French
French is spoken on five continents—one of the main languages of international business, sport, and diplomacy.
The Department of Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures offers a French major and minor that combine small class sizes with a faculty of nationally and internationally active scholars—with whom you have the opportunity to do research and present—to give you a remarkably personalized educational experience.
You will have a wide range of study abroad opportunities not only in France, but also in Belgium, French Guiana, Madagascar, Morocco, Québec, Senegal, and Switzerland.
Join us and take advantage of:
- Small class sizes, in addition to working one-on-one with advanced-level French tutors, native speakers, and our internationally-recognized French faculty
- Internship opportunities in the U.S. and a wide range of French-speaking countries
- Access to a rich international community on campus, as well as outside speakers and performers
- Use of Butler’s student Modern Language Center (MLC) and its wealth of movies, technology, tutoring, and lounge areas
- The option to complete the degree in just three years
Browse our course offerings.
Financial Support
Please read through these lists of numerous Prestigious Scholarship Opportunities (scroll down to “language study”), as well as study abroad scholarships (CIEE and IFSA-Butler) and travel grants.
Check out the annual Liberal Arts and Sciences $1,000 essay contest (typically due by January), the annual John Weidner Endowed Scholarship for Altruism (typically due by March), and the annual Corrine Welling Scholarship (typically due by April).
For international students, here’s some advice and information on Scholarships and Grants set aside specifically for you.
If you encounter a short-term, unforeseen financial hardship or immediate expense that’s impacting your academic success, please read about the Butler Emergency Assistance Fund.
French Requirements effective Fall 2025
Overview
The French major consists of a minimum 30 hours.
At least 21 of these hours must be at the 300 level or above.
At least one course must be at the 400 level.
Students who major in French normally include study abroad in their programs.
For Core requirements, please visit the Core Curriculum website.
French Courses
- FR 101, Discover French I (3)
- FR 102, Discover French II (3)
- FR 203, Explore French I (3)
- FR 204, Explore French II (3)
- FR 300, French Conversation (3)
- FR 305, French for Communication: Oral Emphasis (3)
- FR 310, French for Communication: Written Emphasis (3)
- FR 315, French for Business (3)
- FR 316, Survey of French Civilization (3)
- FR 318, Intro to Francophone Cultures (3)
- FR 320, French Myths and Legends (3)
- FR 325, Intro to French Linguistics (3)
- FR 330, French-English Translation (3)
- FR 335, French Humor (3)
- FR 345, France and the Francophone World: 1900 to Present (3)
- FR 350, Francophone Africa (3)
- FR 390, Topics in French (may be repeated with different topics) (3)
- FR 391, Independent Study (1)
- FR 392, Independent Study (2)
- FR 393, Independent Study (3)
- FR 401, Internship in French (counts as 300- or 400-level elective) (1)
- FR 402, Internship in French (counts as 300- or 400-level elective) (2)
- FR 403, Internship in French (counts as 300- or 400-level elective) (3)
- FR 490, French Seminar (3)
- FR 491, Independent Study (1)
- FR 492, Independent Study (2)
- FR 493, Independent Study (3)
- FR 499, Honors in Thesis in French (counts as 300-level elective) (3)
- FL 390, French-focused Seminar (in English; counts toward French major only, not minor; may only be counted once) (3)
- FL 499, Senior Keystone (in English; strongly encouraged for all senior majors and minors, does not count toward major or minor) (1)
NOTE: Requirements for incoming students may not reflect the degree requirements of current students.
Current students are encouraged to consult their academic advisement report in my.butler.edu to see their individual requirements and progress toward program completion. However, students are welcome to consult the Modern Languages department chair, who determines program completion confirmation.
French Requirements effective Fall 2025
Overview
The French minor consists of a minimum 21 hours in eligible courses.
At least 12 of these hours must be at the 300 level or above.
Students who minor in French normally include study abroad in their programs.
Courses Offered
- FR 101, Discover French I (3)
- FR 102, Discover French II (3)
- FR 203, Explore French I (3)
- FR 204, Explore French II (3)
- FR 300, French Conversation (3)
- FR 305, French for Communication: Oral Emphasis (3)
- FR 310, French for Communication: Written Emphasis (3)
- FR 315, French for Business (3)
- FR 316, Survey of French Civilization (3)
- FR 318, Intro to Francophone Cultures (3)
- FR 320, French Myths and Legends (3)
- FR 325, Intro to French Linguistics (3)
- FR 330, French-English Translation (3)
- FR 335, French Humor (3)
- FR 345, France and the Francophone World: 1900 to Present (3)
- FR 350, Francophone Africa (3)
- FR 390, Topics in French (may be repeated with different topics) (3)
- FR 391, Independent Study (1)
- FR 392, Independent Study (2)
- FR 393, Independent Study (3)
- FR 401, Internship in French (counts as 300- or 400-level elective) (1)
- FR 402, Internship in French (counts as 300- or 400-level elective) (2)
- FR 403, Internship in French (counts as 300- or 400-level elective) (3)
- FR 490, French Seminar (3)
- FR 491, Independent Study (1)
- FR 492, Independent Study (2)
- FR 493, Independent Study (3)
- FR 499, Honors in Thesis in French (counts as 300-level elective) (3)
- FL 499, Senior Keystone (in English; strongly encouraged for all senior majors and minors, does not count toward major or minor) (1)
NOTE: Requirements for incoming students may not reflect the degree requirements of current students.
Current students are encouraged to consult their academic advisement report in my.butler.edu to see their individual requirements and progress toward program completion. However, students are welcome to consult the Modern Languages department chair, who determines program completion confirmation.
To declare a French major or minor, simply complete a “Major/Minor/Program Change Form” in the Dean’s office of your primary major. The LAS Dean’s office is located in Jordan Hall 237.
Under “old plan”, list all majors and minors that you currently have.
Under “new plan”, list all of the majors and minors that you want to appear on your transcripts. If there is more than one major, document which will be your primary major and which will be your secondary major. List all minors.
Example:
Old: English – primary major
No minors
New: English – primary major
French – secondary major
Psychology – minor
The sooner you declare a major or minor, the sooner you can ensure that you are on track to complete all the requirements.
Once the form has completed the approval process, Registration and Records will update your My.Butler portal. The Administrative Specialist in Modern Languages (MLLC) will email you with an acknowledgment of the added major or minor, and assign an advisor if necessary. The advisor can help you find a selection of language courses that complement your other work being done at the University, as well as help you prepare for study abroad programs.
Below is a listing of classes that may be offered during your studies at Butler. For the most updated topics and other information, please review our course offerings.
FR101 Discover French I
First semester of first year French. This course will introduce students to the French language and French and Francophone cultures. Students will learn the first steps of interpersonal communication in French (greetings, daily activities, family relations, sports, seasons and weather, days of the weeks, food and drinks, etc.). They will discover key aspects of French and Francophone Cultures through video material, short articles, films (e.g. French-speaking countries, customs related to everyday interactions, typical foods, etc.). Classroom activities foster communication (emphasis on listening and speaking), basic vocabulary building and assimilation of basic structures as well as cultural competence. Prerequisite: Placement in FR 101, or permission of the department chair (U)(3)
FR102 Discover French 2
Second semester of first year French. This course builds on the language skills acquired in FR101 and offers continued engagement with French and Francophone Cultures. Students will continue to learn vocabulary and basic structures to engage in everyday life conversations (daily routine, clothes, shopping, professional life, arts, media, etc.). Emphasis on self-expression and communication. Students will further engage with French and Francophone Cultures through video material, short articles, films (various topics related to current events). Classroom activities foster communication (emphasis on listening and speaking), basic vocabulary building and assimilation of basic structures as well as cultural competence. Prerequisite: FR 101 or equivalent, placement in FR 102, or permission of the department chair (U)(3)
FR203 Explore French I
First semester of second year French. This course will serve as a review of the fundamentals learned in the 100 sequence. It will also introduce new concepts and vocabulary necessary for discussing more complex topics (such as education, social issues, immigration), talk about past events, future plans, cultural differences, etc. Students will continue developing conversational skills and exploring French and the Francophone Cultures through films, music and short readings. As in the 100 sequence, the emphasis will be on communication and interpersonal interaction. Prerequisite: FR 102 or equivalent, placement in FR 203, or permission from the department chair. (U)(3)
FR204 Explore French II
Second semester of second year French. This is the final course in the 100/200 sequence of language courses. Students will further review, and expand on, fundamentals and gain confidence in their ability to communicate in French in various common situations. They will learn new concepts and vocabulary for discussing more complex topics (such as the environment, health, current events), talking about hypothetical events, and expressing feelings and emotions. Students will continue developing conversational skills and exploring French and Francophone Cultures through films, music, and short readings. As in previous courses, the emphasis will be on communication and interpersonal interaction. Prerequisite: FR 203 or equivalent, placement in FR 204, or permission of the department chair. (U)(3)
FR300 Conversation
In this course, students will learn strategies and familiar expressions to participate and initiate real life conversations in French. They will practice understanding oral French and exchanging ideas on various topics introduced by movies, songs, short articles and videos and related to important cultural aspects of the French and Francophone world. Topics will vary but can cover personal relationships, pop culture, family life, personal opinions and values, social issues, etc. Students will engage in cross-cultural comparisons between France and the French-speaking world and the U.S. The emphasis will be on interpersonal, presentational and interpretive skills. Prerequisite: FR 204 or equivalent, placement in FR 300-305, or permission of the department chair. (U)(3)
FR305 Modern French Culture
In this course, students will focus on key aspects of modern French society in order to compare and contrast with the American way of life, develop intercultural awareness and build vocabulary. Topics will cover large themes such as political and social issues, current events, education, work-life balance, the judicial system, the environment, health care in France, France and/in the European Union, France and/in the world. Prerequisite: FR 204 or equivalent, placement in FR 300-305, or permission of the department chair. (U)(3)
FR310 French for Communication: Written Emphasis
Development of written skills in French through description, narration and argumentation. Peer-editing, rewriting, grammar review. Discussions based on student writing and selected readings. Prerequisite: FR204, placement at the 300 level, or permission of the department chair. (U)(3) Annually, term varies
FR315 French for Business
Introduction to the French business world and examination of its structures, institutions, procedures and terminology. Prerequisite: two years of college French or placement on the 300 level. (U)
FR316 Survey of French Civilization
Study of French civilization from its origins to the present time. Focus will be on the people, cultural processes, and ideas that have shaped the country. Prerequisite: Completion of at least one course from FR300-FR315, or permission of the instructor and department chair. (U)(3) Occasionally
FR318 Intro to Francophone Cultures
Introduction to the cultures of the Francophone world. Study of historical background, linguistic characteristics, literature, music, and cinema of areas with a strong Francophone presence. Prerequisite: Completion of at least one course from FR300-FR315, or permission of the instructor and department chair. (U)(3) Occasionally
FR320 French Myths and Legends
Myths and legends constitute a valuable means through which to consider a country and its inhabitants. By analyzing the myths and legends that have withstood the passage of time, we can better understand the way people of a specific region perceive(d) the world around them. France has its share of myths, marvels and haunted manors. From La Fée Mélusine, to the legend of the Château d¿If, Barbe Bleue, the Beast of the Gévaudan, the Monoliths of Carnar, the Cathars knights and the Abbaye of Mortemer among many others, few among the French people have never heard some or all these stories of unexplained phenomena, ghost-inhabited fortresses and nocturnal encounters of the spooky kind.
In this course, students will be introduced to the `marvelous¿ and `supernatural¿ genres as defined by Tzvetan Todorov. We will read excerpts of French texts as well as watch some of the movies that have adapted these myths for modern audiences. This course aims to define the French collective imagination and its evolution. As a group, we will ponder the following questions: Where do these myths and legends come from? What do they tell us about the time during which they emerged? How and why did they manage to transcend space and time? What do they tell us about the French, their collective imagination, and their relationship to fear, from then to now? Prerequisite: Completion of at least one course from FR300-FR315, or permission of the instructor and department chair. (U)(3)
FR325 Intro to French Linguistics
Basic elements of French linguistics, phonetics, phonology, and stylistics. Prerequisite:Completion of at least one course from FR300-FR315, or permission of the instructor and department chair. (U)(3) Occasionally
FR330 French-English Translation for Linguistic and Cultural Awareness
French-English translation of news, editorial, review, literary, and other texts to develop language and cultural skills. Vocabulary building and appreciation of cultural differences as reflected in language. Prerequisite: Completion of at least one course from FR300-FR315, or permission of the instructor and department chair. (U)(3) Occasionally
FR335 French Humor
Laughter and humor are deeply anchored in the fabric of what makes us human. As French philosopher Henri Bergson states in his essay ¿Laughter,¿ laughing is a reflex brought about by a stimulus, may it be a word, an object or a situation. It can even erupt as the manifestation of nervosity. Yet, what actually makes us laugh is also, and more importantly, inherently cultural. It does not take one long in a foreign country to realize that understanding humor in a foreign language constitutes one of the most difficult tasks.
Starting in the Middle-Ages with Gargantua, the students will be exposed to excerpts from French canonic texts, plays and graphic art to grasp the evolution of French humor up to now. Students will become familiar with some of the most famous French comedies, known jokes and stand-up comedians that the French considered hilarious then and now. What makes the French laugh and why? These are the questions this course aims to answer. Prerequisite: Completion of at least one course from FR300-FR315, or permission of the instructor and department chair. (U)(3)
FR340 France: 18th and 19th Centuries
Survey of the evolution of France in the 18th and 19th centuries through the study of literature and other cultural material. Prerequisite: Completion of at least one course from FR300-FR315, or permission of the instructor and department chair. (U)(3) Occasionally
FR345 France and Francophone World: 1900 to Present
A survey of France and the Francophone world in the 20th and 21st centuries through the study of literature and other cultural material. Prerequisites: Completion of at least one course from FR300-FR315, or permission of the instructor and department chair. (U)(3) Occasionally
FR350 Francophone Africa
This course focuses on francophone African countries (both in North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa) and their contributions to the world. Students will learn about Africa¿s diversity (geography, peoples, languages, cultures) and about some of the great African civilizations before the arrival of Europeans. Students will examine the impact and lasting effects of French colonization and the varieties of French spoken on the continent. They will explore various African cultural productions such as music, dance, literature, cinema, cuisine, fashion and other art forms (masks, decorative arts and photography). They will discover the many reciprocal cultural exchanges between Africa and the rest of the world. This course includes visits to local sites (Newfields, Global Village), guest speakers and hands-on learning (trying African instruments, learning some African dance steps, learning about and creating a mask according to a specific African tradition). Prerequisite: Completion of at least one course from FR 300-FR 315 or permission of the instructor and department chair. (U)(3)
FR 390 Topics in French
Study of a selected topic in the cultures of France and/or the Francophone World. Themes may deal with literary, social, political, and/or esthetic concerns of these regions of the world. May be repeated with different topics. Completion of at least one course from FR300-FR315, or permission of the instructor and department chair. (U)(3)
FR391/2/3 Independent Study
An opportunity for qualified students to pursue a topic of special interest in French. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor and department chair. (U/G)(1/2/3) Annually, term varies
FR401/2/3 Internship in French
A faculty-supervised work experience in schools, hospitals, not-for-profits, government, media, business, or other institutions. Primary language must be French. May be completed abroad or in the United States. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the internship program and permission of the department chair. (U)(1/2/3) Fall, spring, and summer
FR490 Seminar
Study of a selected topic in the cultures of French-speaking countries. Themes may deal with literary, social, political, and/or aesthetic concerns of these countries, of one nation, or of a region. Course may be repeated with each different topic. Prerequisite: Three years of college French or the equivalent. (U/G)(3) Annually, term varies
FR491/2/3 Independent Study
An opportunity for qualified students to pursue a topic of special interest in French. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor and department chair. (U/G)(1/2/3) Annually, term varies
FR499 Honors Thesis
(U)(3) Annually, term varies
What Bulldogs Dream, We Do
Alex Still ’14
After graduation, French and dance pedagogy double major Alex Still headed to France, the recipient of the Fulbright French Government Teaching Award.
She would teach English to middle and high school students in the northern city of Lille.
This was a bit of a homecoming—Alex spent one summer studying abroad in Dijon.
“I hope to stay over there for a few years at least,” she said.
All applicants for this type of Fulbright Award are required to propose a side project that they will complete in addition to teaching English.
Alex proposed bringing the concept of the Butler Community Arts School to France, volunteering in a school needing arts education.
So, in addition to teaching English, Alex would do just as she did at Butler—utilize the French language and dance.
“It’s been awesome to be able to have other interests and not be restricted to one major. Following The Butler Way has truly gotten me where I am today.”