French
The French Language Program comprises a large number of qualified professors and instructors who are devoted to language teaching. Each semester around 500鈥�600 students, including French majors and minors and students in other academic disciplines, enroll in our language courses.听You will find many opportunities to learn and practice French at all levels of proficiency and enjoy the diversity of its cultures. A number of our courses satisfy the University鈥檚 Literature Core or the University鈥檚 Cultural Diversity Core.
Students interested in enhancing their linguistic proficiency while advancing their cultural literacy should consider the major and minor programs in French Studies.
Why Study French?
The study of French offers students an open invitation to a diverse world of people, cultures, and ideas. French is the sixth most widely spoken language worldwide with over 220 million French speakers on all five continents. 鈥淎s a result of population growth, the Organisation internationale de la francophonie (OIF) estimates that the number of French speakers will rise to over 700 million by 2050, 80% of whom will be in Africa. French is an official language of 29 countries, second only to English in this category.鈥� In the United States, more than 1,4 million students study French at the university level. In both an international and national context, French continues to grow as a language of business, medicine and the sciences, and plays a special role in international politics as being one of the official languages of the United Nations and the European Union.
Knowledge of French introduces students to a wealth of literature, arts, history, and other humanities. It engages curiosity for travel, exploration, and the allows for more meaningful interactions with the international French-speaking population both in the U.S. and abroad. French uniquely merges the functionality, the opportunity, and the richness of culture that a foreign language offers. We hope that you will join us to claim your place within the French-speaking world.
Program Details
Curriculum
The language curriculum has been carefully designed to foster progressive acquisition of proficiency in French. From the first day of class students are exposed to the target language and trained to practice the necessary basic skills (speaking, oral interaction, listening, reading, and writing) while expanding their vocabulary and learning new grammar points and structures in context. All courses incorporate the study of culture from different French speaking countries. Students acquire the language while they learn to understand relevant socio-cultural and historical aspects of the French-speaking world and to appreciate and celebrate their differences. A number of our courses also satisfy the University鈥檚 Literature Core or the University鈥檚 Cultural Diversity Core.
Courses
The French language curriculum offers language instruction over four years. Students are required to follow the sequence, as our courses have been designed in order that students learn the language progressively:
- Elementary French I (FREN1009)
- Elementary French II (FREN1010)
- Intermediate French I (FREN1109)
- Intermediate French II (FREN1110)
- Conversation, Composition and Reading I (CCR1) (FREN2209)
- Conversation, Composition and Reading II* (CCR2) (FREN2210)
- Foundation Courses** (FREN3305 Introduction to Drama and Poetry, FREN3306 Introduction to Narrative Forms, FREN 3307 Masterpieces of French Literature, FREN3308 Advanced Language Studies, FREN 3309 Topics in French and Civilization)
听
* Conversation, Composition and Reading II (FREN2210) and the Foundation Courses are approved courses for the major in French. CCR 1 (FREN2209), CCR2 (FREN2210) and the Foundation Courses being approved courses for the minor.
** Foundation Courses provide the bridge between CCR II and Advanced French Literature and Culture Courses (FREN44400 and above). The Foundation Courses focus on advanced grammar review and critical interpretation of literary and cultural texts. Students are advised to complete at least two Foundation Courses before taking a FREN44400-level course.
Note:
- Elementary French I (FREN10009) and Intermediate French I (FREN1109) are offered in the fall only.
- Elementary French II (FREN1010) and Intermediate French II (FREN1110) are offered in the spring only.
- CCR1 (FREN2209) is offered in the fall only.
- CCR2 (FREN2210) is offered in the spring only.
- Foundatation Courses are offered both in the fall and in the spring.
听
In addition to these courses, we offer practica in Elementary (Elementary French Practicum I, FREN1011 and Elementary French Practicum II, FREN1012), Intermediate (Intermediate French Practicum I, FREN1013 and Intermediate French Practicum II FREN1014) and CCR (CCR French Practicum I FREN2217). These intensive, one-hour supplementary courses give French students the extra practice they need to fine-tune their French skills at the Elementary, Intermediate and CCR levels.
Questions about Placement
Who has to take the 51茶馆 French placement test?
Students who wish to continue studying French but who scored less than 3 on the French Language AP exam or less than 550 on the SAT II Subject Test need to take the placement test, as do students who have not taken either exam.
Do I earn credits by taking the 51茶馆 French placement test?
No. Credits are not earned by taking the 51茶馆 language placement test.
Can I fulfill the Foreign Language Proficiency Requirement by taking the 51茶馆 French placement test?
No. You cannot fulfill the Foreign Language Proficiency Requirement by taking the 51茶馆 language placement test.听 Students can take the SAT II Subject Test and fulfill the proficiency requirement with a score of 550 or better.
How do I know what French language class I should register for?
Freshmen who score above 3 on the AP French Language Exam or above 550 on the SAT II French Language Exam will be placed in the upper level courses (please consult the General Guidelines for Placement on our web page to determine the appropriate course). Freshmen who studied French in high school but did not take the AP French Language Exam or the SAT II Language Exam are required to take the 51茶馆 French language placement test to determine what course they should register for.
What courses do I need to take if I have never studied French?
If you have never studied French, you do not need to take the placement test. Enroll in Elementary French I (FREN1009) and Elementary French Practicum I (FREN1011) or Intensive Elementary French for Proficiency (FREN1042). FREN1011 is an intensive, one-credit supplementary course open to all students concurrently enrolled in FREN1009 who feel they need extra practice to fine-tune their French skills. Students with no previous experience in French will be given priority for enrollment.
What do I do if I feel like the course in which I was placed is not the right fit?
If you feel that the course in which you were placed is not appropriate for you, talk to your instructor or the course Coordinator. Remember that in order to be admitted to a course for which you do not have the corresponding test scores, you need permission from听the Coordinator. Please stop by during the听special placement office hours听offered during the first week of classes to see the Coordinator of Elementary and Intermediate French, Prof. Andr茅a Javel or the Coordinator of CCR, Prof. Jeff Flagg.
Which course should I take if I am a native speaker of French or I have learned French at home?
Your placement may require special consideration depending on factors such as whether French is your first or second language, whether you attended school in a French speaking country, and whether you studied French in high school. For accurate placement, please contact the Coordinator of CCR, Prof. Jeff Flagg.
Doubts about Course Selection
What can I do if I still have doubts about my course selection?
At the beginning of each semester, the coordinators of the French Language Program offer听special placement office hours听to help students who still have doubts about their placement. Your instructor will inform you about the dates and time.
Major and Minor in French
Which language courses count towards the major in FRENCH?
Conversation, Composition and Reading II (FREN2210) and the Foundation Courses may be credited toward the major in French.
Can I take French literature courses without having taken any French language courses听at 51茶馆?
In order to prepare for French literature courses, you need to take at least two Foundation Courses. Mastering the language is essential to understanding听complex literary texts in French and to be able to write academic papers in the target language.
Which language courses count towards the minor in FRENCH?
Conversation, Composition and Reading I (FREN2209) and Conversation, Composition and Reading II (FREN2210) and the Foundation Courses may be credited toward the minor in French.
Can I take French literature courses without having taken any French language courses听at 51茶馆?
In order to prepare for French literature courses, you need to take at least two Foundation Courses. Mastering the language is essential to understanding听complex literary texts in French and to be able to write academic papers in the target language.听
Course Procedures
What if the language course I need to take is full?
You need to try to register in another section. After the add/drop period ends, you will not be able to add a language course.
What if I want to take an incomplete in my current French language class and finish it later?
A final course grade of I (Incomplete) is rarely assigned in French language courses and may only be considered an option in cases where an unexpected, extreme situation 鈥搒uch as a personal or medical emergency鈥� prevents a student from completing the final major assignment(s) of the course. A student must be passing in order to be considered for an incomplete and the request must be made after the automatic 鈥淲鈥� deadline has passed. A petition for an incomplete must be accompanied by appropriate and verifiable documentation. Incompletes are not issued due to chronic missed work or absences over the course of the semester; a withdrawal is more appropriate for such students.
Academic Support
What can I do if I am experiencing academic challenges in my current course?听
Your instructor is required to hold office hours each week. Make a list of your questions and/or concerns before attending your instructor鈥檚 office hours. If these hours conflict with your class schedule, speak with him/her about arranging an alternate time to meet. Most instructors are flexible and will be willing to meet with you to discuss ways to improve your performance in the class and how to strengthen your skills.
Another resource is the Connors Family Learning Center (CFLC), which offers free tutoring services in Spanish for students who wish to improve their understanding or further challenge themselves. Please contact the Center to get more information about听language tutoring services.听
What should I do if I have a disability and would like to request accommodations for my course?
Students should contact either Kathy Duggan (kathleen.duggan@bc.edu), the Associate Director, Academic Support Services, of the Connors Family Learning Center (learning disabilities and ADHD) or the Disibility Services Office (disabsrv@bc.edu) in the Office of Dean of Students to make accommodations at least 7 days prior for coursework, tests, assessments, support, etc. Students should submit documentation to them at the beginning of the term.
Elementary French
Elementary French follows a communicative approach. From the first day of class, students will interact in French with the instructor and with classmates. Therefore, by the end of this course, students should be able to successfully manage a significant number of communicative and writing tasks in different time frames in the target language.听
Upon successful completion of the sequence Elementary I and II (FREN1009 and FREN1010) students should be able to:
- speak听in the target language to describe, narrate and carry on spontaneous conversations about topics such as travel, health, professions, plans for the future and references to the past.
- comprehend听the target language with sufficient ability to understand the main ideas and additional details in short conversations referring to the above mentioned topics and authentic situations in different time frames.
- read听and understand texts (some prepared specifically for students, others authentic) dealing with cultural products and practices on a variety of topics.
- write听basic compositions about different themes in simple but complete sentences and short paragraphs with good control of the grammar and sentence structure.
- recognize, appreciate, and compare听similarities and differences between their own culture and the target culture.
Intermediate French
Intermediate French follows a communicative approach. Class is conducted entirely in the target language and nearly all course materials are authentic and carefully chosen to match the interests and capabilities of the students. At the end of the second semester students will be able to express themselves on a wide variety of topics of personal interest and in different communicative settings.听
Upon successful completion of the intermediate sequence (FREN1109 and FREN1110) students should be able to:
- speak听in the target language to narrate and describe in the present, past and future express opinions about topics 听relating to their own lives and those of the target culture, especially in areas such as student and family life, traveling, cinema, 听music, holidays, art and current events, etc.
- comprehend听spoken language at a higher level including authentic videos and recordings in a more formal setting with some assistance.
- read听selected authentic texts on everyday topics with apparatuses such as vocabulary annotations and comprehension aids.
- write听in French at the paragraph level in a variety of formats, from summaries and cross-cultural observations to more formal but guided research papers based on course themes.
- understand and appreciate听current and classic foreign culture especially as it relates to the lives of young people, and make comparisons to their own cultural experiences.
Conversation, Composition, and Reading
In Conversation, Composition, and Reading (CCR) students will increase their fluency and solidify their accuracy in French while focusing on complex grammar topics, expanding their vocabulary, and broadening their understanding of diverse cultural and historical aspects of the French-speaking world. The course fosters students鈥� analytic, critical and creative skills in the target language through the use of authentic materials such as newspapers, reports, films and literary texts and through systematic practice of the three modes of communication: interpersonal, presentational, and interpretative.
Upon successful completion of the CCR1 and CCR2 sequence (FREN2209 and FREN2210) students should be able to:
- speak听spontaneously in most conversations on topics that are familiar, of personal interest or pertinent to everyday life. Students should also be able to speak about more formal or specific topics with previous preparation.
- comprehend听the main ideas and relevant details of extended general speech from diverse authentic audiovisual materials in standard language.
- read and interpret听extensive articles and reports related to contemporary topics, including the understanding of important details and nuances. Students should also be able to understand contemporary literary texts in the target language with some assistance.
- write听clear and detailed texts on a wide range of general topics sustaining their views. Students should also be able to write narrative and argumentative essays on specific topics with previous preparation.
- understand and appreciate听Francophone cultures and develop an awareness of their historical, political and sociocultural differences.
Foundation Courses
In the Foundation Courses students will acquire extensive fluency and accuracy while focusing on complex grammar topics, expanding and deepening their vocabulary, and broadening their understanding of contemporary sociocultural and political issues in the French-speaking world. The course is structured around analysis, discussion and production of descriptive, narrative, expository and argumentative texts and fosters students鈥� analytic, critical and creative skills in the target language through the use of diverse authentic materials and systematic practice of the three modes of communication: interpersonal, presentational, and interpretative.
In combining Foundation Courses, two for the minor, four for the major, students will:
- speak听with fluency and accuracy in the target language in informal and formal situations.
- comprehend听the main ideas and relevant details of extended general speech from authentic audiovisual materials such as TV news, films and videos in standard language and recognize the most commonly spoken dialectal varieties of the French language.
- read听and interpret wide-ranging articles and reports related to contemporary topics, including the understanding of details and nuances. Students should also be able to interpret literary texts in the target language and identify the principal characteristics of the four main textual genres (description, narration, exposition and argumentation).
- write听creative, clear, coherent and extended texts in the four main textual genres interacting with field-specific and academic language.
- understand听and appreciate the different Francophone cultures and develop a critical vision of their circumstances, contexts or idiosyncrasies.
- demonstrate听the metalinguistic awareness necessary to master a foreign language.
Language Proficiency Requirement
The Language Proficiency requirement of the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences (MCAS) encourages a holistic educational model for all undergraduate students so that they may graduate with a global, cross-cultural perspective. Language proficiency can be demonstrated in both modern and classical languages. The Carroll School of Management (CSOM), the Lynch School of Education (LSOE), and the Connell School of Nursing do not have a language requirement.
There are different ways to demonstrate proficiency in French:
- By successful completion of French Intermediate II (FREN1110) or Intensive Intermediate French for Proficiency (FREN1182) or a course beyond the intermediate level. For further information about placement please consult听our Language Placement Guidelines.
- By achieving a score of 3 or higher on the AP French Language Exam.
- By achieving a score of 550 or higher on the SAT Subject Test in French. (Either form of the SAT Subject Test is acceptable: with or without the listening component.)
听
How many French classes do I need to take to fulfill the 51茶馆 language proficiency requirement?
All students in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences must demonstrate competency in a foreign language before graduation. The required competency is equivalent to four semesters of study of a single foreign language up to and including Intermediate French II (FREN1110). The Carroll School of Management,听 Lynch School of Education and the Connell School of Nursing do not have a language requirement.
Does the International Baccalaureate (IB) French Language Exam fulfill the 51茶馆 Language proficiency requirement?
Yes. If you scored 6 or higher on the IB Language Exam in French you have already fulfilled the 51茶馆 language proficiency requirement.
Does the AP French Language Exam fulfill the 51茶馆 language proficiency requirement?
Yes. If you scored a 3 or above on the AP French Language Exam you have already fulfilled the 51茶馆听language proficiency requirement. But you are strongly encouraged to continue your study of French at Boston College.
Does the French SAT Subject Test in French fulfill the 51茶馆 language proficiency requirement?
Yes. If you scored 550 or above on the SAT Subject Test in French, you have already fulfilled the 51茶馆 language proficiency requirement. But you are strongly encouraged to continue your study of French at Boston College. (Note that either form of the SAT Subject Test is acceptable: with or without the listening component.)
Can the online placement test be used to fulfill the 51茶馆 language proficiency requirement?
No. The online test helps students who have already studied French with placement but it cannot be used to fulfill the language proficiency requirement. After they take the placement test, students receive a course recommendation in order to enroll during the registration period. During the first week of class, instructors will confirm students鈥� placement. If needed, a change will be made.
Am I allowed to take a course on a pass/fail basis to fulfill the University鈥檚 language proficiency requirement?
No. Students may not take foreign language courses on a pass/fail basis until they have completed the University鈥檚听language proficiency requirement.
Do I have to take a language course at 51茶馆 if I have already fulfilled the language proficiency requirement?
No, but you are welcome to continue studying French if you would like to improve your language skills. We also offer upper level courses for students who want to become highly proficient in French.
Language Lab
The Language Lab serves as a center that provides for the learning and teaching needs of the many different language departments at Boston College. It boasts an extensive collection of textbooks, films, teaching materials, technological equipment, and multimedia language learning tools. The Laboratory, located in Lyons 313, is run by accommodating staff and is accessible throughout the week.
51茶馆 French students can individually also take advantage of the many opportunities facilitated by the Language Laboratory which includes a variety of resources for French learners:
- French language learning titles (including textbooks/workbook-lab manuals/audio and/or video programs)
- Documentary or feature-length films on DVD or VHS video
- French music recordings
- French language reference books (dictionaries, grammar texts)
Coordinators
Andr茅a Javel
Senior Lecturer in French, Andr茅a Javel is Coordinator of our Elementary and Intermediate French Program, serving in that role since 1996. She came to Boston College in 1990, shortly after completing her Masters in Education at Harvard University. In addition to her work as Coordinator and as instructor of French, she also serves as Clinical Faculty Supervisor of undergraduate and graduate students (who are working as student-teachers in the Boston school system) at 51茶馆's Lynch School of Education, as well as member of the Executive Committee of the American Association of Teachers of French.
Johann Sadock
A native of France who has taught French at Boston College for many years, Johann Sadock is the Coordinator of our third-year course, "CCR" (FREN2210, Conversation, Composition and Reading). He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Aberdeen, an M.A. from Michigan State University and degrees in French and Comparative literature, law and political science from L'Universit茅 de Paris-X.
Please note: Prof. Sadock is available for French CCR advising and placement during the academic year only; for advising and placement during the summer, please contact Prof. Franco Mormando.