French at BC
The Bellevue College French Program is committed to offering a solid two-year sequence of French instruction. Speaking, listening, reading, and writing are practiced in depth. Additionally, French and Francophone culture is woven into all our classes. Online and in-class videos provide reinforcement of the rich and practical vocabulary as well as some fun.
Online and in-class videos provide reinforcement of the rich and practical vocabulary as well as some fun. Consistent valuable feedback allows you to better understand and learn to speak, understand, write, and read French.
French is recommended to fulfill a World Language requirement in our state colleges and universities, but also to enhance any other major. Fluency in French is suggested for majors in Art History, international relations, marketing, the sciences, and community service. We believe strongly that studying a foreign language and culture gives one a strong foundation for any creative endeavor in the future.
Bellevue College is the only two-year college in the greater Seattle area offering First and Second Year French classes starting with French 121 and 221 classes in Fall, continuing with one French 122 and 222 in Winter, and finishing the sequence with French 123 and 223 in Spring. Since we are a smaller program, we only offer day classes.
We do recommend to students who need three sections start their French language classes in Fall. However, if you don’t need all three classes, starting in Winter is just fine.
Did You Know?
Did you know that French is spoken by 200 million people in the world? And though French is only spoken by 1% of the world’s population, the language is represented in about 70 different countries. Like 12 Overseas territories: Guadeloupe, Guyane, Martinique, Mayotte, la Réunion, La Nouvelle-Calédonie, La Polynésie française, Saint-Barthélemy, Saint-Martin, Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, Terres australes et antarctiques franchises and Wallis-et-Futuna as well as Switzerland, Belgaum, Canada and in many parts of North Africa?
Placement Questions:
Do you know which level of language you should register for? Feel free and reach out to our full-time faculty to discuss what works best for you. Contact Engel Szwaja-Franken: Je.Szwaja@bellevuecollege.edu
- How much French have you had?
- How long has it been since you had a French class?
- Include a short paragraph about a recent vacation written in French.
Class Descriptions
1st Year Classes
FRCH& 121: French I 5 cr.
Introduces the fundamentals of vocabulary and grammar at the novice level focusing on the development of four basic skills: Listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Emphasis is placed on active communication aimed at the development of oral and comprehension skills. Various aspects of French-speaking cultures are presented. Format includes extensive audio and Internet usage. After successful completion, students are encouraged to continue with FRCH& 122. This class is not intended for heritage speakers (i.e. students who grew up speaking French at home in a place where French is not the medium of instruction in schools) or native speakers (i.e. students who grew up in a place where French is the medium of instruction in schools). This class is for students with no prior experience studying or speaking French.
FRCH& 122: French II 5 cr.
Continues FRCH& 121 at the novice mid level. Format includes extensive audio and Internet usage. Various aspects of French-speaking cultures are presented. Format includes extensive audio and Internet usage. After successful completion, students are encouraged to continue with FRCH& 123. This class is not intended for heritage speakers (i.e. students who grew up speaking French at home in a place where French is not the medium of instruction in schools) or native speakers (i.e. students who grew up in a place where French is the medium of instruction in schools). Recommended: FRCH& 121 or equivalent or permission of instructor.
FRCH& 123: French III 5 cr.
Continues FRCH& 122 at the novice high level. Format includes extensive audio and Internet usage. Various aspects of French-speaking cultures are presented. After successful completion, students are encouraged to continue with FRCH& 221. This class is not intended for heritage speakers (i.e. students who grew up speaking French at home in a place where French is not the medium of instruction in schools) or native speakers (i.e. students who grew up in a place where French is the medium of instruction in schools). Recommended: FRCH& 122 or equivalent or instructor permission
Second Year Classes Available if there is a demand.
Last Updated November 17, 2025