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Department of French and Francophone Studies
Contact Information:
Campus Location: 1722 University Hall (UH)
(312) 996-5218
french.uic.edu
Administration:
Administration: Head, Yann Robert, yrobert@uic.edu
Director of Undergraduate Studies, Elizabeth Dolly Weber, edweber@uic.edu
In addition to a sequence of basic French language courses, the Department of French and Francophone Studies offers a Major in French and Francophone Studies, a Major in the Teaching of French, and a Minor in French and Francophone Studies. All intermediate and advanced courses help students achieve two interlocking goals. First, all courses foster proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing French, as well as understanding how the language is woven into diverse cultural contexts in Francophone countries throughout the world. Second, all courses help students develop a historical sense of French-speaking cultures, as well as the critical and interpretive skills that come from analytical reading, active discussion, and persuasive writing.
A major or a minor in French and Francophone Studies gives students a strong, globally oriented foundation for careers in many fields, such as education, international commerce, law, government, and journalism.
Endorsement for the Teaching of French
Endorsement is available to students obtaining full licensure in an approved UIC Teacher Education major. To teach French as a second subject in Illinois public schools one must apply for and receive an Endorsement from the State Board of Education and meet all of the additional course and other requirements the Board has established. The teaching license is not automatically awarded upon successful completion of licensure and degree requirements. Before the license is issued, the candidate must file an application with the State of Illinois and take a subject content examination administered by the State Board of Education. For information on requirements and application procedures, contact the Council on Teacher Education.
Study Abroad Program
A significant portion of the credits for the major or minor in French may be earned through study abroad. Students who wish to be considered for study abroad should consult the director of undergraduate studies concerning prerequisites and requirements.
For general information about study abroad opportunities, please visit the UIC Study Abroad office.
Distinction
Students who earn a 3.75/4.00 GPA in all courses taken in the Department of French and Francophone Studies at UIC will be awarded departmental distinction.
Degree Programs
Minor
FR 101. Elementary French I. 4 hours.
Introduction to French language and culture. Intensive practice in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Course Information: For students who have not studied French or placement as determined by test score. This is a blended-online and classroom course. Use of computer and internet access is required. A high- speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Class Schedule Information: During the fall and spring terms, combined-section final exam will be held Tuesday of finals week from 6 to 8 p.m.
FR 102. Elementary French II. 4 hours.
Continuation of introduction to French language and culture. Intensive practice in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Course Information: This is a blended-online and classroom course. Use of computer and internet access is required. A high-speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or better in FR 101, or the equivalent as determined by test score. Class Schedule Information: During the fall and spring terms, combined-section final exam will be held Tuesday of finals week from 6 to 8 p.m.
FR 103. Intermediate French I. 4 hours.
Intensive practice in conversation (speaking, listening), reading, composition; vocabulary and grammar acquisition and practice. Course Information: Extensive computer use required. This is a blended-online and classroom course. Use of a computer and internet access is required. A high-speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): FR 102; or appropriate score on the department placement test. Class Schedule Information: During the fall and spring terms, combined-section final exam will be held Tuesday of finals week from 6 to 8 p.m.
FR 104. Intermediate French II. 4 hours.
Intensive practice in conversation (speaking, listening), reading, composition; vocabulary and grammar acquisition and practice. Course Information: Extensive computer use required. This is a blended-online and classroom course. Use of a computer and internet access is required. A high-speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): FR 103; or appropriate score on the department placement test. Class Schedule Information: During the fall and spring terms, combined-section final exam will be held Tuesday of finals week from 6 to 8 p.m.
FR 191. African and Caribbean Francophone Literature in Translation. 3 hours.
An introduction to the Francophone literature of Africa and the Caribbean and to its historical and cultural contexts. Course Information: Same as BLST 191. Creative Arts course, and World Cultures course.
FR 196. Totalitarianism, Writing and Cinema. 3 hours.
An introduction to French, Spanish, and Italian writing and films dealing with the issue of totalitarianism. Various authors are examined within a broad context of European thinking on totalitarianism. Course Information: Same as ITAL 196, and SPAN 196. Taught in English. Two additional hours for viewing films (every two weeks). Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.
FR 210. French Conversation. 3 hours.
Interactive preparation for conversation with native French speakers. Development of skills in conversation, grammar, vocabulary, and culture by engaging with current events in graphic novels, online news, and social media. Course Information: May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours. Taught in French. Prerequisite(s): FR 104; or appropriate score on the department placement test; or consent of the instructor.
FR 211. French in the Professions. 3 hours.
Introduction to the vocabulary, practices, history, and expectations of a professional field in France, including science, law, medicine, business and human rights. High-intermediate language training using authentic texts. Topics will vary. Prerequisite(s): FR 104 (or equivalent), or consent of instructor.
FR 212. Stories, Sights, and Sounds from the French-Speaking World. 3 hours.
An introduction to the culture, history, and geography of the French-speaking world outside of France, including Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, Quebec, and the Caribbean. Prerequisite(s): FR 104 (or equivalent), or consent of the instructor.
FR 213. France Past and Present. 3 hours.
An overview of the cultural history of France through literary texts, original source documents and other cultural artifacts. Prerequisite(s): FR 104 (or equivalent), or consent of the instructor.
FR 214. Conversational French through Popular Culture and Media. 3 hours.
Exploration of French popular culture and media using authentic materials. Intermediate to advanced training in developing and refining communication skills with emphasis on pronunciation, idiomatic expressions, and monitoring grammatical errors. Prerequisite(s): FR 104 (or equivalent), or consent of the instructor.
FR 215. Paris in Film. 3 hours.
Exploration of multicultural Paris in French films. Conversational and writing practice with grammar, vocabulary, and cultural information about films, the history and culture of Paris, and comparisons between Paris and Chicago as global cities. Course Information: Taught in French. Prerequisite(s):
FR 104; or appropriate score on the department placement test; or consent of the instructor.
FR 295. Science Fiction and Fantasy in the French-Speaking World. 3 hours.
An exploration of science fiction and fantasy through literature, graphic novels, and film in the French-speaking world. Course Information: Taught in English. Recommended background: Successful completion of a 100-level class in the Humanities and ENGL 160 and ENGL 161. Creative Arts course, and World Cultures course.
FR 296. Independent Study. 1-3 hours.
For majors and minors in French who wish to supplement regular courses or undertake individual study projects. Course Information: May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours. Prerequisite(s): Approval of the department. Class Schedule Information: This course counts toward the limited number of independent study hours accepted toward the degree and the major.
FR 297. Paris in Literature, Film, and Culture. 3 hours.
Examines cultural and literary representations of Paris as well as the influence of Parisian urbanism on French cultural and literary genres and forms. Course Information: Taught in English. Creative Arts course, and World Cultures course.
FR 298. French Literature, Drama and/or Film in Translation. 3 hours.
In-depth examination of a topic relevant to French literature, culture, or film, focusing on critical thinking and analysis. Course Information: Previously listed as FR 198. Taught in English. Recommended Background: Successful completion of a 100-level class in the Humanities and ENGL 160 and ENGL 161. Creative Arts course, and World Cultures course.
FR 300. Topics in Film and Media of the French-Speaking World. 3 hours.
Introduction to film history and analysis; includes reading, writing, and speaking about both film and text. Prerequisite(s): Two 200-level French courses (or equivalent); or one 200-level French course plus concurrent registration in a second 200-level French course; or consent of the instructor.
FR 301. Topics in French and Francophone Literature. 3 hours.
Intensive study of a period, theme, genre, or author within French or Francophone literature, with emphasis on literary analysis and critical writing. Course Information: May be repeated up to 1 time(s) if topics vary. Taught in French. Prerequisite(s): Grade of C or better in FR 211 or Grade of C or better in FR 212 or Grade of C or better in FR 213 or Grade of C or better in FR 214; and Grade of C or better or concurrent registration in FR 211 or Grade of C or better or concurrent registration in FR 212 or Grade of C or better or concurrent registration in FR 213 or Grade of C or better or concurrent registration in FR 214; or consent of the instructor.
FR 302. Topics in French and Francophone Culture. 3 hours.
Intensive study of French or Francophone culture within a particular period; focus on literary and/or historical texts in the context of social and intellectual movements. Course Information: May be repeated up to 1 time(s) if topics vary. Taught in French. Prerequisite(s): Grade of C or better in FR 211 or Grade of C or better in FR 212 or Grade of C or better in FR 213 or Grade of C or better in FR 214; and Grade of C or better or concurrent registration in FR 211 or Grade of C or better or concurrent registration in FR 212 or Grade of C or better or concurrent registration in FR 213 or Grade of C or better or concurrent registration in FR 214; or consent of the instructor.
FR 303. Writing in the Discipline. 1 hour.
Focus on raising students' skills of written expression and critical research in French to a high level proficiency. Course Information: Taught in French. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or above, and approval of the department. Corequisite(s): In order to register for FR 303, students must be concurrently registered for either FR 300, FR 301 or FR 302.
FR 370. Writing and Research in the Major. 1 hour.
Perfecting writing and expository skills in English. Required for majors in the department. Course Information: Same as ITAL 370 and SPAN 370. Prerequisite(s): Junior or senior standing and approval of the department.
FR 397. Internship. 0-3 hours.
Professional field experience with an agency, organization, or firm that has significant ties to a French-speaking region or community, in the private or public sector. Course Information: May be repeated for a maximum of 6 hours. Field work required. Prerequisite(s): Grade of C or better in FR 211 or Grade of C or better in FR 212 or Grade of C or better in FR 213 or Grade of C or better in FR 214; and approval of the department. Class Schedule Information: To be properly registered, students must enroll in one Conference and one Practice.
FR 398. Research. 1-3 hours.
Experience with designing, implementing and presenting a research project in collaboration with a member of the French and Francophone faculty. Course Information: May be repeated for a maximum of 6 hours. No more than 3 credit hours of FR 398 may be applied toward the major or minor. Prerequisite(s): Grade of C or better in FR 211 or Grade of C or better in FR 212 or Grade of C or better in FR 213 or Grade of C or better in FR 214; and approval of the department.
FR 400. French in Style: Advanced Speaking, Writing and Research. 3 or 4 hours.
Advanced study of grammar and syntax, with emphasis on precision and flexibility of oral and written expression, critical awareness of style, and fundamentals of translation. Course Information: 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): One 300-level course (or equivalent), or consent of the instructor.
FR 401. Reading French for Graduate Students. 4 hours.
Grammar, vocabulary, general and specialized reading practice; for graduate students wishing to fulfill French reading requirements for the Ph.D. Course Information: Credit may not be applied toward a graduate degree. Taught in English. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing and consent of the instructor. Recommended background: Some prior experience with elementary French.
FR 417. Topics in Seventeenth-Century French Literature. 3 or 4 hours.
Significant works, authors, and cultural developments from seventeenth-century France, including but not limited to the reign of Louis XIV, will be studied in their historical, intellectual, and cultural context. Course Information: 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. May be repeated up to 2 time(s), if topics vary. Taught in French. Prerequisite(s): Grade of C or better or concurrent registration in FR 300 or Grade of C or better or concurrent registration in FR 301 or Grade of C or better or concurrent registration in FR 302; or consent of the instructor.
FR 418. Topics in Eighteenth-Century French Literature. 3 or 4 hours.
Significant genres, movements, authors, and works from the French Enlightenment and Revolution will be studied within the context of artistic, social, cultural, legal and political developments of the era. Course Information: 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. May be repeated up to 2 time(s), if topics vary. Taught in French. Prerequisite(s): Grade of C or better or concurrent registration in FR 300 or Grade of C or better or concurrent registration in FR 301 or Grade of C or better or concurrent registration in FR 302; or consent of the instructor.
FR 419. Topics in Nineteenth-Century French Literature. 3 or 4 hours.
Significant genres, movements, authors, and works from the "long" nineteenth century (1789-1914) in France and the French-speaking world will be studied within the context of artistic, social, cultural and political developments of the era. Course Information: 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. May be repeated up to 2 time(s), if topics vary. Taught in French. Prerequisite(s): Grade of C or better or concurrent registration in FR 300 or Grade of C or better or concurrent registration in FR 301 or Grade of C or better or concurrent registration in FR 302; or consent of the instructor.
FR 420. Topics in Twentieth-Century French Literature. 3 or 4 hours.
Significant works, authors, and cultural developments from twentieth-century France will be studied in their historical, intellectual, and cultural context. Course Information: 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. May be repeated up to 2 time(s), if topics vary. Taught in French. Prerequisite(s): Grade of C or better or concurrent registration in FR 300 or Grade of C or better or concurrent registration in FR 301 or Grade of C or better or concurrent registration in FR 302; or consent of the instructor.
FR 422. Topics in Francophone Literature. 3 or 4 hours.
Significant genres, movements, authors, and works from areas of the Francophone World outside metropolitan France will be studied within the context of their historical, literary, cultural and political developments. Course Information: 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. May be repeated up to 2 time(s), if topics vary. Taught in French. Prerequisite(s): Grade of C or better or concurrent registration in FR 300 or Grade of C or better or concurrent registration in FR 301 or Grade of C or better or concurrent registration in FR 302; or consent of the instructor FR 301 (Topics in French and Francophone Literature) or consent of the instructor.
FR 440. Topics in French and Francophone Cinema. 3 or 4 hours.
Significant films from either France or another Francophone part of the world will be studied in their historical, intellectual, and cultural context. Course Information: 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hour. Same as MOVI 440. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 hours of credit for undergraduates, or 12 hours of credit for graduate students, as long as the topic is different for each registration. Taught in English. Students who intend to use French 440 toward the major in French must complete assignment in French. Prerequisite(s): Grade of C or better or concurrent registration in FR 300 or Grade of C or better or concurrent registration in FR 301 or Grade of C or better or concurrent registration in FR 302; or consent of the instructor.
FR 448. Foundations of Second Language Teaching. 3 or 4 hours.
Provides an introduction to second language acquisition research and its implications for communicative language teaching. Emphasis is on creating activities to develop high school students' communicative abilities in speaking and listening. Course Information: Same as GER 448 and SPAN 448. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Taught in English. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or above; and consent of the instructor and three courses at the 200 and 300 levels.
FR 449. Teaching Second Language Literacy and Cultural Awareness. 3 or 4 hours.
Examines the nature of literacy as a reciprocal relationship between readers, writers, texts and culture. Students learn the practical and theoretical foundations of classroom teaching of second language reading and writing skills. Course Information: Same as GER 449, and SPAN 449. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Taught in English. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or above; and consent of the instructor and three courses at the 200 and 300 levels.
FR 464. Topics in French Cultural Studies. 3 or 4 hours.
An interdisciplinary approach to French culture, including history, literature, beaux-arts, and philosophy. Each topic focuses on a specific period between the Middle Ages and the present. Course Information: 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. May be repeated up to 2 time(s), if topics vary. Taught in French. Prerequisite(s): Grade of C or better or concurrent registration in FR 300 or Grade of C or better or concurrent registration in FR 301 or Grade of C or better or concurrent registration in FR 302; and consent of the instructor.
FR 470. Educational Practice with Seminar I. 6 hours.
The first half of a two-segment sequence of practice teaching, including seminar, to meet certification requirements for teaching in grades six through twelve. Course Information: Graduate credit only with approval of the department. Prerequisite(s): Good academic standing in a teacher education program, completion of 100 clock hours of pre-student-teaching field experiences, and approval of the department. Class Schedule Information: To be properly registered, students must enroll in one Lecture-Discussion and one Practice.
FR 471. Educational Practice with Seminar II. 6 hours.
The second half of a two-segment sequence of practice teaching, including seminar, to meet certification requirements for teaching in grades six through twelve. Course Information: Graduate credit only with approval of the department. Prerequisite(s): Good academic standing in a teacher education program, completion of 100 clock hours of pre-student-teaching field experiences, credit or concurrent registration in FR 470, and approval of the department. Class Schedule Information: To be properly registered, students must enroll in one Conference and one Practice.
FR 496. Independent Study. 1-4 hours.
Supervised study in an area not covered by regularly scheduled courses under the direction of a faculty member designated by the chairperson of the department. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): French major with senior or graduate standing and consent of the department. Class Schedule Information: This course counts toward the limited number of independent study hours accepted toward the undergraduate degree and the major.