Courses

The diverse backgrounds and specializations of the French & Francophone Studies faculty yield a wide selection of courses about the history of Francophone cultures and literatures across the globe.

We teach the grand majority of our courses in French. Since most of them are highly interdisciplinary, you will analyze Francophone literature, film, and other media to understand real-world struggles. For example, you will explore different cultures' approaches to questions of class, gender, sexuality, race, and the environment.

Placement guidelines for language classes: If you have never taken a French language class before, FREN 101 is the course for you. If you have already taken French in high school but do not have results from a standardized exam (AP, SAT II, IB, CLEP exam) you must take our placement exam which is available on Blackboard. If instead you have taken a standardized exam and done well, DegreeWorks will tell you where you have been placed and whether you have been granted W&M credit for past work. For example if you get a 4 on the French AP exam, DegreeWorks will probably tell you to enroll in either FREN 210 or FREN 212 (taught at the same level). If you receive a 5 on the AP exam, we generally recommend that you start with FREN 305 or a freshman seminar (FREN 100 or FREN 150 taught in French). Always feel free to contact our Placement Coordinator if you have questions about the best class for you or if PATH does not let you enroll in the course of your choice. Sometimes students need an instructor override.

What to Expect

What type of readings are involved in first-and-second-year courses? (e.g. articles, textbook) How much reading should a student expect to do per week?

Our elementary and intermediate language classes (FREN 101-202) require a few pages of textbook study every day. Our French-language freshmen seminars (FREN 100 and FREN 150) and our upper-intermediate language courses (FREN 210; 212; 305) assign short readings in advance of every class hour. For example, students might have to read a poem, or the lyrics of a song, or a few pages from a novel, comic book, or an excerpt from a secondary source. Alternatively, we might assign a film screening. All this work is done in French.

What sorts of assignments should a student expect in first-and-second-year courses? (e.g. quizzes, group projects, presentations)

These courses feature a variety of assignments including grammar exercises; quizzes; reaction posts; oral presentations; podcasts and videos; creative work; group projects; short compositions or essays; final exams.

Beyond the required course texts, are there other course materials a student should be prepared to purchase for first-and-second-year courses?

Students will not need to purchase course materials beyond the required course texts.

Is there anything else that is important for first-and-second-year students to know and/or expect from their courses?

Foreign language classes are very interactive. Students get to know each other well, often forming life-long friendships.

More information

• Undergraduate Catalog: Course Listing for French & Francophone Studies
• Use the Dynamic Schedule or Open Course List to see which courses will be taught in upcoming semesters
• French & Francophone course archives
• First Semester Course Guide by Major