Fall, Spring, and Summer of Every Year | 3 credits

Ever wondered how the French language really works—and why it sounds, looks, and evolves the way it does? 
FRN 430 invites you to dive deep into the inner workings of French through a rotating set of topics in linguistics. From how we acquire language to how French has changed over time, this course explores the systems and patterns that shape how French is spoken, written, and understood today. 

Each semester focuses on different themes—so whether you’re into structure, sound, history, or real-world use, there’s always something new to explore. 

In this course, you might: 

• Analyze the building blocks of French: syntax, phonology, and morphology 
• Study how regional accents and stylistic choices create variation across the Francophone world 
• Explore how people learn French as a first or second language 
• Examine translation and the complexities of meaning across languages 
• Trace the historical evolution of French from its Latin roots to the present day