About the Program
Why French?
Spoken on five continents, French is a global, thriving language. Our wide range of courses provides students with practical language skills and career-readiness through teamwork, clear writing and oral presentations, and cross-cultural competence. Thanks to our network of community partners, scholarships, and events, a minor in French connects students to unique professional opportunities in Houston or abroad, including the French government TAPIF program, French Consulate internships, and the UH learning abroad program in Angers, France.
Basic French Language Training
The first and second year courses (FREN 1301, FREN 1302, FREN 2311, FREN 2312) work with MCL’s Language Acquisition Center (LAC) to provide credit for foreign language requirements.
These courses also prepare students for advanced level courses in language, culture and civilization, and literature. Contact Dr Amanda Vredenburgh for more information.
Minor in French
Course requirements: 12 advanced hours (3000-4000 level) including 3 hours at the
4000 level.
Perfect for: Students in any major wanting to add international perspective and language
skills to their degree.
Advanced courses
After completing FREN 2312 or placing into advanced courses via the French placement
test, students may enroll in 3000- and 4000-level courses.
There are two types:
Content-based courses (such as Cinema, Business, or Gastronomy)
Specialized language-based courses (such as Adv. Writing/Grammar, Translation, or
Oral Communication).
Core requirements
Most of our courses also fulfill state Core Curriculum Requirements, allowing you to advance your French skills while completing your degree requirements efficiently. CLASS BA degrees have a language requirement (students must complete the FREN 2312 level or beyond) and we regularly offer courses taught in English that fulfill the Language, Philosophy, and Culture Texas core requirement.
Scholarships
The French program awards generous, merit-based scholarships to its students every spring. Preference is given to students who are a French minor as well as those students participating in the UH faculty-led learning abroad program in Angers, France.
Please see the links below for details regarding the awards, student eligibility requirements, and the scholarship application. Further details about the next round of scholarships will be available in the spring, before the March application deadline.
John and Wanda Martin French Scholarship
Application form for all French scholarships (one single form)