French Language & Culture

“Language is wine upon the lips.” ~ Virginia Woolf

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.

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Conversational French classes in Madison
Instructors for French classes
What students are saying about our classes
Distance learning in French
French for reading knowledge
Business French
French camp for youth
Join the mailing lists for French programs

Conversational French classes in Madison

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 like numbers, the alphabet, how to introduce yourself, and carry on simple conversations. Designed for francophiles and travelers alike, our class topics encourage an appreciation for the richness of French and Francophone cultures. No prerequisite. Instructor: Martha Goodge.

Beginning 2: This course is a continuation of French: Beginning 1, with more advanced topics and further emphasis on conversation. Oral exercises enhance speaking and listening, while written texts and film introduce more grammar practice and expand vocabulary. Prerequisite, French: Beginning 1 or equivalent. Instructor: Martha Goodge.

Intermediate French: Practice your conversational French in an informal, relaxed atmosphere. With short texts and films, you continue to improve your skills in French as you pursue advanced proficiency. Prerequisites: Beginning 2, Back to Basics, or instructor approval. Instructor: Paula Garrett-Rucks.

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

Browse upcoming French classes in the Continuing Education Catalog online.

French for reading knowledge: This course provides a concise overview of grammar, as well as reading and translation practice, for graduate students and others who wish to read French. With the successful completion of the French for reading knowledge course, you can certify that you have passed your UW-Madison graduate program requirements for reading knowledge of French. We have successfully prepared numerous participants to do research in their fields and for the French reading knowledge exam. Instructor: Sage Goellner.

Browse upcoming French classes in the Continuing Education Catalog online.

Textbooks 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

French classes are taught by Sage Goellner and Betsy Kuhns.

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 Instructor Spotlight or her Brava Magazine profile.

Martha Goodge (MA in French), a graduate student in the Department of French and Italian, has taught several evening French courses. She also researches 17th-century French literature and culture.

Nicola Rutlin (MA, French) is an enthusiastic and energetic French instructor committed to stimulating her students' interest in French and Francophone cultures. Originally from Scotland, she studied in Sorbonne and lived in Bordeaux.

What students are saying about our 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.

Business French: Designed for intermediate French speakers, this course provides an overview of cultural aspects of doing business in France. Study French banking, insurance, the stock market, and transportation, and practice the terminology of a French-speaking workplace. Through guided reading and written practice, acquire and develop the skills needed to understand and discuss professional activities. Prerequisite: two years of French or instructor’s consent. See the Business French page for more information.

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.

Contact us

• Madison area registration questions: 608-262-2451.
• UW-Madison Continuing Studies in French coordinator Sage Goellner: sgoellner@dcs.wisc.edu or 608-262-4873.
• Join the mailing list for French or other language programs.
• Review frequently asked questions about language programs.

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