Placement and course questions
I’m a native speaker, can I take French at PCC to earn language credit?
Because our classes are designed for first and second-year students, we do not allow native speakers to take classes in their language unless there are extenuating circumstances (i.e.: they have lived in the US so long they are forgetting French, they are a heritage speaker that does not know the grammar, etc) which must be evaluated by the head of the French department before enrolling. Please contact Stephanie Whitney for more information.
I’ve had 2-3 years of high school French but it was more than 2 years ago, I didn’t do well in the class, or it was taught entirely in English. Can I still take FR 101?
Normally yes, but if it is determined by the instructor that you are too advanced for the class during the first week of class you may be asked to switch to another class. If you are unsure of your placement, please see the instructor before the term begins or at the very beginning of the term to determine the appropriate course level for you.
I’ve had 3 years of high school French recently and did well, but I want an easy A. Can I take FR 101?
No. FR 101 is for beginners or students having completed less than 2 years at the HS level. Students who are deemed too advanced for the class will be asked to switch to FR 102 or FR 151. Please note that FR 151 is offered in the fall, whereas FR 102 is only offered in the winter. If you are unsure of your placement, please see the instructor before the term begins or at the very beginning of the term to determine the appropriate course level for you.
I’ve done some studying with a private tutor or taking non-credit classes or using a program such as Rosetta Stone. How do I know what class to take?
Most often, unless you lived abroad or took college classes for credit, you will need to start with a FR 101 course. If you are unsure of your placement, please see the instructor before the term begins or at the very beginning of the term to determine the appropriate course level for you.
How can French help me fulfill my degree requirements?
All French courses taught at PCC transfer to four-year institutions. First-year level French courses meet part of the Arts and Letters requirement for the AA degree, and completion of second-year level courses meet the two-year language requirement for a BA.
I’m on the waitlist for a class. What should I do?
Show up the first week of classes and the instructor will try to accommodate as many students as possible up to 35-37 (at the instructor’s discretion). Please note that students who are enrolled but who do not show up the first day may be replaced by a student on the waitlist, and oftentimes students are signed up for the wrong level class so openings often occur the first week.
I have to miss the first class but do not want to be dropped. What should I do?
Inform the instructor before the first class – otherwise, you may be dropped from the class. Please note that you will be counted absent.
I have a question that is not listed on this page. What should I do?
Please contact your instructor before the first class if possible or at the beginning of the first week of classes to consult with them, or you may contact the head of the French Department: Stephanie Whitney.
Learn more about French placement at PCC.