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Basic Language Program

The French Basic Language Program includes French 101, 102, 103, and 104. Our program introduces students to the language and cultures of France and Francophone (French-speaking) countries and regions. You will start to read, write, speak, and understand French by listening to a Senegalese song, reading a French graphic novel, discussing a French-Canadian film, writing about a Swiss webpage. French 101 includes a culture wiki, and in French 102 students compose weekly blogs, while in 103 and 104 students watch and respond to a wide variety of film. After completing French 104, you will have fulfilled the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences language requirement, and be ready to continue on to 200-level courses, as electives or as a French major or minor. 

For more information on policies, placement, and course syllabi please read on or contact Professor Elizabeth Weber.


Contacts
Our Classes
Our Teachers
Placement Information
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
French Activities at UIC
Useful links

 

Contact Information:

For questions about 101, 102, 103, 104, 110, or to make an appointment, please contact Professor Elizabeth Weber, Director of French Basic Language Program.

Interested in taking French after 104?  Questions about French 200 or above?

For information about French electives, major, minor, and French Club, contact Professor John Ireland or Academic Advisor Kat Aldag.

 

Our classes

The French Basic Language Sequence consists of French 101, 102, 103, and 104. Students who pass French 104 fulfill the LAS language requirement and are eligible to continue with French 200 and/or French 231. French 104 is the prerequisite for all French classes 200-level and above.

 

Our teachers

French Basic Language is taught by a diverse group of dedicated teachers from Chicago and from all over the United States and the world—France, Benin, Switzerland, Togo... They work hard to make your classes interesting, innovative, and effective. Our small classes are designed to allow us to give you personalized attention and feedback, and to create a positive learning atmosphere. Visit the profiles of your teachers to learn more about them!

 

Placement Information

Is French required?

If you are an LAS student, there is a 4-semester language requirement. You may select whichever language you like, or consult with an LAS advisor. We hope you choose French! If you are not an LAS student, you can take French as an elective. Check with your advisor for details.

 

Do I have to take a placement test?

  • If you have taken French anywhere (grade school, middle school, high school, another college/university) and/or if you have learned French in another way (by living in a French-speaking country or family), YES, you must take the UIC French Placement Test. See below for location, times.
  • If you have never taken French before nor lived in a French-speaking country/family, you should sign up for French 101.
  • Transfer Students: consult with an LAS advisor. You may contact Kat Aldag or any other LAS advisor.

 
Where do I take the French placement exam?

French placement tests are offered ONLY at the Office of Testing Services. Check out the Office of Testing Services' web page on PEP Testing, or call (312) 996-0919 (24 hours a day). 

 

What do I do after getting my placement test score?

Register for the course indicated on the test results. Attend the class. If after a few days you feel that you are in the wrong level, please e-mail the French Coordinator, Professor Elizabeth Weber. Include an explanation of your history with French (where did you take it, for how long) and why you are not comfortable in the class you are currently registered in. You must have written permission from Professor Weber or the change will not show up in your LAS file.

*Any changes must be completed before the end of drop/add period, Friday of the second week of the semester.

 

What does a "Consult department" score mean?

This means that we need to do an oral interview to assess your level of French, and you are likely to  be place in French 104 or higher. E-mail Professor Elizabeth Weber to set up a 10-minute oral interview to determine your placement. Do this as soon as possible after you receive your Consult Department Score: the longer you wait, the more French you will forget. In this interview you will be asked to talk in French about your past, current, and future life (your past experiences, current activities, classes, likes, dislikes, future plans). Your goal is to talk as much as possible to show how much you know. 

 

What do I do if the class I was placed in seems too easy or too difficult?

E-mail Professor Elizabeth Weber immediately and explain your situation clearly in your message; include information about much French you have taken before, and where. You must have written permission to switch classes from Professor Weber or the change will not show up in your LAS file.

*Any changes must be completed before the end of drop/add period, Friday of the second week of the semester.

 

 

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Why study French?

To get a better job after graduation, to become a volunteer during school or after you graduate (for example, the Peace Corps), to enhance your understanding of American and French/Francophone culture—art, music, literature, journalism, business, science… French is spoken in many countries and major areas around the world, from Canada to Senegal, from Vietnam to Switzerland. What's your career goal? Business, banking, web design, literature, arts, music, fashion, culinary arts, interior design—French can help you get a better job!  

 

What will I get out of my French class if French is not my major?

French classes will help you develop skills useful in other classes and in real-world situations like-

  • applying for a job.
  • reading more effectively
  • writing a well-crafted essay
  • successful test-taking
  • public speaking
  • critical thinking
  • cultural understanding
  • problem-solving
  • teamwork
  • computer skills

 

What can I expect from the first two years of French?

By the end of the first two years of French, you will be able to have a simple conversation or e-mail exchange with a native speaker. You will be able to get the gist of information on websites and blogs, as well as understanding the main points of French and Francophone songs or videos. Learning French means working with language in communicative contexts, and gaining a better understanding about French culture. We will study grammar, practice speaking, read articles and short literary texts, watch movies, listen to music, write compositions, etc.  

 

Where are the syllabi, course policies, and other course information for my class?

Syllabi and other course documents for all 100-level French courses are posted on your section's Blackboard site. Go directly to Blackboard:

 

Where can I get free help/tutoring?

Your first stop should be a talk with your own teacher. Instructor office hours (or make an appointment) and FREE French tutoring hours are posted on your section's Blackboard page. Other free campus tutoring resources include:  African American Academic Network (AAAN), Latin American Recruitment and Educational Services (LARES), Honors College, and evening tutoring in SRC. For more information, consult these sites off the UIC webpage, talk to your advisor, or write to Elizabeth Weber.    

 

What's the best way to prepare for class?

Read and prepare the assigned material (from the textbook, the workbook and the laboratory manual) before class. In class you will practice information based on your homework. Be prepared to do lots of speaking!  If you don't come prepared, you'll be lost and frustrated in class, and you will receive a low participation grade. See syllabus for explanation of the participation grade.

 

How do I continue taking French after the 101-104 sequence?

After passing French 104, you may take French 200 and/or 231. Please contact the advisor, Kat Aldag for more information about taking French as an elective or about starting a French major or minor.

 

Where can I speak French outside my classroom for fun and extra practice?

See below for information about French Conversation Hour, French Club, and various French-speaking activities in Chicago.

 

French Activities at UIC and Elsewhere 

 

French Conversation Hour: 

 

Come speak French and meet other French students or UIC Francophiles. Everyone who speaks French at every level from 101 on up is welcome.

Contact Professor Ellen McClure to find out when the hour is this semester. The conversation hour is held in the Language Oasis in the Sandi Port Language and Culture Learning Center (Grant Hall, third floor). You don't have to be a current French student to come, so bring your French-speaking friends!

 

Interested in the French Club?

 

To get involved and receive emails about French Club activities (movies, dinners, other events), please contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor John Ireland.

 

French TV on campus:

 

Sandi Port Errant Language and Culture Learning Center in Grant Hall. Stop by the Student Oasis in GH 308 to watch French and Francophone TV or use the computer lab in GH 306 to look up French and Francophone websites and blogs. For more information on the many services this center has to offer, go to the LCLC website: or send e-mail to lclc@uic.edu to find out what times French TV is broadcast.

 

French films: 

 

The UIC main library has lots of French and Francophone films. Ask your instructor for some suggestions, or just browse yourself.

 

Want to study French in France, Switzerland, West Africa? 

Go to the UIC Study Abroad Office for information on financial aid and all current programs:
Or stop by or call the SAO Office: 502 University Hall, Telephone (312) 413 7662

 

Links to French and Francophone fun: 

Listening, reading practice, self-corrected exercises, more!  **Be careful! Using on-line translators is considered cheating (See your French syllabus for information).

 

Newspapers, magazines, news sites:

 

Information, events in Chicago:

 

French films in Chicago, or try NetFlicks:

 

Blogs:  

Note: Just like blogs in English, some may contain material potentially offensive to some readers, so be cautious.

 

Podcasts in French: 

Note: Just like podcasts in English, some may contain material potentially offensive to some listeners, so be cautious.

Directory of French language podcasts: podcastdirectory.com: plug in the name of the country or subject you are interested in.

 

French Restaurants in Chicago:

 

Travel:


Good student fares: www.statravel.com....  And many other sites.

 

QUESTIONS? ASK YOUR FRENCH TEACHER!

Department of French and Francophone Studies
601 South Morgan (MC 315)
Chicago, Illinois

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