2023-2024 Academic Catalog

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French (FREN)

FREN 1000 -  Introduction to Cultures of the French- Speaking World  (3 Credits)  

Introduces students to the many cultures of the French-speaking world. Taught in English for accessibility to students from different colleges at the University. The countries studied are: France, its overseas departments (Guadeloupe and Martinique) and territories (Tahiti); Quebec; Senegal; and other African countries. Term offered: fall, spring. Max hours: 3 Credits. GT: Course is approved by the Colorado Dept of Higher Education for statewide guaranteed transfer, GT-AH4.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Additional Information: GT courses GT Pathways, GT-AH4, Arts Hum: Foreign Languages; Denver Core Requirement, Humanities.

Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

FREN 1001 -  French Language I  (4 Credits)  

Introductory course in French language skills, in which basic grammatical structures are introduced, together with elementary vocabulary and cultural items that allow the student to carry on simple conversations in French. Note: Students may not enroll in any lower division (1000/2000) language skills course in which their level of proficiency exceeds that of the course. Students placing into a course through any means other than following the regular sequence must consult with an appropriate faculty member of the Dept. of Modern Languages prior to enrollment. No previous study of French is required. No co-credit with FREN 1010. Term offered: fall, spring. Max hours: 4 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

FREN 1002 -  French Language II  (4 Credits)  

Second semester of elementary French language skills continuation of French Language I (FREN 1001). More complex grammatical structures are introduced together with appropriate vocabulary and cultural and literary readings that allow students to carry on more complex conversations. Note: This course assumes that students have passed FREN 1001 or 1010 or equivalent, or have taken one year of high school French, or possess equivalent proficiency. A grade of C- or higher in the previous French course is recommended for success in this course. Note: Students may not enroll in any lower division (1000/2000) language skills course in which their level of proficiency exceeds that of the course. Students placing into a course through any means other than following the regular sequence must consult with an appropriate faculty member of the Dept. of Modern Languages prior to enrollment. This course is not intended for native speakers. No co-credit with FREN 1020. Term offered: fall, spring. Max hours: 4 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

FREN 1020 -  Beginning French II  (5 Credits)  

(Continuation of FREN 1010.) More complex grammatical structures are introduced, and literary and cultural readings are added. Elementary vocabulary and cultural awareness are expanded to enable the student to carry on more complicated conversations. Note: Students may not enroll in any lower division (1000/2000) language skills course in which their level of proficiency exceeds that of the course. Students placing into a course through any means other than following the regular sequence must consult with an appropriate faculty member of the Dept. of Modern Languages prior to enrollment. Note: This course assumes that students have passed FREN 1001 or 1010 or equivalent, or have taken one year of high school French, or possess equivalent proficiency. A grade of C- or higher in the previous French course is recommended for success in this course. This course is not intended for native speakers. Max hours: 5 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

FREN 1111 -  First Year Seminar  (3 Credits)  

Restriction: Restricted to Freshman level students. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Restriction: Restricted to Freshman level students

FREN 2001 -  Second-Year French  (3 Credits)  

FREN 2001 Third semester of French language skills- continuation of French Language II (FREN 1002). Further introduction to beginning & intermediate level grammatical structures with appropriate vocabulary and cultural & literary readings that allow students to understand oral & written French and to speak & write in French in everyday situations. Note: This course assumes that students have passed FREN 1002 or 1020 or equivalent, or have taken two years of high school French, or possess equivalent proficiency. A grade of C- or higher in the previous French course is recommended for success in this course. Note: Students may not enroll in any lower division (1000/2000) language skills course in which their level of proficiency exceeds that of the course. Students placing into a course through any means other than following the regular sequence must consult with an appropriate faculty member of the Dept. of Modern Languages prior to enrollment. This course is not intended for native speakers. Term offered: fall, spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

FREN 2003 -  French Language III  (3 Credits)  

Third semester of French language skills- continuation of French Language II (FREN 1002). Further introduction to beginning & intermediate level grammatical structures with appropriate vocabulary and cultural & literary readings that allow students to understand oral & written French and to speak & write in French in everyday situations. Note: This course assumes that students have passed FREN 1002 or 1020 or equivalent, or have taken two years of high school French, or possess equivalent proficiency. A grade of C- or higher in the previous French course is recommended for success in this course. Note: Students may not enroll in any lower division (1000/2000) language skills course in which their level of proficiency exceeds that of the course. Students placing into a course through any means other than following the regular sequence must consult with an appropriate faculty member of the Dept. of Modern Languages prior to enrollment. This course is not intended for native speakers. No co-credit with FREN 2110. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Additional Information: Denver Core Requirement, Humanities.

FREN 2004 -  French Language 4: Introduction to Advanced Studies  (3 Credits)  

This course is designed to review and further develop French language skills, to continue the study of Francophone cultures and to prepare students for advanced-level French studies. Note: This course assumes that students have passed FREN 2003 or 2110 or equivalent, or have taken three years of high school French, or possess equivalent proficiency. A grade of Cor higher in the previous French course is recommended for success in this course. Note: Students may not enroll in any lower division (1000/2000) language skills course in which their level of proficiency exceeds that of the course. Students placing into a course through any means other than following the regular sequence must consult with an appropriate faculty member of the Dept. of Modern Languages prior to enrollment. This course is not intended for native speakers. No co-credit with FREN 2020. Term offered: fall, spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Additional Information: Denver Core Requirement, Humanities.

Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

FREN 2110 -  Intermediate French I: Grammar Review, Reading and Composition  (3 Credits)  

Designed to further develop all the language skills, with particular emphasis on reading and writing, and to further continue students' introduction to French culture. Students review grammar and vocabulary, read and discuss Le Petit Prince, and express their reactions to the text both orally and in writing. Note: Students may not enroll in any lower division (1000/2000) language skills course in which their level of proficiency exceeds that of the course. Students placing into a course through any means other than following the regular sequence must consult with an appropriate faculty member of the Dept. of Modern Languages prior to enrollment. Note: This course assumes that students have passed FREN 1002 or 1020 or equivalent, or have taken two years of high school French, or possess equivalent proficiency. A grade of C- or higher in the previous French course is recommended for success in this course. This course is not intended for native speakers. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

FREN 3010 -  French Phonetics and Pronunciation  (3 Credits)  

Helps students acquire speech habits through knowledge of phonetics. Topics include the function of the speech organs, accurate production and recognition of sound, and the use of phonetic symbols. Note: Students with native or near-native level proficiency in French must consult with the French advisor before enrolling in this course. These students may, in some cases, take this course. The instructor of the course and/or the French advisor reserve the right to determine the level of linguistic proficiency of the student and his or her admission to the class by means of an oral interview and/or placement exam scores. Note: This course assumes that students have passed FREN 2004 or 2120 or equivalent, or have taken four years of high school French, or possess equivalent proficiency. Term offered: spring term of even years. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Typically Offered: Spring.

FREN 3020 -  Conversation through Film  (3 Credits)  

Conversation course focusing on the exploration of the diversity of French and Francophone cultures through film. Oral practice methodologies will include small group discussions, short oral presentations and debates. Note: Students with native or nearnative-level proficiency will not be allowed to take FREN 3020. The instructor of the course and/or the French advisor reserve the right to determine the level of linguistic proficiency of the student and his or her admission to the class by means of an oral interview and/or placement exam scores. Note: This course may count for the International Studies major or minor. See your INTS advisor for more information. Note: This course assumes that students have passed FREN 2004 or 2120 or equivalent, or have taken four years of high school French, or possess equivalent proficiency. Term offered: spring term of odd years. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Typically Offered: Spring.

FREN 3050 -  Advanced Grammar and Composition  (3 Credits)  

Rigorous review of grammar (including past and future tenses, conditional mood and nominal phrase), along with development of writing skills through analysis and discussion of selections from French writers. Through questions and written exercises, students familiarize themselves with vocabulary, spelling, syntax and grammar. Note: May be taken before or after FREN 3060. Students with native or near-native level proficiency in French must consult with the French advisor before enrolling in this course. These students may, in some cases, take this course. The instructor of the course and/or the French advisor reserve the right to determine the level of linguistic proficiency of the student and his or her admission to the class by means of an oral interview and/or placement exam scores. Note: This course assumes that students have passed FREN 2004 or 2120 or equivalent, or have taken four years of high school French, or possess equivalent proficiency. Term offered: fall term of even years. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Typically Offered: Fall.

FREN 3060 -  Advanced French Language Skills  (3 Credits)  

Rigorous review of grammar (including subjunctive, interrogative, verbal phrase and passive voice), along with development of writing skills through analysis and discussion of selections from French writers. Through questions and written exercises, students familiarize themselves with vocabulary, spelling, and grammar. Note: May be taken before or after FREN 3050. Students with native or near-native level proficiency in French must consult with the French advisor before enrolling in this course. These students may, in some cases, take this course. The instructor of the course and/or the French advisor reserve the right to determine the level of linguistic proficiency of the student and his or her admission to the class by means of an oral interview and/or placement exam scores. Note: This course assumes that students have passed FREN 2004 or 2120 or equivalent, or have taken four years of high school French, or possess equivalent proficiency. Term offered: fall term of odd years. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Typically Offered: Fall.

FREN 3112 -  Survey of French Literature I  (3 Credits)  

Introduces survey of the major literary trends and prominent writers of French literature from 842 A.D. to the end of the 18th century. Note: May be taken before or after FREN 3122. Note: This course assumes that students have passed FREN 2004 or 2120 or equivalent, or have taken four years of high school French, or possess equivalent proficiency. Term offered: fall term of odd years. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Typically Offered: Fall.

FREN 3120 -  French Cultural Identities: Myths and Realities  (3 Credits)  

The self-assured demeanor of the average French man or woman both attracts and confounds. In fact, a French person's behavior -- or that of the French government -- can seem impossible to decode if not understood within an authentically French context. This course examines that context and explores how the French view everyday life. Includes analysis of classic French films. Note: This course assumes that students have passed FREN 2004 or 2120 or equivalent, or have taken four years of high school French, or possess equivalent proficiency. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

FREN 3122 -  Survey of French Literature II  (3 Credits)  

Introduces survey of the major literary trends (romanticism, realism and existentialism) and writers of the 19th and 20th centuries. Students become acquainted with prominent writers of the period such as Beauvoir, Chateaubriand, Hugo, Balzac, Flaubert, Proust, Camus and Sartre. Note: May be taken before or after FREN 3112. Note: This course assumes that students have passed FREN 2004 or 2120 or equivalent, or have taken four years of high school French, or possess equivalent proficiency. Term offered: spring term of even years. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Typically Offered: Spring.

FREN 3130 -  Current Topics of the French-Speaking World  (3 Credits)  

Combines discussion and writing on political, economic, and social conditions in contemporary France and the Francophone world. Articles from current French newspapers, news magazines, television broadcasts, and the World Wide Web are analyzed for a better understanding of modern French culture. Note: This course assumes that students have passed FREN 2004 or 2120 or equivalent, or have taken four years of high school French, or possess equivalent proficiency. Term offered: fall term of even years. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Typically Offered: Fall.

FREN 3140 -  Contemporary Francophone Cultures  (3 Credits)  

Through the reading of short stories and cultural texts, engages students in the exploration of cultures of the Francophone world. Addresses political, economic and geographic status of each region as well as societal identity, immigration, the individual and cultural identity. Note: This course may count for the International Studies major or minor. See your INTS advisor for more information. Note: This course assumes that students have passed FREN 2004 or 2120 or equivalent, or have taken four years of high school French, or possess equivalent proficiency. Term offered: spring term of odd years. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Typically Offered: Spring.

FREN 3200 -  The Francophone World in the Post-Colonial Era  (3 Credits)  

Focuses on the many Francophone regions of the world, including (but not limited to) France, North and West Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean, and surveys a wide span of subject matter as it pertains to the post-colonial situations in these regions. Taught in English. Note: This course may count for the International Studies major or minor. See your INTS advisor for more information. Prereq: Sophomore standing or higher. Term offered: fall, spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Restriction: Sophomore standing or higher.

Additional Information: Denver Core Requirement, International Perspectives.

Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

FREN 3840 -  Independent Study: FREN  (1-3 Credits)  

Term offered: fall, spring, summer. Department consent required. Repeatable. Max hours: 6 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.

Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

FREN 3939 -  Internship  (1-3 Credits)  

Note: students must work with the Experiential Learning Center advising to complete a course contract and gain approval. Term offered: fall, spring, summer. Department consent required. Repeatable. Max hours: 9 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Repeatable. Max Credits: 9.

Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

FREN 3970 -  Special Topics  (3 Credits)  

Varying topics in French and Francophone language, literature and culture appropriate to the 3000 level, not otherwise covered by regular courses. Note: This course assumes that students have passed FREN 2004 or 2120 or equivalent, or have taken four years of high school French, or possess equivalent proficiency. Note: May be taken more than once, provided that the topic is different each time. Repeatable. Max Hours: 9 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Repeatable. Max Credits: 9.

FREN 3995 -  Global Study Topics  (3-6 Credits)  

This course is reserved for CU Denver faculty-led study abroad experiences. The course topic will vary based on the location and course content. Students register through the Office of Global Education. Term offered: summer. Repeatable. Max Hours: 15 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Repeatable. Max Credits: 15.

Additional Information: Global Education Study Abroad.

Typically Offered: Summer.

FREN 4010 -  Advanced Composition: Stylistics  (3 Credits)  

Focuses on improvement of writing skills and development of the student's ability to compose logically and convincingly. The writing styles to be studied include: narration, description, portrait, persuasive essay and report. Note: This course assumes that students have passed FREN 3050 or 3060 or an equivalent course, plus one other 3000 level course in French. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

FREN 4050 -  Advanced French for Business  (3 Credits)  

Concentrates on the technical language necessary to meet the economic and commercial needs of the modern world. Prepares students for the practical certificate of business and economic French of the Paris Chamber of Commerce. Note: Students with native or near-native level proficiency in French must consult with the French advisor before enrolling in this course. These students may, in some cases, take this course. The instructor of the course and/or the French advisor reserve the right to determine the level of linguistic proficiency of the student and his or her admission to the class by means of an oral interview and/or placement exam scores. Note: This course assumes that students have passed FREN 3050 or 3060 or an equivalent course, plus one other 3000 level course in French. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

FREN 4082 -  Introduction to Translation  (3 Credits)  

Introduces the methodology and practice of written translation from English to French/French to English. Students will learn techniques on how to avoid word by word translation, faulty sentence structure and anglicisms by focusing on grammar, syntax and vocabulary. Note: Students must demonstrate third-year competence and advanced writing skills in English. Students with native or near-native level proficiency in French must consult with the French advisor before enrolling in this course. These students may, in some cases, take this course. The instructor of the course and/or the French advisor reserve the right to determine the level of linguistic proficiency of the student and his or her admission to the class by means of an oral interview and/or placement exam scores. Note: This course assumes that students have passed FREN 3050 or 3060 or an equivalent course, plus one other 3000 level course in French. Cross-listed with FREN 5082. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

FREN 4200 -  French Civilization Through the Nineteenth Century  (3 Credits)  

Development of French culture and civilization from a historical perspective, beginning with the origins of France and continuing through the 19th century. Includes historical background, sciences and techniques, daily life, the arts, literature and philosophy, and religion. Note: May be taken before or after FREN 4210. Note: This course may count for the International Studies major or minor. See your INTS advisor for more information. Note: This course assumes that students have passed two 3000 level courses in French. Term offered: spring term of even years. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Typically Offered: Spring.

FREN 4210 -  French Civilization - Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries  (3 Credits)  

(Continuation of FREN 4200) The development of French culture and civilization in a historical perspective from the beginning of the 20th century to the present. Includes historical background, sciences and techniques, daily life, the arts, literature and philosophy, and religion. Note: May be taken before or after FREN 4200. Note: This course assumes that students have passed two 3000 level courses in French. Term offered: fall term of odd years. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Typically Offered: Fall.

FREN 4310 -  Seventeenth Century Literature  (3 Credits)  

An in-depth study of the century considered to be the pinnacle of French theatre. Includes plays by Racine, Moliere and Corneille, as well as poetry by Lafontaine and Boileau. Note: This course assumes that students have passed FREN 3112 or 3122 or an equivalent course, plus one other 3000 level course in French. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

FREN 4360 -  Eighteenth Century Novel, Theater and Poetry  (3 Credits)  

Studies several novels and plays characteristic of the 18th century as well as some of the more famous poems. Includes Diderot, Rousseau, Voltaire, Marivaux and Laclos. Note: This course assumes that students have passed FREN 3112 or 3122 or an equivalent course, plus one other 3000 level course in French. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

FREN 4430 -  Nineteenth Century French Novel  (3 Credits)  

Development of the French novel during the 19th century. Includes such writers as Stendhal, Hugo, Balzac, George Sand, Flaubert, Maupassant and Zola. Note: This course assumes that students have passed FREN 3112 or 3122 or an equivalent course, plus one other 3000 level course in French. Cross-listed with FREN 5430. Term offered: fall. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Typically Offered: Fall.

FREN 4480 -  Twentieth Century French Novel  (3 Credits)  

Represents novels of the 20th century, a period of great innovation in the French novel. Authors generally treated are Camus, Giono, Ernaux and Duras. Note: This course assumes that students have passed FREN 3112 or 3122 or an equivalent course, plus one other 3000 level course in French. Cross-listed with FREN 5480. Term offered: spring, fall. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

FREN 4490 -  Twentieth Century French Theater  (3 Credits)  

Surveys the major movements in French literature of the 20th century as represented in the theater arts. Such authors as Jarry, Artaud, Apollinaire, Giraudoux, Sartre, and Beckett are discussed. Note: This course assumes that students have passed FREN 3112 or 3122 or an equivalent course, plus one other 3000 level course in French. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

FREN 4510 -  French Women Writers  (3 Credits)  

Designed to explore writings by French and Francophone women from the Middle Ages to the present. Addresses the question of what it means to be a woman and want to write. The selections include a wide variety of genres: autobiographical writings, stories, poems, manifestos, letters, political and historical documents. Note: This course assumes that students have passed FREN 3112 or 3122 or an equivalent course, plus one other 3000 level course in French. Cross-listed with FREN 5510 and WGST 4511/5511. Term offered: spring, fall. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

FREN 4520 -  Voices of Haiti and the Caribbean  (3 Credits)  

This course explores the literary production of contemporary Haitian and Caribbean writers within varied cultural and gender contexts. It focuses on historical, societal and post-quake issues confronting both men and women writers of the French Caribbean. Note: This course may count for the International Studies major or minor. See your INTS advisor for more information. Note: This course assumes that students have passed FREN 3112 or 3122 or an equivalent course, plus one other 3000 level course in French. Cross-listed with FREN 5520. Term offered: spring, fall. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

FREN 4600 -  History of the French Language  (3 Credits)  

Studies phonological, morphological, and syntactic changes in the language of Gaul from Latin to modern French. Note: This course assumes that students have passed FREN 3010 and FREN 3050 or 3060 or equivalent courses. Cross-listed with FREN 5600. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

FREN 4690 -  Methods of Teaching Modern Languages  (3 Credits)  

Studies the methods and practices of teaching modern languages. Note: requirement for language majors in the teacher certification program, School of Education, CU Denver. This course is taught in English and does not fulfill the foreign language proficiency requirement for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Cross-listed with MLNG 4690, MLNG 5690, SPAN 4690, SPAN 5690, FREN 5690, GRMN 4690, GRMN 5690, CHIN 4690, CHIN 5690. Term offered: fall. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Typically Offered: Fall.

FREN 4691 -  Methods of Teaching Modern Languages II  (3 Credits)  

A continuation of the study of modern language teaching methods. This second course has an emphasis on experiential learning through individual teaching demonstrations, class observations, as well as team teaching with experienced instructors. Cross-listed with MLNG 4691, MLNG 5691, SPAN 4691, SPAN 5691, FREN 5691, GRMN 4691, GRMN 5691, CHIN 4691, CHIN 5691. Prereq: MLNG 4690 or SPAN 4690 or FREN 4690 or GRMN 4690 or CHIN 4690. Term offered: spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Prereq: MLNG 4690 or SPAN 4690 or FREN 4690 or GRMN 4690 or CHIN 4690

Typically Offered: Spring.

FREN 4840 -  Independent Study: FREN  (1-3 Credits)  

Department consent required. Repeatable. Max hours: 12 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Repeatable. Max Credits: 12.

FREN 4880 -  Directed Research  (1-6 Credits)  

Students will engage in original research projects supervised and mentored by faculty. Students must work with faculty prior to registration to develop a proposal for their project and receive permission to take this course. Repeatable. Max Hours: 6 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.

FREN 4970 -  Special Topics  (3 Credits)  

Varying topics in French and Francophone language, literature and culture appropriate to the 4000 level, not otherwise covered by regular courses. Note: This course assumes that students have passed two 3000 level courses in French. Note: May be taken more than once, provided that the topic is different each time. Repeatable. Max Hours: 9 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Repeatable. Max Credits: 9.

FREN 4995 -  Global Study Topics  (1-15 Credits)  

This course is reserved for CU Denver faculty-led study abroad experiences. The course topic will vary based on the location and course content. Students register through the Office of Global Education. Term offered: summer. Repeatable. Max Hours: 15 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Repeatable. Max Credits: 15.

Additional Information: Global Education Study Abroad.

Typically Offered: Summer.