FREN 101. Beginning French I. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. Enrollment requires any student with previous exposure to French to take the placement test to determine eligibility. For students with no prior knowledge of French. Beginning grammar, reading, writing and oral skills.

FREN 102. Beginning French II. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. Prerequisite: FREN 101 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Continuation of beginning grammar, reading, writing and oral skills.

FREN 110. Intensive French I. 8 Hours.

Semester course; 10 lecture and laboratory hours. 8 credits. This intensive course combines FREN 101 and 102 into a single semester.

FREN 201. Intermediate French. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. Prerequisite: FREN 102 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Conducted in French. Building toward intermediate-level cultural competence and proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing through authentic materials.

FREN 202. French for Careers. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. Prerequisite: FREN 201 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Conducted in French. Increasing intermediate-level cultural competence and proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing through authentic materials. Content in preparation for a Global Seal of Biliteracy attesting to working proficiency at the intermediate level on the American ACTFL rating scale or at the B1 level on the European CEFR scale.

FREN 205. Intermediate Conversation. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: FREN 201. Designed to increase the student's proficiency in the spoken language through audio-oral exercises, dialogues and free conversation.

FREN 210. Intensive French II. 6 Hours.

Semester course; 6 lecture and laboratory hours per week. 6 credits. Prerequisites: FREN 101 and 102, or FREN 110. This intensive course combines FREN 201 and 202/205 into a single semester.

FREN 300. Communication and Composition. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. Prerequisite: FREN 202, FREN 205 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement or one of the following: (a) a placement test with a 300-level score, (b) a Virginia Seal of Biliteracy, (c) evidence of ACTFL intermediate low proficiency as determined by a VCU French faculty member. Conducted in French. Building toward intermediate-high proficiency in the three modes of communication: interpretive, interpersonal and presentational. Authentic materials enhance intercultural competence and communication skills.

FREN 301. Self and Society: Effective Writing. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. Prerequisite: FREN 202, FREN 205 or one of the following: (a) a placement test with a 300-level score, (b) a Virginia Seal of Biliteracy, (c) evidence of ACTFL intermediate low proficiency as determined by a VCU French faculty member. Conducted in French. Students advance their knowledge of the French language and French-speaking cultures while developing their reading and writing skills. Students examine a variety of texts and media and gain strategies for interpretation and discussion, with a focus on effective writing.

FREN 305. Oral Communication. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: FREN 202, FREN 205, FREN 300 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Conducted in French. Practice in the spoken language with emphasis on discussions relating to topics of current interest.

FREN 307. French Conversation and Film. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: FREN 202, 205 or 300. The course is designed to develop the student's conversational skills, oral comprehension ability and knowledge of contemporary culture through discussion of selected French films. Emphasis is also placed on vocabulary development and writing practice.

FREN 320. French Civilization and Culture. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. Prerequisite: FREN 202, FREN 205 or one of the following: (a) a placement test with a 300-level score, (b) a Virginia Seal of Biliteracy, (c) evidence of ACTFL intermediate low proficiency as determined by a VCU French faculty member. A survey of French civilization and culture. Conducted in French. A survey of French civilization and culture from its origins to the French Revolution to the 21st Century.

FREN 321. Francophone Civilization and Culture. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. Prerequisite: FREN 202, FREN 205 or one of the following: (a) a placement test with an appropriate score, (b) a Virginia Seal of Biliteracy, (c) evidence of ACTFL intermediate mid proficiency as determined by a VCU French faculty member. Conducted in French. Gives an overview of civilization and culture of Canada and Haiti in North America, the French Antilles, North Africa and the Levant, French-speaking sub-Saharan Africa, Indochina and French Polynesia. The course highlights the arts and literature of regions in France's former empire and includes political, socioeconomic and cultural components. Students discuss contemporary topics, such as social justice, health care and the environment.

FREN 327. Projects and Themes in French and Francophone Studies. 1-6 Hours.

Semester course; 1-6 lecture and/or 1-6 field experience/research/workshop hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 1-6 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: FREN 202, FREN 205 or one of the following: (a) a placement test with a 300-level score, (b) a Virginia Seal of Biliteracy, (c) evidence of ACTFL intermediate low proficiency as determined by a VCU French faculty member. Conducted mostly or entirely in French. Students engage in REAL learning level 3 in one of several ways: study abroad, a community project or a class-to-class project-based learning experience with one or more international partners. Reflection and mentoring are integrated into course requirements. Activities build French proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing whether through study abroad or through interactions with international partners or external community members. Students are encouraged to connect their assignments to their future careers and to go across disciplines as they apply language skills to a real-world setting.

FREN 330. Survey of Literature. 3 Hours.

Semester courses; 3 lecture hours. 3, 3 credits. Prerequisite: FREN 202, 205 or 300. Conducted in French. First semester: through the 18th century. Second semester: 19th and 20th centuries.

FREN 331. Survey of Literature. 3 Hours.

Semester courses; 3 lecture hours. 3, 3 credits. Prerequisite: FREN 202, 205 or 300. Conducted in French. First semester: through the 18th century. Second semester: 19th and 20th centuries.

FREN 340. French for the Professions and Social Sciences: ____. 1-3 Hours.

Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 1-3 credits. May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: FREN 202, FREN 205 or one of the following: (a) a placement test with an appropriate score, (b) a Virginia Seal of Biliteracy, (c) evidence of a minimum of B1 proficiency on the Common European Framework Scale from a transcript of grades, (d) evidence of ACTFL intermediate low proficiency as determined by a VCU French faculty member. Conducted in French. Possible topics include business, education, social work and international relations. See the Schedule of Classes for the specific topic to be offered during any time of year.

FREN 341. French for Health Care and the Environmental and Natural Sciences: ____. 1-3 Hours.

Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 1-3 credits. May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: FREN 202, FREN 205 or one of the following: (a) a placement test with an appropriate score, (b) a Virginia Seal of Biliteracy, (c) evidence of a minimum of B1 proficiency on the Common European Framework Scale from a transcript of grades, (d) evidence of ACTFL intermediate mid proficiency as determined by a VCU French faculty member. Conducted in French. See the Schedule of Classes for the specific topic to be offered in a given semester or Winterim or Study Abroad.

FREN 391. Topics in French Language, Civilization and Culture: ____. 1-6 Hours.

Semester course; 1-6 lecture and/or 1-6 field experience/seminar/workshop hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 1-6 credits. May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of nine credits. Prerequisite: FREN 202, FREN 205 or one of the following: (a) a placement test with a 300-level score, (b) a Virginia Seal of Biliteracy, (c) evidence of ACTFL intermediate low proficiency as determined by a VCU French faculty member. Conducted in French. An in-depth study of a specialized topic in French language, civilization or culture. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.

FREN 420. French Regional Culture. 1-3 Hours.

Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. Course can be repeated with different topics up to a total of 6 credits. Prerequisites: FREN 301; FREN 305 or 307; FREN 320 or 321. Conducted in French. Focuses on the culture and civilization specific to each of France's 22 regions. History, culture, architecture as well as sociopolitical, linguistic identities, artisanal trades and folklore are presented for each region. See the Schedule of Classes for the specific topic to be offered each semester.

FREN 421. French and Francophone Contemporary Culture. 1-3 Hours.

Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 1-3 credits. May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: FREN 300, FREN 301 or one of the following to demonstrate intermediate mid proficiency or better on the ACTFL rating scale or its equivalent on the Common European Framework Scale: (a) Placement test with a 400-level placement score, (b) a Virginia Seal of Biliteracy, (c) evidence of ACTFL intermediate mid proficiency as determined by a VCU French faculty member. Conducted in French. Focuses on the contemporary culture found in French and Francophone society. The individuals and events shaping current French and Francophone social, political, artistic and cultural life are examined. Each theme is illustrated by current audiovisual materials. See the Schedule of Classes for the specific topic to be offered each semester.

FREN 422. French and Francophone Cinema. 1-3 Hours.

Semester course; 1-3 lecture and/or 1-3 field experience/workshop hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 1-3 credits. May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: FREN 300, FREN 301 or one of the following to demonstrate ACTFL intermediate mid proficiency or CEFR B1 proficiency: either a 400-level score on the VCU French Placement Test, an official CEFR rating in a course or a test at another institution, or proficiency at the ACTFL intermediate mid level as determined by the instructor. Conducted in French. Study of French and/or Francophone cinema that began with the Lumiere brothers and Georges Melius and continued through the New Wave to new contemporary directors. This course focuses on thematic selections and stylistic techniques particular to French and/or Francophone cinematographic culture. The class may be offered concurrently with French or Francophone film festivals, thereby permitting students to participate in person or online in a French or Francophone film festival. See the Schedule of Classes for the specific topic to be offered each semester.

FREN 425. French Media. 1-3 Hours.

Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 1-3 credits. May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: FREN 300, FREN 301 or one of the following to demonstrate ACTFL intermediate mid proficiency or CEFR B1 proficiency: either a placement test for the 400 level or an official B1 or better CEFR rating in a course or on a test at another institution, or proficiency at the ACTFL intermediate mid level as determined by the instructor. Conducted in French. Analysis of the French media: written press, radio and television. Advanced comprehension skills required and stressed through regular exercises pertaining to different journalistic discourses and styles. Students will develop cultural competence and hone language skills as they listen to and interpret newscasts and reports, read and become familiar with abbreviations used in the written press, and build relevant vocabulary that will be used to express opinions on chosen topics on global issues both orally and in writing. See the Schedule of Classes for the specific topic to be offered each semester.

FREN 428. Earth Ahead: Contributions by French Authors, Artists and Activists. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: FREN 301; FREN 305 or FREN 307; and FREN 320, FREN 321, FREN 330 or FREN 331. Conducted in French. Explores the theme of the earth, nature, and the environment in the philosophy, literature and art of contemporary Francophone cultures, and the extent to which these intellectual and cultural contributions have entered academic and popular discussions in 21st-century France and elsewhere in the world. Analyzes how these diverse manifestations of environmental discourse inform, shape and articulate Francophone cultural praxes of activism concerned with defending our natural world.

FREN 435. Contemporary French Literature. 1-3 Hours.

Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. Prerequisites: FREN 301; FREN 305 or 307; FREN 330 or 331. Conducted in French. An overview of French literature from 1900 to the present. Discusses texts that have particular resonance in relation to contemporary issues, including literary works that have contributed most saliently to French culture over this time period.

FREN 440. Commercial French. 1-3 Hours.

Semester course; 1-3 lecture and/or 1-3 workshop hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 1-3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of six credits. Concurrent prerequisite: ACTFL intermediate high proficiency level. The course introduces students to the cultural, economic and linguistic dimensions of the French and Francophone commercial sector. The course builds students' reading, writing, listening and speaking proficiencies through active engagement with business-related materials and activities.

FREN 450. Francophone Literatures and Cultures. 1-3 Hours.

Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. Course can be repeated with different topics up to a total of 6 credits. Prerequisite: FREN 301; FREN 305 or 307; FREN 320 or 321 or 330 or 331. Conducted in French. Introduces students to the literatures and cultures of the Francophone world. Provides an overview of the Francophone world and an in-depth study of literary works written in French from Africa, the Caribbean, North America, Asia and Europe. Also explores the impact of Colonial history on Francophone literatures and cultures. See the Schedule of Classes for the specific topic to be offered each semester. Crosslisted as: INTL 450.

FREN 491. Topics in French. 1-3 Hours.

Semester course; variable hours. 1-3 credits. May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 9 credits. Prerequisites: FREN 301; FREN 305 or 307; FREN 320 or 321 or 330 or 331. An in-depth study of selected topics in French. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.

FREN 492. Independent Study. 1-3 Hours.

Semester course; variable hours. Variable credit. Maximum of 3 credits per semester; maximum total of 6 credits for all independent study courses in French. Prerequisite: FREN 301; FREN 320 or 321; Senior standing with a minimum of 85 credits earned toward the degree. Determination of course content and permission of the instructor must be obtained prior to registration of the course. A course designed to give students an opportunity to become involved in independent study in a literary or linguistic area or subject in which they have an interest.

FREN 500. French for Graduate Students. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. This course is designed to prepare graduate students for the reading knowledge examination for higher degrees. Each graduate department will determine the nature and form of certifying examination.

FREN 501. French Communication. 1-4 Hours.

Semester course; 1-4 lecture hours. 1-4 credits. An intensive study of communication in French. Variable credits; primarily oral, written and listening skills.

FREN 511. French Civilization. 1-4 Hours.

Semester course; 1-4 lecture hours. 1-4 credits. Prerequisite: functional fluency in French since the class will be taught in French. A comprehensive study of the civilization and culture of France and its global expressions.