French (FREN)

Learning a language other than one’s own is an opening on the world, on the beliefs and practices expressed in that second language. As our Earth shrinks to a global village, knowledge of foreign languages becomes increasingly valuable. Translation can never adequately substitute for direct communication in another language.

The best reason for language study is that the mental habits it teaches give a heightened awareness of the linguistic bias of one’s own thinking and of the power and limitations of language itself.

French influence—cultural, scientific, technological, economic and political—is felt in many parts of the world. French is spoken not only in Europe but in North and South America, the Caribbean, the South Pacific and Indian Ocean areas and Africa. A great wealth of human experience is uniquely portrayed in the literary and artistic works of France. The study of French history is essential to an understanding of Western civilization.

Students entering Piedmont with substantial language ability (at least of two years of high school French with at least a “B” average) and/or established placement from another institution may complete only the 1102-level course to fulfill the foreign language general education requirement. Additionally, if a student chooses to take a 2000-level or higher course in a foreign language and successfully completes the course, the foreign language requirement is considered satisfied.

Course Descriptions