lecture hall rows

French Courses

This is a list of all courses offered in the program. Visit the Upcoming Courses page for a list of courses offered for the current and next semester (when available).

FRENCH 103 First-Semester French
4 cr. Undergraduate.
For students who have not studied French previously. Oral practice, grammar, and reading. Language laboratory required.
Prerequisites: none.
Course Rules: Counts as repeat of FRENCH 113. Open only to students with 2 yrs HS French or less or score of 1 on the French placement exam.
Last Taught: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023.
FRENCH 104 Second-Semester French
4 cr. Undergraduate.
Continuation of FRENCH 103. Further drill in the language laboratory.
Prerequisites: grade of C or better in FRENCH 103(P) or level 2 score on French placement exam or consent of instructor. Generates L&S credit for demonstrated equivalent preparation (4 retro cr).
Course Rules: Counts as repeat of FRENCH 114.
Last Taught: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023.
FRENCH 110 French for Travelers
1-2 cr. Undergraduate.
Basic conversational French for travelers. For students with no knowledge of French as well as for those with a basic foundation in the language. Useful vocabulary and cultural information.
Prerequisites: none.
Last Taught: Fall 2015, Spring 2015, Fall 2014, Spring 2014.
FRENCH 145 Views of France:
3 cr. Undergraduate.
In-depth study of selected aspects of French civilization as reflected in literature.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: HU
Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023.
FRENCH 146 Learning French Culture through Cuisine
3 cr. Undergraduate.
French Culture, History and Geography through the lense of France's greatest cultural export -- its cuisine.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: HU
Course Rules: Counts as repeat of FRENCH 145 with the same title.
FRENCH 192 First-Year Seminar:
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Specific topics are announced in the Schedule of Classes each time the class is offered.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: HU
Course Rules: Open only to freshmen. Students may earn cr in just one L&S First-Year Sem (course numbers 192, 193, 194).
Last Taught: Fall 2018, Fall 2017, Fall 2009, Fall 2007.
FRENCH 197 Study Abroad:
1-12 cr. Undergraduate.
Designed to enroll students in UWM sponsored program before course work level, content and credits are determined and/or in specially prepared program course work.
Prerequisites: acceptance in Study Abroad Program.
Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic.
Last Taught: Summer 2025, Fall 2018, Summer 2016, Fall 2015.
FRENCH 199 Independent Study
1-4 cr. Undergraduate.
For further information consult department chair.
Prerequisites: 2.0 GPA and consent of instructor, department chair, and Assistant Dean for Student Academic Services.
Course Rules: May not be retaken for credit.
Last Taught: Fall 2019, Spring 2003, Summer 1994, Spring 1994.
FRENCH 203 Third-Semester French
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Review and further study of language and culture with emphasis on the development of reading skills.
Prerequisites: grade of C or better in FRENCH 104(P) or FRENCH 114(P) or level 3 score on French placement exam or cons instructor. Generates L&S credit for demonstrated equivalent preparation (8 retro cr).
Last Taught: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023.
FRENCH 204 Fourth-Semester French
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Continuation of FRENCH 203. Review of main grammatical concepts. Readings in modern French and Francophone literature.
Prerequisites: grade of C or better in FRENCH 203(P) or level 4 score on French placement exam or consent of instructor; FRENCH 213(R). Generates L&S credit for demonstrated equivalent preparation (11 retro cr).
Last Taught: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023.
FRENCH 210 French Immersion: Intermediate
1-2 cr. Undergraduate.
Concentrated, structured practice of spoken French; contemporary topics; small-group setting with native speakers, simulates immersion experience. Build vocabulary, improve communication skills. Weekend, interim, or short-term summer modules. Specific credits announced in Schedule whenever course is offered.
Prerequisites: FRENCH 203(P) or consent of instructor.
Course Rules: May be retaken to 4 cr max.
Last Taught: Spring 2015, Spring 2014, Spring 2013, Spring 2012.
FRENCH 277 French Discussion Section:
1-2 cr. Undergraduate.
Discussion in French, designed to broaden perspectives, improve language skills.
Prerequisites: FRENCH 204(P) or consent of instructor.
Course Rules: Offered in conjunction with courses in other disciplines (Anthropology, History, Political Science, etc). Retakable with change in topic to 6 cr max.
Last Taught: Spring 2022, Spring 2017.
FRENCH 289 Internship in French
1-6 cr. Undergraduate.
Application of basic principles of French in a business, organizational, educational, political, or other appropriate setting.
Prerequisites: FRENCH 103(P) or FRENCH 113(P), 2.25 GPA, and consent of instructor.
Course Rules: One cr earned for academic work based on 40 hours in internship. May be retaken to 6 cr max.
Last Taught: Fall 2018, Summer 2006, Fall 2004, Summer 2003.
FRENCH 296 UROP Apprenticeship
1-3 cr. Undergraduate.
Undergraduate research participation in a project developed with a supervising member of the faculty or staff. One credit for 45 hrs research.
Prerequisites: acceptance into UROP; prior or conc reg in UROP seminar.
Course Rules: May be retaken to 9 cr max.
FRENCH 297 Study Abroad:
1-12 cr. Undergraduate.
Designed to enroll students in UWM sponsored program before course work level, content and credits are determined and/or in specially prepared program course work.
Prerequisites: acceptance for Study Abroad Prog; conc reg in French 595(C).
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic.
Last Taught: Spring 2025, Summer 2024, Summer 2023, Summer 2022.
FRENCH 299 Ad Hoc:
1-6 cr. Undergraduate.
Course created expressly for offering in a specified enrollment period. Requires only dept & assoc dean approval. In exceptional circumstances, can be offered in one additional semester.
Prerequisites: none; additional prerequisites may be assigned to specific topic.
Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic.
Last Taught: Spring 2002, Fall 1999, Fall 1998, Fall 1997.
FRENCH 303 Conversation and Composition: Intermediate Level
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Development of ability to understand, read, speak and write French, with emphasis on everyday language and culture.
Prerequisites: grade C or better in FRENCH 204(P) or level 5 score on French placement exam or consent of instructor; may be taken concurrently with FRENCH 204 with a grade of B or better in FRENCH 203(P). Generates L&S credit for demonstrated equivalent preparation (14 retro cr).
General Education Requirements: HU
Last Taught: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023.
FRENCH 324 Contemporary French Language and Culture
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Introduction to contemporary French culture through the use of authentic materials (video, oral interviews, literary and journalistic writing).
Prerequisites: FRENCH 303(P) or consent of instructor. Generates L&S credit for demonstrated equivalent preparation (14 retro cr).
General Education Requirements: HU
Last Taught: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Spring 2022.
FRENCH 325 Intensive Grammar and Usage
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Grammatical structures; levels of styles; written accuracy and proficiency.
Prerequisites: FRENCH 303(P) or consent of instructor. Generates L&S credit for demonstrated equivalent preparation (14 retro cr).
Last Taught: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Fall 2022.
FRENCH 332 Reading French Texts
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Rules and concepts involved in reading and understanding poetry and prose. Practice in developing skills by literary analysis.
Prerequisites: FRENCH 303(P) or consent of instructor; FRENCH 324(R) and FRENCH 325(R).
General Education Requirements: HU
Last Taught: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023.
FRENCH 334 French on Screen
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Contemporary French and Francophone cultures as represented in recent French language film and video.
Prerequisites: FRENCH 303(P) or consent of instructor; FRENCH 324 and FRENCH 325 recommended.
FRENCH 349 Studies in French Culture:
2-4 cr. Undergraduate.
A specific aspect of French culture combining class lectures and on-site visits.
Prerequisites: FRENCH 303(P) or consent of instructor; acceptance for Study Abroad Program, and concurrent enrollment in FRENCH 595(C).
Course Rules: May not enroll concurrently in FRENCH 449. May be retaken with change in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Spring 2004, Spring 2003, Spring 2002, Spring 2001.
FRENCH 357 Literature of the French-Speaking World in Translation:
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Topic/genre in selected works by major writers from one or more French-speaking regions (France, Belgium, Switzerland, Quebec, the Caribbean, Africa, Southeast Asia, etc.).
Prerequisites: junior standing or consent of instructor.
General Education Requirements: HU
Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic to 6 cr max.
Last Taught: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2013, Fall 2003.
FRENCH 383 Honors Seminar:
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Reading and discussion of selected works.
Prerequisites: sophomore standing, HONORS 200(P), and consent of Honors College director.
General Education Requirements: HU
Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023.
FRENCH 392 Phonetics
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Theory of French sounds; phonetic transcription; practice in pronunciation in class and in language laboratory.
Prerequisites: FRENCH 303(P) or consent of instructor.
Course Rules: Required of teaching majors & minors.
Last Taught: Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2021, Fall 2019.
FRENCH 397 Study Abroad:
1-12 cr. Undergraduate.
Designed to enroll students in UWM sponsored program before coursework level, content, and credits are determined and/or in specially-prepared program coursework.
Prerequisites: FRENCH 203(P), acceptance for Study Abroad Program, and concurrent enrollment in FRENCH 595.
Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic.
Last Taught: Summer 2025, Spring 2025, Summer 2024, Summer 2023.
FRENCH 410 French Immersion: Advanced
1-2 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Concentrated, structured practice of spoken French; contemporary topics; small-group setting with native speakers simulates immersion experience. Build vocabulary, improve communication skills. Weekend, interim, or short-term summer modules. Specific credits announced in Schedule whenever course is offered.
Prerequisites: FRENCH 324(P) and FRENCH 325(P), or consent of instructor.
Course Rules: May be retaken to 4 cr max.
Last Taught: Fall 2015, Fall 2014.
FRENCH 410G French Immersion: Advanced
1-2 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Concentrated, structured practice of spoken French; contemporary topics; small-group setting with native speakers simulates immersion experience. Build vocabulary, improve communication skills. Weekend, interim, or short-term summer modules. Specific credits announced in Schedule whenever course is offered.
Prerequisites: FRENCH 324(P) and FRENCH 325(P), or consent of instructor.
Course Rules: May be retaken to 4 cr max.
Last Taught: Fall 2015, Fall 2014.
FRENCH 415 Introduction to Translation: French to English
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Introduction to basic skills necessary to professional translation. Translation of texts from French into English. Summarizing texts. Sight translation.
Prerequisites: junior standing; a grade of B or better in FRENCH 325(P); FRENCH 324(P) or FRENCH 332(P).
Last Taught: Fall 2010, Fall 2009, Fall 2008, Fall 2007.
FRENCH 426 Growing Up French
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
French civilization from the point of view of the French child, with emphasis on materials familiar to French children and adolescents.
Prerequisites: junior standing and two French courses numbered 320 or above; or consent of instructor.
Last Taught: Fall 2015, Fall 2014.
FRENCH 426G Growing Up French
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
French civilization from the point of view of the French child, with emphasis on materials familiar to French children and adolescents.
Prerequisites: junior standing and two French courses numbered 320 or above; or consent of instructor.
Last Taught: Fall 2015, Fall 2014.
FRENCH 427 Advanced Written Expression
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Development of writing proficiency in a variety of genres through close analysis and imitation of good French writing; emphasis on usage, syntax, and authentic French expression.
Prerequisites: junior standing, FRENCH 324(P), and FRENCH 325(P), or graduate standing.
Last Taught: Spring 2020.
FRENCH 427G Advanced Written Expression
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Development of writing proficiency in a variety of genres through close analysis and imitation of good French writing; emphasis on usage, syntax, and authentic French expression.
Prerequisites: junior standing, FRENCH 324(P), and FRENCH 325(P), or graduate standing.
Last Taught: Spring 2020.
FRENCH 428 Castles, Cathedrals, and Common People: The Foundations of French Culture
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Study of major aspects of French society and its cultural expressions from the Middle Ages through the Renaissance.
Prerequisites: junior standing, FRENCH 332(P), and FRENCH 324(P) or FRENCH 325(P); or consent of instrcutor.
Last Taught: Spring 2020.
FRENCH 428G Castles, Cathedrals, and Common People: The Foundations of French Culture
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Study of major aspects of French society and its cultural expressions from the Middle Ages through the Renaissance.
Prerequisites: junior standing, FRENCH 332(P), and FRENCH 324(P) or FRENCH 325(P); or consent of instrcutor.
Last Taught: Spring 2020.
FRENCH 429 Royalty, Reason, and Revolution: The Golden Age of French Culture
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Major aspects of French society and its cultural expressions from the Renaissance through the Revolution.
Prerequisites: junior standing, FRENCH 332(P), and FRENCH 324(P) or FRENCH 325(P); or consent of instructor.
Last Taught: Fall 2024.
FRENCH 429G Royalty, Reason, and Revolution: The Golden Age of French Culture
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Major aspects of French society and its cultural expressions from the Renaissance through the Revolution.
Prerequisites: junior standing, FRENCH 332(P), and FRENCH 324(P) or FRENCH 325(P); or consent of instructor.
Last Taught: Fall 2024.
FRENCH 430 Reaction and Innovation: French Culture of the 19th and 20th Centuries
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
French politics, society, and culture from Napoleon's First Empire to De Gaulle's Fifth Republic, 1804-1958.
Prerequisites: junior standing, FRENCH 332(P), and FRENCH 324(P) or FRENCH 325(P); or consent of instructor.
Last Taught: Spring 2023.
FRENCH 430G Reaction and Innovation: French Culture of the 19th and 20th Centuries
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
French politics, society, and culture from Napoleon's First Empire to De Gaulle's Fifth Republic, 1804-1958.
Prerequisites: junior standing, FRENCH 332(P), and FRENCH 324(P) or FRENCH 325(P); or consent of instructor.
Last Taught: Spring 2023.
FRENCH 431 Seminar in Literature of the Francophone World:
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Works written in French by writers of Africa, North Africa, the Caribbean, and Quebec.
Prerequisites: junior standing, FRENCH 325(P), and FRENCH 332(P); or consent of instructor.
Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Fall 2021.
FRENCH 432 Seminar in French and Francophone Cultures:
1-3 cr. Undergraduate.
In-depth study of selected topics in the cultures of France or French-speaking countries.
Prerequisites: FRENCH 324(P) or FRENCH 325(P), or consent of instructor.
Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Fall 2022, Spring 2022.
FRENCH 433 Seminar in French Literature:
3 cr. Undergraduate.
In-depth study of important works of French literature.
Prerequisites: junior standing, FRENCH 325(P) and FRENCH 332(P).
Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Fall 2020, Spring 2014, Fall 2011, Spring 2010.
FRENCH 450 Institutions and Culture of Contemporary France
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Major political, social, cultural and economic forces shaping France today. France within the European Union and the Francophone world.
Prerequisites: junior standing, FRENCH 325(P), and one additionall 300-level French course; or consent of instructor.
Last Taught: Fall 2018, Fall 2016.
FRENCH 450G Institutions and Culture of Contemporary France
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Major political, social, cultural and economic forces shaping France today. France within the European Union and the Francophone world.
Prerequisites: junior standing, FRENCH 325(P), and one additionall 300-level French course; or consent of instructor.
Last Taught: Fall 2018, Fall 2016.
FRENCH 451 Cinema of the French-Speaking World:
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Narrative techniques and thematic content of French-language cinema.
Prerequisites: junior standing and completion of two of the following: FRENCH 324, FRENCH 325, and FRENCH 332; or consent of instructor.
Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic to 9 cr max. First enrollment only counts toward French major.
Last Taught: Fall 2023.
FRENCH 451G Cinema of the French-Speaking World:
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Narrative techniques and thematic content of French-language cinema.
Prerequisites: junior standing and completion of two of the following: FRENCH 324, FRENCH 325, and FRENCH 332; or consent of instructor.
Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic to 9 cr max. First enrollment only counts toward French major.
Last Taught: Fall 2023.
FRENCH 457 Topics in French and Francophone Studies in Translation:
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Critical reading, lectures, and discussion of important works on a topic, genre, or historical period, with particular emphasis on intellectual and cultural context.
Prerequisites: junior standing or consent of instructor.
Course Rules: COMPLIT 457 & FRENCH 457 are jointly offered; they count as repeats of one another. May be retaken with change in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Summer 2020.
FRENCH 457G Topics in French and Francophone Studies in Translation:
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Critical reading, lectures, and discussion of important works on a topic, genre, or historical period, with particular emphasis on intellectual and cultural context.
Prerequisites: junior standing or consent of instructor.
Course Rules: COMPLIT 457 & FRENCH 457 are jointly offered; they count as repeats of one another. May be retaken with change in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Summer 2020.
FRENCH 489 Internship in French
1-6 cr. Undergraduate.
Application of advanced principles of French in a business, organizational, educational, political, or other appropriate setting.
Prerequisites: junior standing, a 300-level or above course in French, 2.25 GPA, and consent of supervising faculty member.
Course Rules: One cr earned for academic work based on 40 hours in internship. May be retaken to 6 cr max.
Last Taught: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Fall 2022.
FRENCH 497 Study Abroad:
1-12 cr. Undergraduate.
Designed to enroll students in UWM sponsored program before course work level, content and credits are determined and/or in specially prepared program course work.
Prerequisites: FRENCH 203(P), acceptance for Study Abroad Program and concurrent enrollment in FRENCH 595.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic.
Last Taught: Summer 2024, Summer 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2022.
FRENCH 499 Ad Hoc:
1-6 cr. Undergraduate.
Course created expressly for offering in a specified enrollment period.
Prerequisites: junior standing; additional prerequisites may be assigned to specific topic.
Course Rules: Requires department and associate dean approval. In exceptional circumstances, can be offered in one additional semester. May be retaken with change in topic.
Last Taught: Summer 2004, Summer 2003, Spring 2003, Fall 1999.
FRENCH 510 Seminar on Masterpieces of Literature Written in French:
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Representative works of a major writer or writers.
Prerequisites: junior standing, FRENCH 325(P), and FRENCH 332(P); or consent of instructor.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Fall 2024.
FRENCH 510G Seminar on Masterpieces of Literature Written in French:
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Representative works of a major writer or writers.
Prerequisites: junior standing, FRENCH 325(P), and FRENCH 332(P); or consent of instructor.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Fall 2024.
FRENCH 520 Seminar in Contemporary French Literature:
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Trends and schools in contemporary novels, theatre, and poetry.
Prerequisites: junior standing, FRENCH 325(P) and FRENCH 332(P); or consent of instructor.
Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Spring 2010, Fall 1990.
FRENCH 520G Seminar in Contemporary French Literature:
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Trends and schools in contemporary novels, theatre, and poetry.
Prerequisites: junior standing, FRENCH 325(P) and FRENCH 332(P); or consent of instructor.
Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Spring 2010, Fall 1990.
FRENCH 592 Seminar in French Language:
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Historic, social, geographic, phonological, and lexical evolution of French. How French fits into global and regional contexts.
Prerequisites: junior standing and completion of two of the following: FRENCH 324(P), FRENCH 325(P), and FRENCH 332(P); or consent of instructor.
Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Summer 2024, Fall 2022.
FRENCH 592G Seminar in French Language:
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Historic, social, geographic, phonological, and lexical evolution of French. How French fits into global and regional contexts.
Prerequisites: junior standing and completion of two of the following: FRENCH 324(P), FRENCH 325(P), and FRENCH 332(P); or consent of instructor.
Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Summer 2024, Fall 2022.
FRENCH 599 Tools and Techniques of Research in French
1 cr. Undergraduate.
Library resources available for research in French language and literature, including online academic databases, the library catalogue, and reference books.
Prerequisites: junior standing and concurrent registration in one of the following: FRENCH 428, FRENCH 429, FRENCH 430, FRENCH 431, FRENCH 432, FRENCH 433, FRENCH 450, FRENCH 510, or FRENCH 592.
Last Taught: Fall 2009, Spring 2009, Fall 2008, Spring 2008.
FRENCH 697 Study Abroad:
1-12 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Designed to enable students studying language abroad to receive course credit at appropriate level.
Prerequisites: junior standing and acceptance in Study Abroad Program.
Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic.
Last Taught: Spring 2020, Fall 2019.
FRENCH 697G Study Abroad:
1-12 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Designed to enable students studying language abroad to receive course credit at appropriate level.
Prerequisites: junior standing and acceptance in Study Abroad Program.
Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic.
Last Taught: Spring 2020, Fall 2019.
FRENCH 699 Advanced Independent Reading
1-3 cr. Undergraduate.
Advanced independent work under the supervision of a French faculty or instructional academic staff member. For further information, consult French program coordinator.
Prerequisites: junior standing, two 300-level French courses, 2.0 GPA, and consent of instructor, department chair, and Assistant Dean for Student Academic Services.
Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic.
Last Taught: Spring 2024, Fall 2021, Spring 2019, Fall 2018.

UWM Land Acknowledgement: We acknowledge in Milwaukee that we are on traditional Potawatomi, Ho-Chunk and Menominee homeland along the southwest shores of Michigami, North America’s largest system of freshwater lakes, where the Milwaukee, Menominee and Kinnickinnic rivers meet and the people of Wisconsin’s sovereign Anishinaabe, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Oneida and Mohican nations remain present.   |   To learn more, visit the Electa Quinney Institute website.