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 Major and Minor (two pager) (PDF)
Overview
The French major consists of a minimum 33 hours.
At least 24 of these hours must be at the 300 level or above, including at least one 300-level Skills course.
At least two courses 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.
Skills Courses
- FR 305, French for Communication: Oral Emphasis (3)
- FR 310, French for Communication: Written Emphasis (3)
Additional Courses
- FR 316, Survey of French Civilization (3)
- FR 318, Intro to Francophone Cultures (3)
- FR 320, Contemporary French Culture (3)
- FR 325, Intro to French Linguistics (3)
- FR 330, Translation (3)
- FR 335, France: Middle Ages to 1700 (3)
- FR 340, France: 18th and 19th Century (3)
- FR 345, France and the Francophone World: 1900 to Present (3)
- FR 393, Topics in French (may be repeated with different topics) (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 415, The French Renaissance (3)
- FR 425, 17th Century France (3)
- FR 435, 18th Century France (3)
- FR 450, 19th Century France (3)
- FR 465, 20th and 21st Century French and Francophone Novels (3)
- FR 475, 20th and 21st Century French and Francophone Plays (3)
- FR 485, Topics: Francophone Studies (may be repeated with different topics) (3)
- FR 490, French Seminar (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) (1)
Suggested Supplemental Courses (in English)
- GHS 203, Global and Historical Studies (GHS): Modernizing and Contemporary Europe (Core) (3)
- GHS 206, Global and Historical Studies (GHS): Resistance & Reaction – Colonialism and Post-Colonialism in Africa (Core) (3)
- GHS 209, Global and Historical Studies (GHS): Revolutionary Europe and Nigeria (Core) (3)
- HN 206, Honors Global and Historical Studies (GHS): Colonialism and Post-Colonialism in Africa (Honors) (3)
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 Major and Minor (two pager) (PDF)
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 305, French for Communication: Oral Emphasis (3)
- FR 310, French for Communication: Written Emphasis (3)
- FR 316, Survey of French Civilization (3)
- FR 318, Intro to Francophone Cultures (3)
- FR 320, Contemporary French Culture (3)
- FR 325, Intro to French Linguistics (3)
- FR 330, Translation (3)
- FR 335, France: Middle Ages to 1700 (3)
- FR 340, France: 18th and 19th Century (3)
- FR 345, France and the Francophone World: 1900 to Present (3)
- FR 393, Topics in French (may be repeated with different topics) (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 415, The French Renaissance (3)
- FR 425, 17th Century France (3)
- FR 435, 18th Century France (3)
- FR 450, 19th Century France (3)
- FR 465, 20th and 21st Century French and Francophone Novels (3)
- FR 475, 20th and 21st Century French and Francophone Plays (3)
- FR 485, Topics: Francophone Studies (may be repeated with different topics) (3)
- FR 490, French Seminar (3)
- FR 499, Honors in Thesis in French (counts as 300-level elective) (3)
Suggested Supplemental Courses (in English)
- 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) (1)
- GHS 203, Global and Historical Studies (GHS): Modernizing and Contemporary Europe (Core) (3)
- GHS 206, Global and Historical Studies (GHS): Resistance & Reaction – Colonialism and Post-Colonialism in Africa (Core) (3)
- GHS 209, Global and Historical Studies (GHS): Revolutionary Europe and Nigeria (Core) (3)
- HN 206, Honors Global and Historical Studies (GHS): Colonialism and Post-Colonialism in Africa (Honors) (3)
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 Beginning French 1
Development of speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills and insights into French and Francophone cultures. Prerequisite: Contact a Butler French Professor for permission. (U)(3) Annually, term varies
FR102 Beginning French 2
Continuation of FR101. Development of speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills and insights into French and Francophone cultures. Prerequisite: FR101 or placement test authorization. (U)(3) Annually, term varies
FR203 Intermediate French I
Review of basics and new grammatical structures and vocabulary. Continued practice in listening, speaking, reading, and writing to develop competence in French. Study of cultural texts. Prerequisite: FR102 or placement test authorization. (U)(3) Annually, term varies
FR204 Intermediate French II
Continuation of FR203. Further review of basics and new grammatical structures and vocabulary. Continued practice in listening, speaking, reading, and writing to develop competence in French. Study of cultural texts. Prerequisite: FR203 or placement by evaluation or the equivalent. (U)(3) Annually, term varies
FR300 Oral and Written Communication
Intensive work on oral and written skills through grammar review, readings, films. Discussions, oral presentations, short essays, rewriting, work on pronunciation. Prerequisites: Two years of college French or placement at the 300 level. (U)(3) Annually, term varies
FR305 French for Communication: Oral Emphasis
Conversations, discussions and individual presentations based on readings, films, etc. Vocabulary building and grammar review supported by written exercises. Prerequisite: two years of college French or placement on the 300 level. (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 Contemporary French Culture
Study of contemporary French culture using news media, films, interviews, online newspapers, TV programs in the French language, etc. Prerequisite: Completion of at least one course from FR300-FR315, or permission of the instructor and department chair. (U)(3) Annually, term varies
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 France: Middle Ages to 1700
A survey of the evolution of France from the Middle Ages to 1700 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
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
FR393 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) Occasionally
FR401 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) Fall, spring, and summer
FR402 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)(2) Fall, spring, and summer
FR403 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)(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 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) Annually, term varies
FR492 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)(2) Annually, term varies
FR493 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)(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.”