About French
Studying French in the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics at Florida State University gives students a solid grounding in the French language, with courses ranging from basic French to advanced conversation and composition. Studying French also provides an excellent introduction to the literature and cultures of the French-speaking world. There are courses on every significant period from the Middle Ages to the present, and on a variety of specialized cultural topics concerning France and other Francophone countries.
Undergraduates develop sophisticated ways of analyzing information and communicating across multiple contexts as they build important professional and interpersonal skills—distinctive assets in an increasingly connected word. And with opportunities to earn credit toward the major during study abroad on FSU’s Intensive French Program in Paris, students enhance their cross-cultural awareness and develop an ability to think critically about their own cultural practices and beliefs.
To learn about the department's M.A. and Ph.D. degree programs in French, visit French Graduate Studies.
French Major
The French major offers a flexible and thorough program of study. Considered a strategic language in global communications and one of the most useful languages in the world of business, French is the language of the future. Studying French will not only make you smarter, but it will open the doors to jobs around the world. The Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics' nationally recognized faculty teach a wide-range of classes on French and Francophone culture and literature. It also offers several scholarships to study in France and in Martinique, which moves students quickly towards bilingualism while they gain critical thinking skills and cross-cultural literacy.
The French major requires 30 semester hours numbered above 2999, including (1) FRE 3420, 3421, 3780 (or 4410), 4422; (2) two out of three from the series FRW 3100, FRW 3101, FRE 3501; (3) three additional 4000-level courses (9 semester hours), at least two of which (6 semester hours) must be in Literatures, Cultures and/or Societies of French Expression. One 3000-4000 level elective will complete the requirements. FRE 2220 does not count toward the major.
30 semester hours numbered above 2999 are required, including (1) FRE 3420, 3421, 3780 (or 4410), 4422; (2) two out of three from the series FRW 3100, FRW 3101, FRE 3501; (3) three additional 4000-level courses (9 semester hours), at least two of which (6 semester hours) must be in
Literatures, Cultures and/or Societies of French Expression. One 3000-4000 level elective will complete the requirements. Note that FRE 2220 does not count toward the major.
Students are also strongly advised to take courses from the series FRW 3100-3101, FRE 3501 concurrently with the grammar/composition sequence FRE 3420-3421.
[EFFECTIVE FALL 2025]
French Major (30 hours total)
Core Requirements (6 hours)
- LIN 2004 World Languages
- FOW 2100 Literature and the World
French Major Requirements (24 hours)
Required Courses (6 hours):
- FRE 3420 French Grammar and Composition I or FRE 3421 French Grammar and Composition II
- FRE 4410 Advanced Conversation or FRE 4422 Advanced Grammar and Composition
Elective Coursework (18 hours):
Students will complete 18 credit hours at the upper-division in electives. A minimum of 6 credit hours must be at the 4000-level. No more than 6 credit hours of translation courses taught in English will count towards the French major.
Please note: a) A minimum of C- is required for every course taken for the major. b) A minor of at least twelve (12) hours is required for any major in modern languages, including French.
French Majors are eligible for the Winthrop-King summer scholarships to Paris in partial fulfillment of the above-stated requirements. French majors are encouraged to study in Francophone countries. Pre-approved credits earned in study abroad programs are readily transferable to Florida State University.
Below is a list of core courses in the major. Starred (*) courses may not be taken by native French speakers. Please check your FSU GENERAL BULLETIN for a full description of the following courses and list of specific course prerequisites!
Three hours of course credit can double count toward both the major in the language and Liberal Studies requirements.
Major in French with a Concentration in Business
It is possible to complete a major in French, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish, Chinese or Japanese with a concentration in business. A major in French, German, Italian, Russian, or Spanish with a concentration in business consists of 21 semester hours in the language beyond the language requirement plus 15 approved semester hours of core business courses and 12 approved semester hours in a specialized track of marketing, management, or finance in the College of Business.
Co-Major
21 semester hours in French courses numbered above 1999, selected in consultation with the French advisor, plus 21 semester hours above the 1999 level in one of the following divisions: French, German, Italian, Russian or Spanish. The student should consult with the advisor of the second language to select appropriate courses. One second year course must be used to satisfy the College or University language requirement. A minimum of C- is required for every course taken for the Co-Major. A Co-Major in French and Another Foreign Language does NOT require a minor.
Majors in French and Francophone Studies are eligible for the Ada Belle Winthrop-King summer scholarships to Paris in partial fulfillment of the above-stated requirements.
Core Courses for the French Major:
- FRE 3420 French Grammar & Composition I
- FRE 3421 French Grammar & Composition II
- FRW 3100 Survey of French Literature I: Early-Modern France
- FRW 3101 Survey of French Literature II: Modern France
- FRE 3501 Contemporary France
- FRE 3780 Phonetics: Theoretical and Applied
- FRE 4422 Advanced Grammar & Composition
Other Language Courses:
- FRE 3244 Intermediate French Conversation
- FRE 3440 Commercial French
- FRE 4410 Advanced Conversation* (can be used as substitute for FRE 3780)
*Satisfies University Oral Competency
Literatures, Cultures and/or Societies of French Expression:
Courses taught in French
- FRW 4420 Medieval and Renaissance Literature
- FRW 4433 17th & 18th Century Literature
- RW 4460 19th Century Literature
- FRW 4480 20th Century Literature
- FRW 4740 French Literature of Quebec
- FRW 4761 Francophone Literatures and Cultures
- FRW 4770 Francophone Caribbean/African Cultures
- FRE 4930 Special Topics. Topics vary.
Courses taught in English
- FRT 3140 Masterworks of French Literature in Translation
- FRT 3561 French Women Writers
- FRT 3520r. French Cinema
- FRE 4930 Special Topics. Topics vary
- FOW 3240 Literature and Sexuality
- FOW 4540 Franco-American Cultural Wars
Modern Languages Undergraduate Bulletin (via Registrar's site)
GUIDELINES FOR COURSE APPROVAL: WHICH COURSES TAUGHT IN ENGLISH WILL SATISFY MY MAJOR?
At the 3000 level and above, some French courses are taught in French while others are taught in English. Depending on the language in which students write their assignments, courses taught in English may count towards Major or Minor programs as follows:
French courses taught in English with written work done in English may not count towards the Major. Any number of 3000 and 4000 level French courses taught in English with the written work done in French may count towards the Major.
Students in the French co-major may take one single course taught in English with written work done in English to satisfy the requirements of the French part of the co-major.
Students in the French with a concentration in business major may take one single course taught in English with written work done in English to satisfy the requirements of the major.
Before enrolling on French courses taught in English, students should check the course description to ensure that they can present their written work in the language of their choice and that this language meets the requirements of their major or minor program. Students should also obtain in advance the agreement of the course instructor concerning the language in which they will submit their work. Those who have not yet completed FRE 2220 (and preferably also FRE 3420) should be aware that they are likely to find it very challenging to do the written work in French for 3000-level courses in Literature, Culture and Civilization; they should also be aware that weak French could adversely affect their grade. This matter should be thoroughly discussed with the course instructor before the end of the drop-add period. In the case of Comparative courses taught in English bearing FOW course numbers, students wishing to take such a course for major or minor credit in French must enroll under a FRE tutorial number rather than under the FOW course number; the course undergraduate adviser will provide further information.
French majors are encouraged to take selected courses offered by the French program that do not count toward the major, to satisfy university requirements such as the Liberal Studies. Courses to consider include French Cinema, Literature and Sexuality, and French Women Writers.
French Minor
The French minor allows students to choose any combination of language, literature and culture classes.
12 semester hours in French courses numbered above 1999 are required for the minor. However, if FRE 2220 is used to meet the foreign language requirement, it may not be counted toward the minor. A minimum grade of C- must be earned for all courses taken for the minor.
Minors are eligible for the Ada Belle Winthrop-King summer scholarships to Paris in partial fulfillment of the above-stated requirements.
GUIDELINES FOR COURSE APPROVAL: WHICH COURSES TAUGHT IN ENGLISH WILL SATISFY MY MINOR?
At the 3000 level and above, some French courses are taught in French while others are taught in English. Depending on the language in which students write their assignments, courses taught in English may count towards major or minor programs as follows:
A maximum of one French course taught in English with the written work done in English may count towards the minor. Any number of French courses taught in English with the written work done in French may count towards the minor.
Before enrolling on French courses taught in English, students should check the course description to ensure that they can present their written work in the language of their choice and that this language meets the requirements of their Major or Minor program. Students should also obtain in advance the agreement of the course instructor concerning the language in which they will submit their work. Those who have not yet completed FRE 2220 (and preferably also FRE 3420) should be aware that they are likely to find it very challenging to do the written work in French for 3000-level courses in Literature, Culture and Civilization; they should also be aware that weak French could adversely affect their grade. This matter should be thoroughly discussed with the course instructor before the end of the drop-add period. In the case of Comparative courses taught in English bearing FOW course numbers, students wishing to take such a course for major or minor credit in French must enroll under a FRE tutorial number rather than under the FOW course number; the course undergraduate adviser will provide further information.
Courses taken to satisfy the minor may not be double counted toward liberal studies credit.
FRE 1120. Elementary French I (4). This course stresses oral comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. May not be taken by native speakers. May not be taken concurrently with FRE 1121 and/or 2220.
FRE 1121. Elementary French II (4). Prerequisite: FRE 1120 or equivalent. This course places further emphasis on oral comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. May not be taken by native speakers. May not be taken concurrently with FRE 1120 and/or 2220.
FRE 2220. Intermediate French (4). Prerequisite: FRE 1121 or equivalent. This intermediate course offers a rapid overview of basic French grammar and expands students’ oral and written French expression through structured activities and compositions. May not be taken concurrently with FRE 1120, FRE 1121, or by native speakers.
FRE 3244. Intermediate French Conversation (3). Prerequisite: FRE 2220 or equivalent. Through readings and films about contemporary issues facing French society, this course aims at developing oral communication skills in a broad cultural context.
FRE 3420. French Grammar and Composition I (3). Prerequisite: FRE 2220 or equivalent. This course is an in-depth study of French grammar emphasizing subtleties of written expression.
FRE 3421. French Grammar and Composition II (3). Prerequisite: FRE 2220 or equivalent. This course is a further study of the subtleties of written expression in the French language.
FRE 3440. Commercial French (3). Prerequisites: FRE 2220 or equivalent. This course develops language and correspondence skills appropriate to business transactions in such areas as sales, finance, transportation, management, etc.
FRE 3501. Contemporary France (3). Prerequisite: FRE 3420. This course, taught entirely in French, provides the student with an understanding of French culture and society from WW II through the present day. Topics include high vs. popular culture, political life, Franco-American relations, economics, media, France and the European Union, social interactions of the French, family life, education system, religion, cuisine, and immigration and multiculturalism. Activities and assignments emphasize French writing and speaking skills.
FRE 3780. French Phonetics (3). Prerequisite: FRE 3420. This course targets pronunciation practice using the phonetic alphabet with the objective of improving production of standard French pronunciation. French majors only.
FRE 4410. Advanced Conversation (3). This course is about oral expression, listening skills and vocabulary acquisition in French in a variety of domains using contemporary materials.
FRE 4422. Advanced Grammar and Composition (3). Prerequisite: FRE 3420 and FRE 3421. This course aims at developing writing and speaking ability at an advanced level through a review of French grammar, an introduction to Comparative Stylistics of French and English, the reading of sophisticated French prose, and the writing of two research papers.
FRE 4905r. Directed Individual Study (3). In this course, students arrange with individual faculty members to undertake specialized study in areas outside of or in addition to the regular curriculum. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours.
FRE 4930r. Special Topics (3). Prerequisite: Divisional coordinator permission. This course allows students to study literary topics of a special kind, depending on student interest and faculty expertise. May be repeated to a maximum of nine semester hours.
FRE 4935r. Honors Thesis (1–6). This course may be repeated to a maximum of nine semester hours, three hours of which may be applied to the requirements for the major with permission of the department. All honors work is directed by the student’s honors committee.
FRE 4942r. Internship in Applied French (1–6). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: Advanced standing in French. This course provides academic credit for students working in governmental agencies or private business where students employ the foreign language. Departmental permission required. May be repeated to a maximum of six (6) credit hours; repeatable within the same term.
French and Francophone Cultures in Translation
Note: FRT courses do not count toward the major unless the student reads the works in French, writes all assignments in French, and can provide a letter from the instructor granting him/her permission to take the course for major credit.
FRT 3140. Masterworks of French Literature in Translation (3). This course is a survey of selected masterpieces of French literature, ranging from the Middle Ages to the present. The readings and instruction are in English.
FRT 3520r. French and Francophone Cinema (3). This Francophone cinema course is offered in two versions: one focusing on the relationship between cinema and Francophone cultures and societies, and another taking a chronological and thematic approach to the movements and directors of metropolitan French cinema. This course is taught in English and, with instructor permission, three hours may be used for major or minor credit. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours.
FRT 3561. French Women Writers (3). Prerequisites: ENC 1101 and ENC 1121, or equivalent. This course addresses issues of race, gender, and class in a selection of works written by prominent French/francophone writers. Taught in English. Can be used for minor credit with permission of the coordinator.
Literatures, Cultures and/or Societies of French Expression
FRW 3100. Survey of French Literature I: Early-Modern France (3). Prerequisite: FRE 2220; FRE 3420 or FRE 3421 recommended. This course is an introduction to the study of early-modern French literature by reading and discussing works representative of the various schools and movements.
FRW 3101. Survey of French Literature II: Modern France (3). Prerequisite: FRE 2220. This course is an introduction to the study of modern French literature by reading and discussing works representative of the various schools and movements. (Spring semester only.)
FRW 4420. Medieval and Renaissance Literature (3). Prerequisite: FRW 3100. This course is an introduction to the poetry and prose of the medieval and early-modern periods. Emphasis is on the themes of love and friendship.
FRW 4433. 17th- and 18th-Century Literature (3). Prerequisite: FRW 3100 or FRW 3101. This course surveys major works in the areas of theatre, philosophy, and prose fiction. Special attention is given to the possible meanings of central concepts such as Classicism and Enlightenment.
FRW 4460. 19th-Century Literature (3). Prerequisite: FRW 3101. This course focuses on major themes and issues in 19th-century literature and culture.
FRW 4480. 20th-Century Literature (3). Prerequisite: FRW 3101. This course is a survey of the major works (novels, theatre, poetry) and movements of 20th-century French literature.
FRW 4761r. Studies in Francophone Literatures and Cultures (3). Prerequisite: FRW 3100 or FRW 3101. This course is an examination of selected aspects of cultural forms (books, film, music, etc.) associated with one or more French-speaking regions located outside France, including North Africa, West Africa, the Antilles, Quebec, Indo-china, and French-speaking islands in the Indian and Pacific oceans. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours.
FRW 4770r. Francophone Caribbean/African Cultures (3). Prerequisite: FRW 3101. This course examines the literature of Africa and the Caribbean written in French with an emphasis on Negritude and/or Creolite. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours.
Students at Florida State University and within the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics' French program have opportunities to study abroad through FSU International Programs and FSU Global Exchanges. Explore the programs below to learn more.
International Programs
Students have an exceptional opportunity for intensive study of the French language and culture is offered in association with the Institut Catholique, one of Paris’ most prestigious language schools. Students are taught entirely in French by native French-speaking faculty after placement in the language course most appropriate to their level of understanding, from beginning to advanced.
Global Exchanges
FSU Global Exchanges provides an affordable and immersive study experience at a host university. FSU is partnered with the University of the Antilles in Martinique. Classes are taught in French; a B2 level of French (upper-intermediate) is highly recommended.
Learn about ways students can get involved in the community and learn more about the French experience.
Alliance Française de Tallahassee
The Alliance Française de Tallahassee’s mission is to encourage and develop knowledge of the French language and Francophone customs and to foster global, intellectual, and artistic exchanges between the people of the Tallahassee area and of French speaking countries. The Alliance Française de Tallahassee (AFTally) is an independent, non-profit, non-political, non discriminatory organization.
Cultural Services
The Cultural Services are a division of the French Embassy in the United States. The Cultural Services were first imagined in the 1930's by Paul Claudel. In 1945 General de Gaulle appointed Claude Lévi-Strauss as the first Cultural Counselor, with the mission of providing Americans (individuals and organizations) with access and resources to engage with French customs and promote it in their own communities.