Courses Offered
French
A list of regularly offered courses follows. The indication of when a course will be offered is based on the best projection of the department and can be subject to change.
Please note the key for the following abbreviations: (A) Arts; (H) Humanities; (S) Social Sciences; (N) Natural Sciences with Laboratory; (LS) Language Studies requirement; (NSP) Natural Science in Perspective; (NW) Non-Western Cultures requirement.
Courses In French
101. Elementary French I. Every Fall
For students with no previous experience with the language. An introduction to grammar, pronunciation and culture, with emphasis on developing communicative skills. No prerequisite. Staff
102. Elementary French II. Every Semester
Continuation of 101. Prerequisite: FRN 101 or placement. Staff
201. Intermediate French I. (LS) Every Semester
Review and expansion of French language skills. Emphasis on basic language structures, with practice in the active application of these skills to the oral and written production of French. Traditional review of grammar is supplemented by use of current audio, video and digital authentic materials. Prerequisite: FRN 102 or placement. Staff
202. Intermediate French II. (H) Every Semester
Continuation of FRN 201. Perfection of oral, aural and written language skills. Coursework may include discussion of current events in the Francophone world, based on a variety of texts from both literary and contemporary digital and print sources. Emphasis is on developing linguistic and cultural competence. Prerequisite: FRN 201 or placement. Staff
203. Introduction au Monde Francophone. (H) (NW) Every Spring
Selections from Francophone literature will be read, performed and discussed in their cultural context. A variety of exercises are designed to develop oral and written skills and to complete a thorough one-semester grammar review at the intermediate level. Prerequisite: placement. Same as AFS 203. Hebouche
205. Intensive French Conversation. (H) Every Semester
This course is designed to improve skills in oral expression and aural comprehension. Emphasis is on informed conversation and vocabulary acquisition. Coursework includes individual and group work leading to the production of audio and/or video documents in French, as well as intensive pronunciation practice, impromptu speech, and informal writing skills. Extensive use of authentic French documents found on the internet. Prerequisite: FRN 202 or 203 or placement. Piotrowski, Yetter-Vassot
305. France in the Age of Tradition: Introduction to French Studies until 1789. (H)Every Fall
A broad overview of French civilization from the Middle Ages to the 18th century, through representative literary works and other cultural materials (painting, architecture, music, film). Oral and written assignments, along with selective grammar review, are designed to improve students’ Staff language proficiency. Prerequisite: FRN 203 or placement.
306. Revolution and Reaction: Introduction to French Studies 1789 – 1968. (H) Every Spring
A broad overview of French civilization from the Revolution to the Fifth Republic, through representative literary works and other cultural materials (painting, architecture, music, film). Oral and written assignments, along with selective grammar review, are designed to improve students’ language proficiency. Prerequisite: FRN 202, 203 or placement. Staff
365. Autour de 1830. (H) Fall 2012
1830 was a year of revolution, rupture, and social and political experimentation in France. It marked the end of the Bourbon Restoration and the beginning of a constitutional — “bourgeois” — monarchy under the Citizen King, Louis-Philippe. This course investigates this transition through a pair of novels: “Le Rouge et le noir by Stendhal,” and ”Eugenie Grandet” by Balzac. The course will be devoted to close readings of these texts, theoretical issues of the realist novel, and careful attention to historical context. Between the novels, we will read and listen to a grand opera: “La Juive.” Lerner
366. Folk and Fairy Tales in French. (H) Fall 2012
Drawing on folk tales from Africa, Quebec, and the Caribbean, as well as classic fairy tales from France, we will raise questions about the nature of storytelling and the foundation of popular tales in a culture. We will examine the tales from a variety of perspectives, borrowing from psychology, anthropology, and literary criticism to form our interpretations. This popular literature will also serve as an introduction to the history and culture of various parts of the French-speaking world. Gasbarrone
381. Seminar: Advanced French/Francophone Studies. Every Fall(H)
A seminar on a single aspect of French or Francophone culture: a writer, genre, theme or movement, seen in historical and cultural context. Prerequisite: at least one course beyond the 305 – 306 level. Recent courses include La Littérature de Guerre; Victor Hugo; Mai 68 en littérature et en film. Topic for Fall 2012: Love, Marriage and Friendship in Early Modern France . Open to juniors who petition the department to enroll. Russell
391. Directed Readings in French. (H) Every Semester
Tutorial for students who have completed FRN 305 or 306 and one other 300 level French course. Students who have a special interest may arrange a tutorial with a faculty member. Enrollment is conditional on instructor’s permission. Staff
481. Seminar: Advanced French/Francophone Studies. (H) Every Semester
A seminar on a single aspect of French or Francophone culture: a writer, genre, theme or movement, seen in historical and cultural context. Prerequisite: at least one course beyond the 305 – 306 level. Recent courses include La Littérature de Guerre; Victor Hugo; L’Etranger. Topic for Fall 2012: Love, Marriage and Friendship in Early Modern France. For seniors only. Russell
490. Independent Study. Every Semester The student pursues an in-dept
h investigation of a topic of special interest, under the direction of an adviser. Available in the senior year as a Senior Research Project. Prerequisite: Permission of chairperson. Staff
Courses Taught In English
170. First Year Seminar: Americans in Paris. (H) (W) Every Semester
From the Founding Fathers to the Lost Generation, from Impressionist painters to jazz musicians, from the 19th century satirist Mark Twain to late 20th and early 21st century humorist David Sedaris, Paris has always fascinated Americans. Through close readings and analysis of primary sources, literary descriptions, films and historical accounts, this course explores the attraction the City of Light holds, the creativity it inspires, the stereotypes it reinforces and those it bunks. Landfried
Topics Courses Expected To Be Offered In 2012 – 2013
Reading French Texts.
Topics in Francophone Literature.
Behind the Veil.
