Fall 2026 Upper-Level Course Descriptions

FRH 216: Literature and Culture

MWF 12-12:50 / Prof. Schroth / Prerequisite: FRH 212, 213, or 214

Qui sont ces gens qui parlent français ? This deceptively simple question is our entry point into a francophone world as diverse as it is unexpected. French is spoken on every continent, but the relationships its speakers have to the language – inherited, imposed, reclaimed, resisted – could not be more different. Through novels, short stories, and films by writers and directors including Ferdinand Oyono, Mariama Bâ, Azouz Begag, Monique Proulx, Euzhan Palcy, Mati Diop, Abdellatif Kechiche, and Xavier Dolan, we will explore four thematic worlds: colonial memory; gender and voice; immigration and assimilation; and identity and belonging. These axes will allow us, at every turn, to ask who are these people who speak French, why do they do so, and what is their relationship to the language? What will emerge is not a single story but a remarkable diversity of voices, storytelling forms, and ways of seeing the French-speaking world. 

*Did you know? You can repeat FRH 216 once for credit when topics vary.

FRH 315: Introduction to French and Francophone Studies

MWF 10-10:50 / Prof. Coly / Prerequisite: FRH 200-level course or equivalent

This course will orient you to the culture and society of France and the French-speaking world from the Gallo-Roman era to the twenty-first century. You will gain an understanding of how French and Francophone identities have developed by examining historical events and their commemoration, remarkable people, and lasting institutions. You will also analyze how artistic and cultural movements represent changes to perspectives and values. This course will improve your capacity to read and interpret primary source texts; develop your ability to place key events, people, and ideas in their larger historical context; and augment your intercultural competence.

*Did you know? FRH 315 is not recommended for students who plan to participate in the WFU Dijon semester program. WFU Dijon students receive credit for this course.

**Please note: FRH 315 is offered only once each academic year, in the fall semester.

FRH 320: French Conversation

MWF 11-11:50 / Prof. Tarte / Prerequisite: FRH 200-level course or equivalent

Imagine yourself on a French café terrace conversing with friends. This course aims to help you express yourself in French more easily and spontaneously in such a setting. You’ll work towards developing specific strategies for conversation on everyday topics, you’ll practice presenting and defending a point of view, and you’ll hone your ability to engage in thoughtful and nuanced discussions with other French speakers. To spark discussion, we’ll use a variety of contemporary texts and materials from around the French-speaking world, so you’ll also expand your vocabulary and your knowledge of different cultures. Come ready to participate and exchange ideas, and you’ll surely develop your skills and confidence speaking in French! This is an ideal course for students who have just completed the WFU basic language requirement and/or intend to study abroad in a French-speaking country later in their college career.

*Did you know? FRH 320 is designed exclusively for second-language learners. French native and heritage speakers may not take this course. If you have spent extended time in a French-speaking country (during study abroad, for example), please contact Professor Tarte to determine if the course is suitable for you.

FRH 330: French for Management

WF 12:30-1:45 / Prof. Vincent / Prerequisite: FRH 319, 329 or prerequisite override required

What communication skills do you need to become an effective leader or manager in the Francophone context? This class will develop your ability to write and speak in a range of professional contexts with attention to cultural nuance. Through analysis of real-world documents, case studies, and current events, you will hone your ability to analyze information, explicate a point of view, present your ideas, and persuade others. Class topics may include diplomacy and negotiation, entrepreneurship, human resources, marketing, and French for medical and humanitarian purposes.

This course will also prepare you for the Business French Certificate exam (Diplôme de Français Professionnel – Affaires), administered by the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de Paris-Île-de-France. Successful completion of this exam will certify your Business French competency according to internationally recognized European Union standards.

FRH 370: Seminar in French Studies: “France’s Landscapes Between Nature and Culture“

MWF 2-2:50 / Prof. Vincent / Prerequisite: FRH 216, 315 or POR 

Parc, jardin, forêt, bois, campagne: These expressions all refer to landscapes shaped by the relationship between humans and other living things, particularly plants. In France, how is this relationship mediated through culture? How are landscapes in France designed and used? How do they communicate meaning? In this French Studies capstone seminar, you will investigate the making and meaning of landscapes in France, including urban and rural landscapes, from those found in Paris to those in overseas departments and territories. You will read a variety of texts that give different perspectives on these spaces. You will hone your analytical skills and experiment with theoretical frames through class discussions. In addition, you will develop your capacity to express your ideas through written and oral presentations. Finally, you will conduct individual research on a pertinent topic of your choice.