Fact Sheet for French

Studying French at Penn State Behrend

Courses meeting the 12-credit language requirement

French 1 (4 credits) taught every fall semester
French 2 (4 credits) taught every spring semester
French 3 (4 credits) taught every fall semester

Required Textbook

Français interactif. Les étudiants américains en France by Karen Kelton, Nancy Guilloteau, Carl Blyth, COERLL, University of Texas at Austin (2019).
- Français interactif free website with the Textbook in PDF.
- Tex’s French Grammar free companion site.
This web-based French Program with a Textbook is a free open educational multimedia resource (OER), which requires neither a password nor fees.
- This material is used for FR 001, FR 002, and FR 003.

Material Covered

French 1: Français Interactif, Chapters 00 - 04
French 2: Français Interactif, Chapters 05 - 08
French 3: Français Interactif, Chapter 09 - 13

Teaching Methods

All French language classes are based on an integrative learning pedagogy that encourages conversation and intellectual exchange. They are taught with a communicative approach, which means students will learn a structure and immediately use it in French. Our goal is to expose students to the diversity and richness of vernacular varieties within the French-speaking world. Oral presentations and essay writing are part of the curriculum.

French 201

“Oral Communication and Reading Comprehension,” level 4, 3 credits, is offered on demand in the spring.

French and General Education Requirements

French 201 can substitute any Knowledge Domain Course (except GHW).

Study Abroad

Penn State offers a wide variety of study abroad programs and locations, including France (Paris, Besançon, Lyon, Aix-enProvence), Belgium (Brussels, Leuven), Senegal (Dakar), and Morocco (Rabat).

Interested students should attend a Study Abroad Information Session, offered multiple times each semester.