Your browser is unsupported

We recommend using the latest version of IE11, Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari.

Basic Language Program (101-104)

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 web page.

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.

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 211, 212, 213 or 214 (these can be taken in any order). French 104 is the prerequisite for all French language 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!

Explore our French 100-level courses! Heading link

Who to contact

For more information on policies, placement, and course syllabi or for questions about French 101-104, please contact Professor Elizabeth Weber (edweber@uic.edu), Director of the French Basic Language Program.

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

For information about French electives, the major or minor, and French Club, contact Professor Elizabeth Weber (edweber@uic.edu), Director of Undergraduate Studies for French.

Find out more about declaring a Major or Minor in French and Francophone Studies on our Advising page.