UBC Okanagan

Course Descriptions

French, Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies

FREN: French

Students cannot take language courses out of sequence. Once a student successfully completes a French language course, they can no longer enroll in a course that is below the level of the last course that has been completed. Students should consult an advisor to ensure that they are enrolling in a level-appropriate French language course.

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FREN 101 (3) Elementary French I

For the beginner. Prepares students to understand and use familiar everyday expressions and to function in basic situations such as communicating personal details and responding in simple social settings. Corresponds to level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

FREN 102 (3) Elementary French II

Continuation of Elementary French I. Completes level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Prerequisite: FREN 101 or prior introductory French course at CEFR Level A1.

FREN 103 (3) Upper Elementary French I

Prepares students to understand and use sentences and frequently used expressions related to their everyday life, such as simple and routine tasks requiring a direct exchange of information. Corresponds to level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Prerequisite: French 11 or FREN 102 or CEFR Level A1.

FREN 104 (3) Upper Elementary French II

Continuation of Upper Elementary French I. Completes level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Prerequisite: FREN 103 or prior introductory French course at CEFR Level A2.

FREN 115 (3) First-Year Oral French Practice I

Emphasizes oral communicative proficiency in French. Students are required to give oral presentations and actively participate in various group activities designed to improve vocabulary as well as oral and aural fluency. Students are required to complete individual and group assignments outside of scheduled class hours. Not available to students who have completed French 12 Immersion or with CEFR level B1 or higher.
Prerequisite: One of FREN 104, French 12, CEFR level A2.

FREN 122 (3) Intermediate French I

Refinement of reading, writing and speaking skills through the study of contemporary literature and other authentic documents of the French-speaking world. Corresponds to level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Prerequisite: One of FREN 104, French 12, or CEFR level A2.

FREN 123 (3) Intermediate French II

Continuation of FREN 122.
Prerequisite: FREN 122, or prior introductory French course at CEFR Level B1.

FREN 215 (3) Oral French Practice II

Consists of conversational and listening comprehension activities, review of grammar, and vocabulary expansion exercises. Students will be expected to participate actively in group activities and to give frequent oral presentations. Not available to students with CEFR level B2 or higher. [3-1-0]
Prerequisite: One of FREN 115, FREN 123 or French 12 Immersion.

FREN 221 (3) French Literature and Textual Analysis II

An introduction to literary analysis and academic writing through the study of representative works from the eighteenth century to the present.
Prerequisite: FREN 123.

FREN 222 (3) French Language and Style I

Grammar, vocabulary, composition, language in context.
Prerequisite: FREN 123.

FREN 223 (3) French Language and Style II

Grammar, vocabulary, composition, language in context.
Prerequisite: FREN 222.

FREN 327 (3/9) d Studies in Cinema

Thematic survey of Francophone film considered in a broad cultural context. Topics will vary. With different topics this course may be taken more than once for credit.
Prerequisite: FREN 223.

FREN 330 (3) Quebecois Literature

Study of Quebec literature through a number of characteristic works from the end of the nineteenth century to the present.
Prerequisite: FREN 223.
Corequisite: FREN 353.

FREN 338 (3) French Society and Culture

Critical approach to French society considered in a broad cultural context.
Prerequisite: FREN 223.

FREN 344 (3) Techniques of Oral Expression in French I

Training in formal oral presentation in French. Emphasis on structured expression and oral delivery.
Prerequisite: FREN 215 and FREN 223. Both FREN 215 and FREN 223, or CEFR level B2 or higher.

FREN 345 (3) Techniques of Oral Expression in French II

Further training in formal oral presentation in French. Emphasis on structured expression and oral delivery.
Prerequisite: FREN 215 and FREN 223. Both FREN 215 and FREN 223, or CEFR level B2 or higher.

FREN 353 (3) French Grammar

Systematic study of the fundamental principles of French grammar.
Prerequisite: A score more than 65% in FREN 223.

FREN 355 (3) Advanced Composition

Development of essay writing skills in French.
Prerequisite: FREN 353.

FREN 357 (3) Translation I

Comparative study of French and English through translation.
Prerequisite: FREN 223.

FREN 360 (3) The Body in French Literature: 1100-1800

Representations of the body as a focus to the study of literary movements and genres in French literature. Selected works of fiction, drama, and poetry from the middle ages to the end of the eighteenth century are discussed in their historical and literary context.
Prerequisite: FREN 223.
Corequisite: FREN 353.

FREN 362 (3) Modernity in Words and Images

Studies specific literary movements and genres through the textual analysis of selected works (fiction, drama, and poetry) taken from the nineteenth, twentieth and twenty-first centuries. The historical and literary backgrounds of the works selected are discussed.
Prerequisite: FREN 223.
Corequisite: FREN 353.

FREN 380 (3/9) d Selected Studies in French

In English. Intensive examination of selected topics in French or French language, literature, culture, and linguistics. With different topics, this course may be taken more than once for credit. May be taken for credit toward the French Major or Minor, and the Languages Major if coursework is submitted in French.
Prerequisite: Third year standing.

FREN 419 (3) Studies in Women's Writing

Prerequisite: FREN 353 and one of FREN 330, FREN 360, FREN 362.

FREN 420 (3-9) d Selected Topics in French Literature and Culture

Topics vary each time the course is offered. May be taken up to three times for a total of 9 credits.
Prerequisite: FREN 353 and one of FREN 330, FREN 360, FREN 362.

FREN 421 (3) For Adults Only: Fairy Tales in 17th & 18th Century France

Examines some of the most popular fairy tales of seventeenth- and eighteenth-century France. It will focus on gendered constructions of the Merveilleux by comparing thematic and stylistic elements of Perrault's tales with those of the conteuses.
Prerequisite: FREN 353 and one of FREN 330, FREN 360, FREN 362.

FREN 430 (3) Quebecois Poetry

Examines works from selected Quebecois poets from the nineteenth century to the present.
Prerequisite: FREN 353 and one of FREN 330, FREN 360, FREN 362.

FREN 435 (3) Critical Approaches to French Studies

Examination of critical approaches crucial to the definition of French literature and culture from the late nineteenth century to the twenty-first century. Taught in French.
Prerequisite: FREN 353 and one of FREN 330, FREN 360, FREN 362.

FREN 439 (3) Female Voice in 17th & 18th Century French Novels

Examines women's narratives in epistolary texts drawn from seventeenth- and eighteenth-century France. It explores the ways by which women manipulate this genre to express their own voices.
Prerequisite: FREN 353 and one of FREN 330, FREN 360, FREN 362.

FREN 444 (3) French for Work: Professional Oral Performance

Oral expressions, such as academic and professional presentations, debates, and public speaking. Exposure to regional and foreign French accents through a selection of audiovisual material. Of use to students pursuing careers in teaching or international relations, or applying for graduate programs in French.
Prerequisite: Either (a) FREN 344 or (b) FREN 345; and one of FREN 330, FREN 360, FREN 362.

FREN 446 (3) French for Play: Creative Oral Performance

French vocabulary and pronunciation. Participation in creative and literary oral performances, works or segments taken from a selection of fables, fairytales, and comedies. Exposure to regional and foreign accents through a selection of audiovisual material. Of use to students pursuing teaching careers or contemplating graduate programs in French.
Prerequisite: Either (a) FREN 344 or (b) FREN 345; and one of FREN 330, FREN 360, FREN 362.

FREN 453 (3) Advanced Grammar

Study of advanced grammatical structures and their applications in context.
Prerequisite: A score of 65% or higher in FREN 353.

FREN 457 (3) Translation II

Applied translation from French to English and from English to French. Different translation methods and intermediate to advanced terminology in comparative stylistics.
Prerequisite: FREN 357.

FREN 460 (3) 17th-Century French Tragedy

French classical tragedies through works of Corneille and Racine. Aesthetic and political forces that helped shape these plays will be examined as well as the relationship between theatre and political power. Works will be studied in their socio-historical context and using current literary criticism. This course takes an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating European visual representations of Baroque and Classical aesthetics to assist with comprehension and analysis of texts.
Prerequisite: FREN 353 and one of FREN 330, FREN 360, FREN 362.

FREN 461 (3) 17th- and 18th-Century French Comedy

Explores French comedies through a selection of works by authors such as Molière, Lesage, Marivaux, and Beaumarchais. Examines the aesthetic and political forces that shaped these plays, as well as the relationships between comedy and the representation of class and gender. Plays will be studied in their socio-historical context and approached using current literary criticism.
Prerequisite: FREN 353 and one of FREN 330, FREN 360, FREN 362.

FREN 480 (3/6) c Directed Studies

Directed readings and/or research in a clearly defined area of French literature, culture, or language, and the writing of a substantive assignment. The student and the faculty member will work in French.
Prerequisite: Fourth-year standing. Students must have a minimum of 76% average in all upper-level FREN courses and a minimum of 15 credits of upper-level FREN. Permission of both the department and the supervising faculty member required.