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Why Study French & Italian?
The Department of French and Italian provides instruction in the languages, literatures, cinema, and cultures of France, Italy, and other areas where these languages are spoken.
We offer a wide selection of undergraduate courses, covering topics ranging from the Middle Ages to Italian-American culture and the Francophone literature of Africa, the Caribbean and the Middle East.
Our MA and PhD graduate programs in French are among the national leaders in successfully placing students in academic positions, and the highly productive research faculty provide expertise in all areas of French and Italian literature.
Featured Courses - Fall 2026
Fall 2026
MWF 1:25-2:15
This course covers the most important works of medieval literature, in English translation. Among the texts studied are the Song of Roland, and Arthurian romances, including the stories of Lancelot and Guinevere. FREN 1200 offers a general introduction for non-majors to medieval literature and society. Can be counted toward the French major or minor.
No prerequisites.
TAUGHT IN ENGLISHÌý
Fall 2026
MWF 11:15-12:05
FREN 1900 explores the evolution of modern Paris through the eyes of its artists and writers, Parisians and expatriates alike, from the French Revolution (1789) to the present. You will study historical and contemporary changes in architecture and urban planning as the city adapts to growing population, social challenges, and sustainability. FREN 1900 can be counted toward the French major or minor.
No prerequisites.
TAUGHT IN ENGLISHÌý
Fall 2026
This is a high energy and dynamic class in which students will learn to understand, speak, read, and write Italian at a beginning level. The cultural focus is the personal world of the student. Topics included in New Italian Project include friends, family, school, food, holidays, and free time. Grammatical concepts include nouns, pronouns, adjectives, and the present and past tense of verbs. Class time is utilized to practice speaking and to employ all new grammatical concepts and vocabulary. Outside of class students will study the text, do on-line exercises, read short stories, and listen to/watch audio and video clips.
No prerequisites.
TAUGHT IN ITALIAN