French is the second largest foreign language program at USC with over 300 students enrolled in basic language classes (French I, II, and III) each semester. These classes take place in a dynamic, French-only environment designed to be encouraging, enlightening, and fun. Students also have the opportunity to fulfill part of their French language requirements in our summer program in Dijon, France.
Our immersive approach to learning in the classroom, guided by decades of research on best practices for foreign language acquisition, will leave you amazed at how much – and how quickly – you learn French!
We are one of the only university language programs in the United States whose teaching faculty are certified to assess language proficiency according to nationally-recognized standards, and our emphasis is on building real-life communication skills and cultural competence. So get ready to impress your friends and family, and to put your newfound language skills to work on your next trip abroad!
If you have already studied French at another institution, you should take a placement exam to ensure you begin your coursework at the appropriate level.
For further information, see individual class descriptions or contact Prof. Atiyeh Showrai, Director French Basic Language Program at showrai@usc.edu.
For students who enjoy French studies, we encourage you to continue beyond basic language courses and to study abroad. The Department of French and Italian offers many opportunities for further study including courses in language, culture, film, literature, and business.