French for Global Health

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

This course is intended for those with a strong command of French, seeking to improve cultural and linguistic proficiency through the lens of global health. Using authentic documents, in a variety of media—text, images, and audiovisual content—students will deepen their understanding of historical and current issues within Francophone communities, from France to Canada, Africa, and beyond. They will also build specialized vocabulary, strengthen grammar, and develop communication strategies through active, task-based learning activities based on real-world scenarios in the fields of medicine and public health. Through both targeted and open-ended exercises in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, students will acquire the tools necessary to engage meaningfully with health-related topics in a range of settings, including personal, local, national, and international contexts. Themes explored will include individual health, mental health, preventative health, nutrition and food systems, access to care, humanitarian initiatives, and more. No prior study of public health, medicine, or related fields is required. Prerequisite: successful completion of FREN 3350 or 3351.