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The ability to speak and understand French opens countless doors and expands one's view of the world. With the news of what's happening around the globe only minutes away, the understanding of different cultures that comes from being bi- or multi-lingual is invaluable. Dynamic faculty members, committed to helping students become citizens of the global community, engage in teaching, research, publication, and other professional activities.

What We're Doing

Getting the tools to pursue professional goals

Since graduating from MTSU in Fall 2010 with double majors in French and International Relations, Shayna Breanne Taylor has been working in Washington, D.C., with Medical Service Corporation International, an organization specializing in international health development of women and children as well as aiding victims of human trafficking. “I've used my French on several projects in Haiti, as well as on research on human trafficking in francophone speaking Africa,” says Shayna. She has completed work on a master's degree in European Studies at Indiana University. In the near future, Shayna will join the Army Reserves as a military intelligence officer and use her French as an intelligence analyst.

This alumna believes in giving back

In the late forties, a young woman from Bedford County came to what was then called Middle Tennessee State College. She lived in Rutledge Hall, played clarinet in the Band of Blue, met her future husband in the cafeteria, and majored in Spanish. In 1953, she was the first recipient of a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages. In 2011, Eleanor Frances Nelson Jordan, the former Spanish major, teacher, and guidance counselor established an endowment to provide scholarships for students majoring in Foreign Language at MTSU.

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Fluency in French expands your career opportunities. Whether you're interested in the fields of  teaching,  translating, editing, traveling, or foreign service, your awareness of connections between language and culture serves you well.

Employers of MTSU alumni include

  • Medical Service Corporation International
  • Middle Tennessee State University
  • Peace Corps
  • Rutherford County School System
  • Stanford Medical School
  • Webb School

The major in Foreign Languages has four concentrations—French, German, Japanese, and Spanish—and leads to either the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. Minors are offered in French, German, Spanish, and Japanese. Courses in Arabic, Chinese, Hebrew, Italian, Kurdish, Latin, Portuguese, and Russian are available.

For complete curriculum details, click on the REQUIREMENTS button to the right.

Interdisciplinary minors coordinated through the Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures include Classical Studies, Early Modern European Studies, Latin American Studies, Linguistic Studies, and Portuguese Studies.

Students in French can study abroad for a semester or a full year at one of two universities in France or for a four-week summer term in Cherbourg, France. Living with a host family allows immersion in the culture and improvement in communication skills.

Students wishing to teach in elementary and secondary schools need to seek licensure in a foreign language. This requires the equivalent of a major in that language (Spanish, French, or German); FL4500 Introduction to Teaching a Foreign Language; and a minor in Education.

Graduate students may pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T).

French B.A.

Foreign Languages, French Concentration, B.A.

World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures 
615-898-2981
Ann McCullough, program coordinator
Ann.Mccullough@mtsu.edu

A major in Foreign Languages with a French concentration consists of 35 semester hours (excluding 1010) and must include at least 20 hours of upper-division work. Before beginning the junior year, the student should file a degree plan with his or her advisor.

Academic Maps

Following are printable, suggested four-year schedules of courses:

Foreign Languages, French, B.A., Academic Map  

Foreign Languages, French (Study Abroad), B.A., Academic Map  

Degree Requirements

General Education (41 hours)

General Education requirements include Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences categories.

The following course is recommended for the program and can satisfy the respective General Education requirement:

  • HUM 2610 (Hum/FA)

Major Requirements (35 hours)

  • FREN 1020 - Elementary French II  3 credit hours  OR 

    FREN 1020 - Elementary French II

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: FREN 1010 or advanced placement. Continuation of FREN 1010.

  • FREN 1040 - Intensive Elementary French  6 credit hours  (only 3 credit hours counted toward degree) 

    FREN 1040 - Intensive Elementary French

    6 credit hours

    A foundation course in reading, writing, speaking, and aural comprehension. FREN 1040 counts as combined credit for FREN 1010 and FREN 1020.

NOTE: Native speakers will substitute an additional 4000-level course for FREN 3010.

  • FREN 4000-level 6 credit hours
  • FREN electives 17 credit hours

Minor (15-18 hours)

Electives

  • To make 120 hours

Total hours in program: 120

Curriculum: Foreign Languages, French

Curricular listings include General Education requirements in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences categories.

Freshman

  • ENGL 1010 - Expository Writing  3 credit hours  (Comm)  (Comm) 

    ENGL 1010 - Expository Writing

    3 credit hours

    The first General Education English course. Emphasis on learning to adapt composing processes to a variety of expository and analytic writing assignments. Minimum grade of C- required for credit.

  • ENGL 1020 - Research and Argumentative Writing  3 credit hours  (Comm)  (Comm) 

    ENGL 1020 - Research and Argumentative Writing

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: ENGL 1010. The second General Education English course. Emphasis on analytic and argumentative writing and on locating, organizing, and using library resource materials in the writing. Minimum grade of C- required for credit.

  • Mathematics 3 credit hours
  • Humanities and/or Fine Arts 3 credit hours
  • Natural Sciences 4 credit hours
  • FREN 1010 - Elementary French I  3 credit hours  AND  AND 

    FREN 1010 - Elementary French I

    3 credit hours

    Foundation course in reading, writing, speaking, and aural comprehension.

  • FREN 1020 - Elementary French II  3 credit hours  OR  OR 

    FREN 1020 - Elementary French II

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: FREN 1010 or advanced placement. Continuation of FREN 1010.

  • FREN 1040 - Intensive Elementary French  6 credit hours  (only 3 hours may be counted for the B.A. degree.)  (only 3 hours may be counted for the B.A. degree.) 

    FREN 1040 - Intensive Elementary French

    6 credit hours

    A foundation course in reading, writing, speaking, and aural comprehension. FREN 1040 counts as combined credit for FREN 1010 and FREN 1020.

  • COMM 2200 - Fundamentals of Communication  3 credit hours  (Comm)  (Comm) 

    COMM 2200 - Fundamentals of Communication

    3 credit hours

    Principles and processes of effective public oral communication including researching, critical thinking, organizing, presenting, listening, and using appropriate language. Counts as part of the General Education Communication requirement. TBR Common Course: COMM 2025

Choose 6 hours from:

  • HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I

    3 credit hours

    Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. HIST 2010 discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. HIST 2020 discusses the era from 1877 to the present. These courses are prerequisite for all advanced courses in American history and satisfy the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2010

  • HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II

    3 credit hours

    Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. HIST 2010 discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. HIST 2020 discusses the era from 1877 to the present. These courses are prerequisite for all advanced courses in American history and satisfy the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2020

  • HIST 2030 - Tennessee History

    3 credit hours

    The role of the state in the development of the nation. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. TBR Common Course: HIST 2030

Subtotal: 31 Hours

Sophomore

  • ENGL 2020 - Themes in Literature and Culture  3 credit hours  (Hum/FA)  OR  (Hum/FA)  OR 

    ENGL 2020 - Themes in Literature and Culture

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Traces a specific theme or idea through a number of literary texts that reflect different historical and cultural contexts. Subject will vary.

  • ENGL 2030 - The Experience of Literature  3 credit hours  (Hum//FA)  OR  (Hum//FA)  OR 

    ENGL 2030 - The Experience of Literature

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. The reading of a variety of literary types which illuminate themes and experiences common to human existence.

  • HUM 2610 - Foreign Literature in Translation  3 credit hours  (Hum/FA)  (Hum/FA) 

    HUM 2610 - Foreign Literature in Translation

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Representative works of French, German, and Hispanic authors in English translation. No foreign-language proficiency required. Carries General Education credit.

 

  • Humanities and/or Fine Arts 3 credit hours
  • Natural Sciences 4 credit hours
  • Social/Behavioral Sciences (2 rubrics) 6 credit hours
  • Minor courses 6 credit hours
  • General elective 3 credit hours

Subtotal: 31 Hours

Junior

  • General electives 12 credit hours
  • Minor courses 6 credit hours
  • FREN 3000-4000 level major courses 9 credit hours

Subtotal: 30 Hours

Senior

  • FREN 3000-4000 level major courses 8 credit hours
  • General electives 8 credit hours
  • Minor courses 6 credit hours
  • FREN 4000-level major courses 6 credit hours

Subtotal: 28 Hours

French B.S. 

Foreign Languages, French Concentration, B.S.

World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures 
615-898-2981
Ann McCullough, program coordinator
Ann.Mccullough@mtsu.edu 

A major in Foreign Languages with a French concentration consists of 35 semester hours (excluding 1010) and must include at least 20 hours of upper-division work. Before beginning the junior year, the student should file a degree plan with his or her advisor.

Academic Maps

Following are printable, suggested four-year schedules of courses:

Foreign Languages, French, B.S., Academic Map  

Foreign Languages, French, B.S. (Study Abroad), Academic Map  

Degree Requirements

General Education (41 hours)

General Education requirements include Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences categories.

The following course is recommended for the program and can satisfy the respective General Education requirement:

  • HUM 2610 (Hum/FA)

Major Requirements (35 hours)

  • FREN 1020 - Elementary French II  3 credit hours  OR 

    FREN 1020 - Elementary French II

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: FREN 1010 or advanced placement. Continuation of FREN 1010.

  • FREN 1040 - Intensive Elementary French  6 credit hours  (only 3 credit hours counted toward degree) 

    FREN 1040 - Intensive Elementary French

    6 credit hours

    A foundation course in reading, writing, speaking, and aural comprehension. FREN 1040 counts as combined credit for FREN 1010 and FREN 1020.

NOTE: Native speakers will substitute an additional 4000-level course for FREN 3010.

  • FREN 4000-level 6 credit hours
  • FREN electives 3000-4000 level 17 credit hours

Minor 1 (15-18 hours)

Minor 2 (15-18 hours)

Electives

  • To make 120 hours

Total hours in program: 120

 

Curriculum: Foreign Languages, French

Curricular listings include General Education requirements in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences categories.

Freshman

 

  • ENGL 1010 - Expository Writing  3 credit hours  (Comm) 

    ENGL 1010 - Expository Writing

    3 credit hours

    The first General Education English course. Emphasis on learning to adapt composing processes to a variety of expository and analytic writing assignments. Minimum grade of C- required for credit.

  • ENGL 1020 - Research and Argumentative Writing

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: ENGL 1010. The second General Education English course. Emphasis on analytic and argumentative writing and on locating, organizing, and using library resource materials in the writing. Minimum grade of C- required for credit.

  • COMM 2200 - Fundamentals of Communication  3 credit hours  (Comm) 

    COMM 2200 - Fundamentals of Communication

    3 credit hours

    Principles and processes of effective public oral communication including researching, critical thinking, organizing, presenting, listening, and using appropriate language. Counts as part of the General Education Communication requirement. TBR Common Course: COMM 2025

  • Mathematics 3 credit hours
  • Humanities and/or Fine Arts 3 credit hours
  • Natural Sciences 4 credit hours

 

  • FREN 1010 - Elementary French I  3 credit hours  AND 

    FREN 1010 - Elementary French I

    3 credit hours

    Foundation course in reading, writing, speaking, and aural comprehension.

  • FREN 1020 - Elementary French II  3 credit hours  OR 

    FREN 1020 - Elementary French II

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: FREN 1010 or advanced placement. Continuation of FREN 1010.

  • FREN 1040 - Intensive Elementary French  6 credit hours  (only 3 hours may be counted for the B.S. degree) 

    FREN 1040 - Intensive Elementary French

    6 credit hours

    A foundation course in reading, writing, speaking, and aural comprehension. FREN 1040 counts as combined credit for FREN 1010 and FREN 1020.

Choose 6 hours from:

  • HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I

    3 credit hours

    Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. HIST 2010 discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. HIST 2020 discusses the era from 1877 to the present. These courses are prerequisite for all advanced courses in American history and satisfy the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2010

  • HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II

    3 credit hours

    Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. HIST 2010 discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. HIST 2020 discusses the era from 1877 to the present. These courses are prerequisite for all advanced courses in American history and satisfy the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2020

  • HIST 2030 - Tennessee History

    3 credit hours

    The role of the state in the development of the nation. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. TBR Common Course: HIST 2030

Subtotal: 31 Hours

 

Sophomore

 

  • ENGL 2020 - Themes in Literature and Culture  3 credit hours  (Hum/FA) OR 

    ENGL 2020 - Themes in Literature and Culture

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Traces a specific theme or idea through a number of literary texts that reflect different historical and cultural contexts. Subject will vary.

  • ENGL 2030 - The Experience of Literature  3 credit hours  (Hum/FA) OR 

    ENGL 2030 - The Experience of Literature

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. The reading of a variety of literary types which illuminate themes and experiences common to human existence.

  • HUM 2610 - Foreign Literature in Translation  3 credit hours  (Hum/FA) 

    HUM 2610 - Foreign Literature in Translation

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Representative works of French, German, and Hispanic authors in English translation. No foreign-language proficiency required. Carries General Education credit.

 

  • Humanities and/or Fine Arts 3 credit hours
  • Natural Sciences 4 credit hours
  • Social/Behavioral Sciences (2 rubrics) 6 credit hours
  • Minor courses 9 credit hours

Subtotal: 31 Hours

 

Junior

 

  • General electives 6 credit hours
  • Minor courses 12 credit hours
  • FREN 3000-4000 level major courses 9 credit hours

Subtotal: 30 Hours

 

Senior

  • FREN 3000-4000 level major courses 8 credit hours
  • General electives 2 credit hours
  • Minor courses 12 credit hours
  • FREN 4000-level major courses 6 credit hours

Subtotal: 28 Hours

 

French Teacher Licensure

Foreign Languages, French Teacher Licensure, B.S.

World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures 
615-898-2981
Ann McCullough, program coordinator
Ann.McCullough@mtsu.edu

Students seeking a license to teach a foreign language in secondary schools (grades 7-12) must complete (1) a major in the language they intend to teach; (2) FL 4500 Introduction to Teaching Foreign Languages; (3) a minor; and (4) the Secondary Education Minor. Each student must pass an oral interview in the target language at the high intermediate level.

Academic Map

Following is a printable, suggested four-year schedule of courses:

Foreign Languages, French Teacher Licensure, B.S., Academic Map  

Degree Requirements

General Education (41 hours)

General Education requirements include Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences categories.

The following course is recommended for the program and can satisfy the respective General Education requirement:

  • HUM 2610 (Hum/FA)

Major Requirements (38 hours)

  • FREN 1020 - Elementary French II  3 credit hours  OR 

    FREN 1020 - Elementary French II

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: FREN 1010 or advanced placement. Continuation of FREN 1010.

  • FREN 1040 - Intensive Elementary French  6 credit hours  (only 3 credit hours counted toward degree) 

    FREN 1040 - Intensive Elementary French

    6 credit hours

    A foundation course in reading, writing, speaking, and aural comprehension. FREN 1040 counts as combined credit for FREN 1010 and FREN 1020.

  • FREN 4000-level electives 6 credit hours
  • FREN 3000-4000 level electives 17 credit hours

  • FL 4500 - Introduction to Teaching Foreign Languages

    3 credit hours

    Introduces students who plan to teach a foreign language in elementary or secondary schools to a variety of approaches and instructional methods.

Secondary Education Minor (30 hours)

Please see Secondary Education Minor for additional information.

Minor (15-18 hours)

Total hours in program: 124 (15-hour minor) or 127 (18-hour minor)

Curriculum, Foreign Languages, French Teacher Licensure

Curricular listings include General Education requirements in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences categories.

Freshman

 

  • ENGL 1010 - Expository Writing  3 credit hours  (Comm) 

    ENGL 1010 - Expository Writing

    3 credit hours

    The first General Education English course. Emphasis on learning to adapt composing processes to a variety of expository and analytic writing assignments. Minimum grade of C- required for credit.

  • ENGL 1020 - Research and Argumentative Writing

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: ENGL 1010. The second General Education English course. Emphasis on analytic and argumentative writing and on locating, organizing, and using library resource materials in the writing. Minimum grade of C- required for credit.

  • COMM 2200 - Fundamentals of Communication  3 credit hours  (Comm) 

    COMM 2200 - Fundamentals of Communication

    3 credit hours

    Principles and processes of effective public oral communication including researching, critical thinking, organizing, presenting, listening, and using appropriate language. Counts as part of the General Education Communication requirement. TBR Common Course: COMM 2025

  • FREN 2010 - Intermediate French I  3 credit hours  (FLL placement exam/AP) 

    FREN 2010 - Intermediate French I

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: FREN 1020 or advanced placement.

  • Mathematics 3 credit hours
  • Humanities and/or Fine Arts 3 credit hours
  • Natural Sciences 4 credit hours

 

Choose 6 hours from:

  • HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I

    3 credit hours

    Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. HIST 2010 discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. HIST 2020 discusses the era from 1877 to the present. These courses are prerequisite for all advanced courses in American history and satisfy the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2010

  • HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II

    3 credit hours

    Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. HIST 2010 discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. HIST 2020 discusses the era from 1877 to the present. These courses are prerequisite for all advanced courses in American history and satisfy the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2020

  • HIST 2030 - Tennessee History

    3 credit hours

    The role of the state in the development of the nation. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. TBR Common Course: HIST 2030

Subtotal: 31 Hours

 

Sophomore

 

  • ENGL 2020 - Themes in Literature and Culture  3 credit hours  (Hum/FA) OR 

    ENGL 2020 - Themes in Literature and Culture

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Traces a specific theme or idea through a number of literary texts that reflect different historical and cultural contexts. Subject will vary.

  • ENGL 2030 - The Experience of Literature  3 credit hours  (Hum/FA) OR 

    ENGL 2030 - The Experience of Literature

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. The reading of a variety of literary types which illuminate themes and experiences common to human existence.

  • HUM 2610 - Foreign Literature in Translation  3 credit hours  (Hum/FA) 

    HUM 2610 - Foreign Literature in Translation

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Representative works of French, German, and Hispanic authors in English translation. No foreign-language proficiency required. Carries General Education credit.

 

  • FREN 3000-4000 level major course 3 credit hours

  • YOED 2500 - Planning and Assessment

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: Completion of 45 semester hours and admission to Teacher Education. Offers preparation for planning instruction, assessing student learning, and understanding how classroom assessment and standardized testing should impact instruction. Introduces education policy, professionalism, and theory which informs students as they enter and practice the profession. Field experience required.

  • Social/Behavioral Sciences (2 rubrics) 6 credit hours
  • Humanities and/or Fine Arts 3 credit hours
  • Minor courses 6 credit hours
  • Natural Sciences 4 credit hours

Subtotal: 31 Hours

 

Junior

 

  • YOED 3000 - Classroom Management

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: YOED 2500 with grade of B- or better and admission to Teacher Education. Introduces a variety of classroom management strategies and techniques that will foster a positive learning environment in the classrooms. Provides an overview of behavior management models, theories, and research as a foundation for classroom practice. Facilitates, through the use of field experiences, the analysis of school-wide policies/procedures and insight on real life classroom management expectations of the first-year teacher.

  • YOED 3300 - Problem-Based Instructional Strategies

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: YOED 2500 with grade of B- or better and admission to Teacher Education. Offers preparation for students to develop and present instructional strategies that frame curriculum content in problem-solving contexts. Field experience in a public school setting required.

  • FREN 4000-level major courses 6 credit hours
  • FREN 3000-4000 major courses 12 credit hours
  • Minor courses 12 credit hours

Subtotal: 36 Hours

 

Senior

 

  • FREN 3000-4000 level major course 2 credit hours

  • FL 4500 - Introduction to Teaching Foreign Languages

    3 credit hours

    Introduces students who plan to teach a foreign language in elementary or secondary schools to a variety of approaches and instructional methods.

  • YOED 4030 - Residency I: Grades 7-12

    9 credit hours

    Prerequisites: Admission to teacher education program; successful completion of YOED 2500, YOED 3000, YOED 3300 with a grade of B or better; overall grade point average maintained at a minimum of 2.75; grade point average in the major at a minimum of 2.5; and senior standing. A school-based clinical experience in a problem-based learning format.

    NOTE: All students must obtain a grade of B or better in this course to move forward to Residency II.

  • YOED 4400 - Residency II  12 credit hours  

    YOED 4400 - Residency II

    12 credit hours

    Prerequisites: Admission to Teacher Education program; successful completion (with grade of B or better) of YOED 2500, YOED 3000, YOED 3300, YOED 4020,YOED 4030, or YOED 4040; passing score(s) on the specialty area exam(s) of Praxis II; overall grade point average maintained at a minimum of 2.75; grade point average in the major at a minimum of 2.50; and senior standing. A full-day, full-semester supervised teaching experience in a public school classroom. Pass/Fail grading.

Subtotal: 26 Hours

 

 

 

Dr. Nancy Sloan Goldberg

Professor

Dr. Leah Tolbert Lyons

Associate Professor

Dr. Ann McCullough

Associate Professor

Dr. Joan E. McRae

Professor

Dr. Roger J. Pieroni

Department Chair

Dr. Shelley Thomas

Professor

French

FREN 1010 - Elementary French I
3 credit hours

Foundation course in reading, writing, speaking, and aural comprehension.

FREN 1020 - Elementary French II
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: FREN 1010 or advanced placement. Continuation of FREN 1010.

FREN 1030 - Elementary Business French
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: FREN 1010 or equivalent. Embarks students on a mastery of the linguistic and cultural skills necessary for effective communication in francophone professional contexts. May substitute for FREN 1020.

FREN 1040 - Intensive Elementary French
6 credit hours

A foundation course in reading, writing, speaking, and aural comprehension. FREN 1040 counts as combined credit for FREN 1010 and FREN 1020.

FREN 2010 - Intermediate French I
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: FREN 1020 or advanced placement.

FREN 2020 - Intermediate French II
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: FREN 2010 or advanced placement. Continuation of FREN 2010.

FREN 2900 - Directed Study in French Grammar and Composition
1 to 6 credits credi

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Arrangements must be made with instructor prior to registration. May be repeated.

FREN 2910 - Study Abroad
1 to 6 credit hours

Two semesters of French or equivalent and/or approval of French faculty. For students in any major or minor.

FREN 3010 - Advanced Composition
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: FREN 2020 or advanced placement.

FREN 3030 - Business French
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: FREN 2020. The linguistic and cultural skills necessary to conduct business in France or any other francophone setting.

FREN 3040 - Intensive Conversational French
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: FREN 2020.

FREN 3070 - Topics in French and Francophone Film
3 credit hours

Prerequisite:FREN 3010 or equivalent. History, aesthetics, and analysis of French and francophone film. Course conducted in French.

FREN 3080 - Topics in French Studies
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: FREN 3010 or permission of instructor. Study of a selected topic in French culture, cinema, or literature. Content varies to reflect expertise of instructor. May be repeated once.

FREN 3110 - French and Francophone Culture
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: FREN 2020 or equivalent. History of French/Francophone culture from the beginning to present.

FREN 3200 - French for the Tourism Industry
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: FREN 2020 or equivalent or by permission of instructor. Focuses on the linguistic and cultural elements necessary to the francophone tourism industry.

FREN 3910 - Study Abroad
3 to 12 credit hours

Taken by students while in an approved study abroad program. May be repeated twice. 

FREN 3970 - Cooperative Education
3 credit hours

Provides students with opportunities for on-the-job training in conjunction with on-campus academic experiences. Students will participate in professional growth seminars. Requirements of the department must be completed to receive credit.

FREN 3980 - Cooperative Education
3 credit hours

Provides students with opportunities for on-the-job training in conjunction with on-campus academic experiences. Students will participate in professional growth seminars. Requirements of the department must be completed to receive credit.

FREN 4010 - Topics in Twentieth-Century French Literature
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Six hours of French at the 3000 level.

FREN 4020 - Topics in French Film
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Six hours of French at the 3000 level. Class conducted in English. No language prerequisite. However, students taking course for French major or minor credit will be required to do some written assignments in French.

FREN 4030 - Topics in Nineteenth-Century French Literature
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Six hours of French at the 3000 level.

FREN 4040 - Topics in Eighteenth-Century French Literature
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Six hours of French at the 3000 level.

FREN 4050 - Topics in Medieval and Renaissance French Literature
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Six hours of French at the 3000 level.

FREN 4060 - Topics in Neoclassical French Literature
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Six hours of French at the 3000 level.

FREN 4070 - Topics in Sixteenth-Century French Literature
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Six hours of French at the 3000 level.

FREN 4080 - Topics in Medieval French Literature
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Six hours of French at the 3000 level.

FREN 4110 - French Press and Politics
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: Six hours of French at the 3000 level. Focuses on contemporary France and current events, emphasizing the role of media as well as relevant political and social issues. Stresses cultural knowledge and competency in oral and written expression.

FREN 4120 - La Cuisine francaise: le gout et la gourmandise
3 credit hours

 Prerequisite: Six hours of French at the 3000 level. Focuses on the culinary history of France and its role in the social, economic, and political identity of France.

FREN 4130 - Special Topics in Professional French
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: FREN 3010 or equivalent or by permission of instructor. Focuses on developing linguistic and cultural proficiency in a variety of professional contexts.

FREN 4150 - Money, Murder, and Madness
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: FREN 3010 plus one other course at the 3000 level or permission of instructor. Examines social and cultural issues addressed in French-language literature, film, and other media and focuses specifically on the confrontation of immorality and criminal behavior.

FREN 4160 - Social Change in the Francophone World
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: FREN 3010 plus one other course at the 3000 level or permission of instructor. Focuses on major social movements of France and the French-speaking world, addressing diverse topics such as race, gender, class, sexuality, politics, and religion.

FREN 4170 - The French Graphic Novel
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: FREN 3010 plus one other course at the 3000 level or permission of instructor. Focuses on the tradition of the French graphic novel. Taught in French.

FREN 4180 - Comparative Stylistics of French and English
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: FREN 3010 plus one other course at the 3000 level or permission of instructor. Focuses on contrastive and stylistic analysis of French texts with emphasis on grammatically accurate translation.

FREN 4900 - Directed Study in French Literature and Culture
1 to 6 credit hours

Prerequisites: Six hours of French at the 3000 level. Individualized intensive reading in primary and secondary sources relating to a specific topic in French literature or culture. Arrangements must be made with instructor prior to registration. Proposals must be approved by the French section one month prior to the end of the preceding semester.

FREN 4990 - French for Reading Knowledge
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: Admission to the College of Graduate Studies or permission of the instructor. For graduate students seeking proficiency in reading French for research purposes. Open to undergraduates seeking to prepare for graduate study. Will not count toward a major or minor in French.

Year-long Study

MTSU has an exchange program with the Université de Franche-Comté in Besançon, France, which allows students to study for a full-year in France. Students pay MTSU tuition plus living costs and travel expenses. Although students may apply for one or two semesters, students applying for a full academic year will be given preference. Students must have completed two years of French, but students who have earned six hours of credit at the 3000 level are more likely to be prepared for French university courses. Consideration will be given to students with fewer than six hours at the 300 level, but they will be required to do their first semester of work in a language program at the CLA in Besançon, which requires additional fees. Students earn 12 credits per semester while enrolled. For details, contact Dr. Leah Lyons, ltlyons@mtsu.edu, 615-898-5778.

Summer Study Opportunities

The French program at MTSU offers a summer program in Cherbourg, France. Students will spend four weeks on the campus of the I.U.T.-Cherbourg (University Technological Institute) and other locations in Cherbourg, France studying the French language and extending their knowledge of French daily life and culture. Through a wide-range of teacher-led activities, both inside and outside the classroom, students will improve and develop their speaking, listening, writing, and reading skills. Afternoon activities and excursions will present students with the opportunity to use their language abilities in an enjoyable but structured environment. Living with host families will provide students with increased opportunities for progress in their language skills and will allow them to expand their knowledge of French society and value systems. Students will tour Paris and its landmarks, as well as important sites in and near Cherbourg, including Mont St. Michel, Utah (D-Day) Beach, and several historical, botanical, and art museums. For details, contact Prof. Nancy Goldberg at goldberg@mtsu.edu or 898-2281.

MTSU-French Study Abroad Articulation Sequence

Please note: no retroactive substitution credit will be awarded

Students studying abroad in French Section approved programs and/or Exchanges may earn substitution credit for their work in France. The requirements that must be met are below:

  1. Students will meet with Dr. Goldberg (Normandy) or Dr. Lyons (Besançon) to work out a proposed substitution contract BEFORE leaving for France.
  2. Students will register for the courses at MTSU as per the contract in #1.
  3. Students will provide documentation that the contract is being met during the study abroad period and after their return. It is the student's responsibility to furnish the required materials on time.
  4. The contract may be modified according to availability of courses with approval from Dr. Goldberg or Dr. Lyons, NO LATER than 2 weeks after the beginning of classes in the on-site program.
  5. The Literature/Culture Module is defined as FREN 3050, 3060, 3070, and 3110 (pending administrative approval).
  6. 4000 courses : Students who have the prerequisites may take the FREN 4000 course offered during each semester of their Study Abroad program with permission of BOTH the instructor and either Dr. Goldberg or Dr. Lyons. Students are cautioned to arrange this option with enough time to secure the materials necessary. Students will work independently and electronically to complete all requirements for the 4000 course. They should communicate regularly with their instructor as well as with Dr. Lyons or Dr. Goldberg about their progress in the 4000 course. The student must complete the work for each 4000 course in addition to their other studies and work in France.
  7. Besançon students must stay the entire year. Students wishing to study in France one semester will go to one of the Normandy Programs.
  8. Grades for substituted courses will be determined according to the equivalency chart contained in the contract (see attached).
  9. No substitution credit will be granted unless all pre-arranged and contracted obligations are met.
  10. In the event that a student does not present a transcript from the French institution showing the grades earned, a grade of F will be recorded for all of the 2910/3910 study abroad credits.
  11. In the event that the student fails to present a certificate of attendance (Assiduité), a grade of F will be recorded for all of the 2910/3910 study abroad credits.
  12. In the event that a student does not present a report from the Internship Director and/or Employer showing satisfactory job performance, a grade of F will be recorded for all of the 2910/3910 study abroad credits.
  13. Should circumstances arise during the student's study abroad experience that are not covered in this contract, every effort will be made to resolve the situation to mutual satisfaction. However, the members of the French Section reserve the right to make the final determination regarding any question or situation related to the granting of credits and/or of substitution credit to the student. 

MTSU-French Study Abroad Grade Equivalents

French Exam Grade Scale French Grade Description (Mention) Standard U.S. Grade Equivalents MTSU Grade Equivalents

20

19

18

17

16

Très Bien (Very Good)

A+

100= A+

99= A+

98= A+

97= A+

96= A+

15.9

15

14.5

14

Bien (Good)

A

95= A

94= A

93= A

93= A

92= A-

13.9

13.5

13

12.5

12

Assez Bien (Quite Good)

B

90= A-

88= B+

86= B

84= B

82= B-

11.9

11.5

11

10.5

10

Passable (Satisfactory)

C

80= B-

79= C+

78= C+

77= C

75= C

9.9

9.5

9

8.5

8

  

*

74= C

73= C

72= C-

71= C-

70= C-

below 70=P

no grades=F

* May be considered passing grade if entire year is passed.

World Education Services

Contact Information

Dr. Ann McCullough
ann.mccullough@mtsu.edu

Phone | 615-898-2981
Fax | 615-898-5735

Who is My Advisor?

Ja'Net Davis (A-M)
JaNet.Davis@mtsu.edu
615-494-7651 | JH 117

Vacant(N-Z)
615-494-7753 | JH 108

Related Links

Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

Mailing Address

Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
Middle Tennessee State University
MTSU Box 79
1301 East Main Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37132

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