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French Language & Culture

Did you know that French is the only language, other than English, spoken on five continents? French and English are the only two global languages, and France is the second most visited country in the world. French is the language of business, technology, art, fashion, cuisine, and opens a world of opportunity for you. We have French classes for beginners through professionals, all oriented toward improving conversational skills to prepare you for real situations such as travel in Francophone countries.

Scroll down or click on a link below.French cafe

Conversational French classes in Madison
Instructors for French classes
What students say about our classes
Distance learning in French
French for reading knowledge
French camp for youth

Conversational French classes in Madison

computer iconBrowse upcoming French classes in the Continuing Education Catalog online.

 

French language and culture: beginning 1: First time learning French or just getting back into it after many years? Either way, this is the class for you. Learn the basics: numbers, the alphabet, and how to introduce yourself and carry on simple conversations. Designed for francophiles and travelers alike, our class encourages an appreciation for the richness of French and Francophone cultures. No prerequisite.Instructor: Jan Hagedorn

French language and culture: beginning 2: This continuation of Beginning 1 builds on your abilities to have everyday exchanges about yourself, travel, hobbies, and routines. Enjoy a buffet dinner after class (included in
the cost). Prerequisite: Beginning 1, or instructor’s consent. Instructors: Sage Goellner, Andrew Irving

French reading knowledge exam: This one-hour exam can be taken on weekdays between 8:30 and 11 am, or between 1 and 3:30 pm at 21 N. Park St, 7th floor. Register at 139 Pyle Center at least seven days in advance.

If you aren't sure which level is right for you, please contact the French classes coordinator at languages@dcs.wisc.edu.

 

textbooksTextbooks for language classes are available for preview and purchase on campus in the University Book Store's lower level, in the outreach section. The University Book Store is located at 711 State St., Madison (at Lake St., on the Library Mall). See campus map.


Your instructors

Sage Goellner Sage Goellner holds a PhD in French Literature from UW-Madison, has lived and worked in France, and has over ten years of teaching experience. Learn more about Sage in her Brava Magazine profile.


 

Jan Hagedorn (PhD student in World Language Education) has taught French and Spanish for the past 5 years. She has an M.A. in Spanish and an M.A.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction, as well as a B.A. in French and Hispanic Studies. She has lived and studied in France.

What students say about French classes

"The class helped give me the courage to try my French...we came home with a completely different attitude toward the French than we'd had before."

"Great teacher! Learning French is very empowering."

"I think it was a very good course-informative yet enjoyable. The instructor obviously loves what she is doing, and it is infectious."

"I was very pleased and surprised at the openness of the professor and her ability to infuse others with enthusiasm about the subject."

"The course is very practical. You learn the basics to get you around in a travel situation. I enjoyed the course very much. It was fun and the teacher was excellent."

"I just wish it were longer!"

Distance learning in French

If you can't attend our face-to-face classes, or if you want to work on reading and writing rather than speaking French, explore our Independent Learning courses. French language, literature, civilization, and business courses are available at the beginning, intermediate and advanced levels.

  • Earn transferable college credit.
  • Work one-on-one with our experienced instructors via e-mail or postal mail.
  • Start your course at any time, all year round.
  • Work at your own schedule for as long as one year to complete each course.

Online French Course

Take up to a year to complete these online French course. For more information, visit our online French page.

  • French and Francophone women writers
  • French for reading knowledge

French Camp

A fun way to improve French language skills and make new friends for children 4-15 years of age. Learn more.

Also of interest

Visit www.uwfrenchhouse.org for information on French-speaking groups in Madison.

How to register

Call 608-262-2451, 7:00 am-4:00 pm, M-F. Specific program numbers and links to the mail-in registration form or to register online can be found in the continuing education catalog.

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