French Studies Course Sequence

Our goal is to teach students the widely used language of French, along with French history, culture, and literature. 

The Department of Global Studies and World Languages is working on restructuring the French program, with the goal of reintroducing the option to minor in French. Therefore, program offerings are being revised and may change.

Currently, we offer a variety of 100-300 level French courses. From learning the basics of the French language, to special topics in Francophone Literature and Culture, we have something to suit French learners of all levels. 

View the course descriptions for French courses taught in the GSWL department. 

If you have studied French before and wish to enroll at a level suitable for you, you can take the free French placement exam.

If you have not studied French before, enroll in Elementary French 1.

Why Study French

• More than 200 million people speak French on over 5 continents
• French is useful for many different industries in our increasingly globalized economy
• French is the international language for cooking, visual arts, theatre, dance, and architecture
• It is also the language of many influential authors, philosophers, film directors and musicians
• French an official language of the United Nations, the European Union, and UNESCO
• French is the third most used language on the internet, ahead of Spanish

French Learning Opportunities

We also offer weekly extra-curricular French activities on campus to advance your learning outside the classroom. 

Through the Winona State French Club, we provide activities such as French film screenings, conversation groups and field trips. Not only will you learn more about French language and culture, but also connect with others who are learning French.