Resources

CLA Language Center

French and Italian students have free access to the extensive resources of the CLA Language Center, located in 110 Jones Hall. The Language Center allows for students to use technology to enhance their fluency in a given language. Facilities include four computer classrooms, a multimedia lab for students as well as checkout equipment and a library of DVDs and videotapes. The Language Center also facilitates language testing and the TandemPlus program.

Tutoring and Conversation Hours

FRIT tutoring takes place in Folwell Hall 1. Tutors are volunteers who assist UMN students with their French and Italian language skills and understanding assignments. Conversation hours are held weekly and coordinated by our undergraduate student assistants. You can view the tutoring schedule and conversation hour details on the Culture Shock website.

Students interested in becoming tutors should email the FRIT tutoring coordinators fritnews@umn.edu. French tutors must have completed FREN 3015 or its equivalent, or be native speakers.

French and Italian Library Guides

These guides are curated by our subject librarian Andre G. Wenzel. Ideal for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students, the resources gathered here offer guidance and more specific search options for research and contact information for help from either our subject librarian or other library resources.

Courses for High School Students

  • PSEO - Post-Secondary Enrollment Options
  • CIS - College in the Schools

Miscellaneous Resources

  • Language Center Learning Resources
  • Culture Shock is a student-run branch of the French & Italian Department at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities that strives to provide relevant, engaging content about French and Italian culture to students, thereby reducing the “culture shock” that can occur when learning a new language. It also serves as a medium for students to learn about opportunities in the community and the FRIT department.
  • The online tool Le Bon Patron, a free French grammar corrector, is recommended for use by all students, from beginning to advanced levels.  
  • Antidote 9 - French writing assistant software, available at SMART Commons on the second floor of Walter Library and in the CLA Language Center's walk-in multimedia lab, is recommended for use by all advanced French students.  You may wish to consult A Guided Tour of Antidote 9.