French (FRE) Courses

Some special topics courses listed below may have individual offerings that will apply to distribution requirements. See the Curriculum Outline section of this Bulletin for more information.

FRE-101 Elementary French I

The student with little or no previous training in French will become grounded in the language and gain some understanding of the culture. Successful completion of the course means that one will be able to understand and respond to common conversational situations, read straightforward prose, and write simple but correct French. This course is offered in the fall semester. Successful completion of both FRE-101 and FRE-102 satisfies the World Languages distribution requirement.
Prerequisites: none
Corequisites: FRE-101L
Credit: 1

FRE-102 Elementary French II

The student with little or no previous training in French will continue building in the language and grow in their understanding of the culture. Successful completion of the course means that one will be able to understand and respond to common conversational situations, read straightforward prose, and write simple but correct French. This course is offered in the spring semester.
Prerequisites: FRE-101, or FRE-102 placement
Corequisites: FRE-102L
Credit: 1
Distribution: World Language

FRE-103 Accelerated Elementary French

This is an accelerated introduction to French course that reviews the basic grammar elements and vocabulary for students with a limited background in high school French. The course covers in one semester the material presented in FRE-102 and FRE-102. Successful completion of the course satisfies the Wabash language requirement and prepares students to move on to FRE-201.
Prerequisites: none
Corequisites: FRE-103L
Credit: 1
Distribution: World Language

FRE-177 Special Topics

These courses treat topics in French literature and culture. Conducted in French. Refer to the Course Descriptions document on the Registrar's webpage for topics and descriptions of current offerings.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1

FRE-187 Independent Study

Individual research projects. The manner of study will be determined by the student in consultation with the instructor. Students must receive written approval of their project proposal from a department Chair before registering for the course.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1

FRE-188 Independent Study

Individual research projects. The manner of study will be determined by the student in consultation with the instructor. Students must receive written approval of their project proposal from a department Chair before registering for the course.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1

FRE-201 Intermediate French

A thorough review of the fundamentals of the language. Concentration will be on continued growth in the active use of the language: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students will read French texts that will reinforce the study of the language and the observation of the culture. Particular attention will be given to improving self-expression in French beyond the rudimentary level. This course is offered in the fall semester.
Prerequisites: FRE-102, FRE-103 or FRE-201 placement
Corequisites: FRE-201L, Prerequisite: FRE-102, FRE-103 or FRE-201 placement
Credit: 1
Distribution: World Language

FRE-202 French Language and Francophone Cultures

This course focuses on the active use of French. Its goals are to develop the student's command of French through guided practice in the use of the language and to increase his understanding of Francophone culture as reflected in the French language and life in the Francophone world. This course is offered in the spring semester.
Prerequisites: FRE-201, or FRE-202 placement
Corequisites: FRE-202L
Credit: 1
Distribution: World Language

FRE-277 Special Topics

These courses treat topics in French literature and culture. Conducted in French. Refer to the Course Descriptions document on the Registrar's webpage for topics and descriptions of current offerings.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1

FRE-287 Independent Study

Individual research projects. The manner of study will be determined by the student in consultation with the instructor. Students must receive written approval of their project proposal from a department Chair before registering for the course.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1

FRE-288 Independent Study

Individual research projects. The manner of study will be determined by the student in consultation with the instructor. Students must receive written approval of their project proposal from a department Chair before registering for the course.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1

FRE-301 Conversation & Composition

This course focuses on the continued development of the student's command of the French language and his understanding of Francophone culture, with an emphasis on speaking and writing. The course may include materials both written and spoken from a variety of sources. This course is offered in the fall semester.
Prerequisites: FRE-202, or FRE-301 placement
Corequisites: FRE-202, or FRE-301 placement
Credit: 1
Distribution: World Language

FRE-302 Intro to Literature

This first course in the study of literature examines the workings of literature: style, form, structure, genre, symbolism, allusion, and metaphor. It is an introduction to the lexicon of literary criticism and the principles of literary theory. Required for majors. This course is offered in the spring semester.
Prerequisites: FRE-301
Credit: 1
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts

FRE-311 Studies in French Language

Studies in French Language offers advanced study in the French language. Topics may vary and include, but not are limited to: linguistics, phonetics, grammar and syntax, and second language acquisition. Students will develop the analytical tools and language specific to the study of the French language and demonstrate those skills in interpretative essays and class discussion. This course may be retaken for credit if topic is different from previously taken course. This course counts toward Language Studies requirement. Refer to the Course Descriptions document on the Registrar's webpage for topics and descriptions of current offerings.
Prerequisites: Take FRE-302.
Credit: 1

FRE-312 Studies in French Culture

Studies in French Culture offers advanced study of francophone culture. Topics may vary and include, but are not limited to: film, popular culture and arts, regional and ethnic identities, gender studies, politics, and religion. As they consider the connections among different disciplines and cultural contexts, students will develop the analytical tools and language specific to the interpretation of cultural moments and demonstrate those skills in interpretative essays and class discussion. May be retaken for credit if topic is different from previously taken course. Refer to the Course Descriptions document on the Registrar's webpage for topics and descriptions of current offerings.
Prerequisites: FRE-301 and FRE-302
Credit: 1

FRE-313 Studies in French Literature

Studies in French Literature offers advanced interdisciplinary study of francophone literary genres, periods, and authors. Topics may vary. Students read and analyze texts to better understand the dialog between literature and historical, political, and social realities, as well as the connections between French and other literary traditions. Students will develop the analytical tools and language specific to the interpretation of a particular genre and demonstrate those skills in interpretative essays and class discussion. May be retaken for credit if topic is different from previously taken course. Please refer to the Registrar's page for course description.
Prerequisites: Complete FRE-301 and FRE-302 Minimum grade C-
Credit: 1

FRE-314 Special Topics in French

Special topics in French. Refer to the Course Descriptions document on the Registrar's webpage for topics and descriptions of current offerings.
Prerequisites: FRE-301
Credit: 1

FRE-377 Special Topics

These courses treat topics in French literature and culture. Conducted in French. Refer to the Course Descriptions document on the Registrar's webpage for topics and descriptions of current offerings.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1

FRE-387 Independent Study

Individual research projects. The manner of study will be determined by the student in consultation with the instructor. Students must receive written approval of their project proposal from a department Chair before registering for the course.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1

FRE-388 Independent Study

Individual research projects. The manner of study will be determined by the student in consultation with the instructor. Students must receive written approval of their project proposal from a department Chair before registering for the course.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1

FRE-401 Senior Seminar in French

Special written and oral work for seniors returning from study in a French-speaking country and for those seniors with a comparable level of preparation. Vocabulary-building and refinement of oral and written expression. This course assumes a background in literary analysis and interpretation, as well as a good command of spoken and written French. Required for majors. This course is offered in the fall semester.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts

FRE-477 Special Topics

These courses treat topics in French literature and culture. Conducted in French. Refer to the Course Descriptions document on the Registrar's webpage for topics and descriptions of current offerings.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1

FRE-487 Independent Study

Individual research projects. The manner of study will be determined by the student in consultation with the instructor. Students must receive written approval of their project proposal from a department Chair before registering for the course.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1

FRE-488 Independent Study

Individual research projects. The manner of study will be determined by the student in consultation with the instructor. Students must receive written approval of their project proposal from a department Chair before registering for the course.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1