in FRE 315 or permission of instructor.

Credits: 3

 

FRE 343 - Francophone Civilization

The study of Francophone culture, including topics such as: language and communication, marriage, the family and gender roles, immigration and colonization, sociopolitical institutions, and the arts. Materials are drawn from novels, short stories, plays, music, cinema, and multimedia. Course offered fall semester odd numbered years. Prerequisites: C (not C-) or better in all French Core Curriculum courses (FRE 315, 316, 317, and 318) or permission of instructor.

Credits: 3

 

FRE 351 - Business French

Study of the French economy and business practices. Focus on French business vocabulary, cultural differences, and new technologies. Preparation for the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de Paris examination (French Business Proficiency-optional upon completion of course). Recommended for international business majors with a minor in French. Taught in French. Offered fall semester in odd-numbered years. Prerequisites: C (not C-) or better in all Core Curriculum courses (FRE 315, 316, 317 and 318), or permission of instructor.

Credits: 3

 

FRE 380 - Special Topics in French

Course content varies. Expectations of students approximate those in other 300 level courses. May be repeated for credit. Course offered on sufficient demand. Prerequisites: C (not C-) or better in core curriculum courses (FRE 315, 316, 317, and 318) or permission of instructor.

Credits: 1 to 6

 

FRE 385 - French Language

Of varying focus, the course makes use of the history, culture, and society of a host country in order to highlight disciplinary perspectives in context. To be taught in that country (or countries) as part of an approved study abroad program. By permit only. Credit may vary.

Credits: 3

 

FRE 386 - French Culture Abroad

Of varying focus, the course makes use of the history, culture, and society of a host country in order to highlight disciplinary perspectives in context. Takes place in France (or another French-speaking country) as part of an approved study abroad program. Course is conducted in French. By permit only. Credit may vary.

Credits: 3

 

FRE 387 - EUSA Paris-Language

Of varying focus, the course makes use of the history, culture, and society of a host country in order to highlight disciplinary perspectives in context. To be taught in that country (or countries) as part of an approved study abroad program. By permit only.

Credits: 3

 

FRE 388 - EUSA Paris-Internship

Of varying focus, the course makes use of the history, culture, and society of a host country in order to highlight disciplinary perspectives in context. To be taught in that country (or countries) as part of an approved study abroad program. By permit only.

Credits: 3 - 6

 

FRE 395 - Advanced Speaking Strategies and Skills

Development and assessment of speaking skills in French at the Advanced level as defined by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). Extensive practice in both interpersonal and presentational speaking. Course offered winter semester of odd-numbered years. Prerequisites: C (not C-) or better in all French core curriculum courses (FRE 315, 316, 317, 318) or permission of the instructor.

Credits: 3

 

FRE 399 - Independent Reading

Content decided jointly by instructor and student. Student must arrange for supervision by a faculty member before registration.

Credits: 1 to 4

 

FRE 421 - Medieval French Literature

Study of representative French medieval works. Readings include poetry, courtly literature, fables, farces, and theater. Offered fall semester even-numbered years. Prerequisites: C (not C-) or better in all core curriculum courses (FRE 315, FRE 316, FRE 317 and FRE 318) and completion of one 300-level literature elective, or permission of instructor.

Credits: 3

 

FRE 422 - Renaissance French Literature

Study of representative literary authors and texts of the French Renaissance period. This course also explores historical and cultural topics and their impact on the development of 16th century French literature. Offered fall semester. Prerequisites: C (not C-) or better in all core curriculum courses (FRE 315, FRE 316, FRE 317 and FRE318) and completion of one 300-level literature elective, or permission of instructor.

Credits: 3

 

FRE 423 - 17th Century French Literature

Study of representative literary authors and texts from the 17th century. This course also explores historical and cultural topics and their impact on the development of 17th century French literature. Offered winter semester. Prerequisites: C (not C-) or better in all core curriculum courses (FRE 315, FRE 316, FRE 317 and FRE 318) and completion of one 300-level literature elective, or permission of instructor.

Credits: 3

 

FRE 424 - 18th Century French Literature

Survey of French literature of the 18th century. Focus on writers whose ideas and militant prose provoked the intellectual and social ferment leading to the French Revolution. Criticism of the monarchy, the social order, education and civilization. May not be repeated for credit. Offered fall semester in odd numbered years. Prerequisites: C (not C-) or better in all core curriculum courses (FRE 315, FRE 316, FRE 317 and FRE 318) and completion of one 300 level literature elective, or permission of instructor.

Credits: 3

 

FRE 425 - French Literature of the 19th Century

Study of the literature of the 19th century with special emphasis on the novel. Offered winter semester in even-numbered years. Prerequisites: C (not C-) or better in all core curriculum courses (FRE 315, FRE 316, FRE 317 and FRE 318) and completion of one 300-level literature elective, or permission of instructor.

Credits: 3

 

FRE 426 - Modern French Literature

Study of 20th and 21st century French literature with representative works in poetry, theater, and novel. Offered winter semester in odd-numbered years. Prerequisites: C (not C-) or better in all core curriculum courses (FRE 315, FRE 316, FRE 317, and FRE 318) and completion of one 300-level literature elective, or permission of instructor.

Credits: 3

 

FRE 427 - Francophone Literatures and Cultures

Readings of novels, plays, and poetry from the Francophone world. Regions chosen vary according to instructor’s field of specialization. Close readings emphasizing the distinctive cultures of the Francophone world and discussion of the important issues raised by these texts, in particular: racism, the colonial past, present corruption, and memory. Offered fall semester in even-numbered years. Prerequisites: C (not C-) or better in all core curriculum courses (FRE 315, FRE 316, FRE 317 and FRE 318) and completion of one 300-level literature elective, or permission of instructor.

Credits: 3

 

FRE 480 - Special Topics in French

Course content varies. Expectations of students approximate those in other 400-level courses. May be repeated for credit when content differs. Offered on sufficient demand. Prerequisites: C (not C-) or better in all core curriculum courses (FRE 315, FRE 316, FRE 317, FRE318), and completion of one 300-level literature elective, or permission of instructor.

Credits: 1 to 4

 

FRE 495 - Advanced Topics in French (Capstone)

Capstone course for the French major. Content varies according to the instructor: An in-depth exploration of French literature, linguistics, and civilization. Offered winter semester. Prerequisites: C (not C-) or better in all core curriculum courses (FRE 315, FRE 316, FRE 317, FRE318), and senior standing or permission of instructor.

Credits: 3

 

FRE 499 - Independent Study and Research

Content of the Independent Research is decided jointly by instructor and student upon special circumstances. FRE499 involves in depth research and/or extensive analysis on a specific linguistic, cultural or literary topic. Course offered every semester.

Credits: 1 to 4