Courses

Fall 2007 - French Course Descriptions

French 001 - Elementary French I

A - Block A - John Julian
B - Block D - John Julian
C - Block G - Wen-Yee Ho
D - Block I - Wen-Yee Ho

Introduces the fundamental grammatical structures and vocabulary of French. Through the development of basic language skills of reading, writing, listening comprehension and speaking, it promotes the practical use of language in a variety of social settings. Conducted in French. No prerequisites.

French 002 - Elementary French II

A - Block C - Marie Gillette
B - Block E - Kerri Conditto
C - Block H - Tracy Pearce

A continuation of French 001. The course advances the study of basic grammar, fosters the development of vocabulary, and broadens the range of situations in which the student can understand and impart information. Audio-visual materials provide the cultural context for linguistic activities. Conducted in French. Prerequisite: French 001 or equivalent.

French 003 - Intermediate French I

Review and continued presentation of French grammar with attention to all four skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The course aims to develop fluency and the functional use of language. Class discussions will be based on short literary texts and readings about French society. Regular listening work and frequent compositions are required. Conducted in French. Prerequisite: French 002 or equivalent.

French 004 - Intermediate French II

Continues the grammar review begun in French 003, introduces the use of more advanced structures, and promotes the acquisition of a large active vocabulary. It aims to develop language proficiency sufficient to converse about practical concerns and to narrate in past, present, and future time. Readings from several different types of prose develop sensitivity to tone and style. Course work consists of regular lab assignments, compositions, class discussions, and oral presentations. Students are required to register for a recitation section that consists of a weekly 40-minute conversation group. Conducted in French. Prerequisite: French 003 or equivalent.

*Reserved for Freshman only

French 021 - Composition and Conversation I

This course is worth two course credits. It meets six hours a week (2 time block) and is taught by two instructors. It is recommended for anyone who wishes to make rapid progress in French and particularly for those who plan to study in France in the near future. A variety of sources will be used as a basis for class discussion : a text on contemporary French culture, short stories, newspaper and magazine articles, films, and television programs. There will be a thorough review of grammatical structures and weekly compositions. Other course work includes vocabulary building exercises, dictations and oral reports (a skit and a traditionsl presentation), weekly grammar and vocabulary tests and a final oral exam. Students are required to register for a recitation section that consists of a weekly 40-minute conversation group. Conducted in French. Prerequisite : French 004 or equivalent.

French 022 - Composition and Conversation II

A - Block A - Emese Soos
B - Block E - Anne-Christine Rice
C - Block F - Tracy Pearce
D - Block G - Viola Thomas
E - Block MmL - Anne Taieb

This course, like French 021, provides a grammar review and work on oral-aural skills, but its focus shifts to written expression. Readings are drawn from contemporary French and Francophone texts. To prepare students for upper-level courses, increasing emphasis is placed on analytical skills and on the cogent presentation of ideas and points of view. Course work includes oral and written assignments, video, film, and exams. Students are required to register for a recitation section that consists of a weekly 40-minute conversation group. Conducted in French. Prerequisite: French 21 or equivalent.

French 022-X – Politiques économiques et sociales en France

Block MmL - Anne Taieb

The purpose of this course is to further develop speaking and writing skills in French through the reading and analysis of articles and texts related to politics and business in French-speaking countries. This course will help students become familiar with the social and economic aspects of France that affect the business world. Coursework includes the usual French 22 grammar review, written assignments, oral presentations, class discussions, and exams. Students are required to register for a recitation section that consists of a weekly 40-minute conversation group. Conducted in French. Prerequisite: French 021 or equivalent.

French 31 - Readings in French Literature I

A - Block E+ - Agnès Trichard-Arany
B - Block F+ - Claire Schub
C - Block G+ - Paulette Smith - CANCELLED
D - Block I+ - Gérard Gasarian
E - Block L+ - Tracy Pearce

Through the study of French and Francophone literature, we will practice techniques of close reading. Special attention will be given to the cultural background of texts. Three short papers, one research paper presented to the class and a final exam. Conducted in French. Prerequisite: Fr 21, or instructor's consent.

French 41 - The Development of French Society as Seen Through Comedy and Satire (in English)

Block E+ - Emese Soos

The evolution of French society as seen through the comic and satirical writings of Rabelais, Moliére, Voltaire, Feydeau, Jarry and Ionesco. Emphasis will be placed on comedy as catharsis and as an instrument for social change. A personal journal, oral reports, presentation of plays, and a final 8-10 page paper will be required. Conducted in English. Counts toward the humanities distribution area, the special minor in French for Engineers, and the French culture option.

French 94 - Independent Study (in English)

ARR - Members of the Department

Guided individual study of an approved topic in French literature or civilization. Variable credit. Prerequisite: consent. To register for an Independent Study, see the Department Administrator.

French 121 - Advanced French Language I: French and Francophone Women’s Writers

Block H+ - Isabelle Naginski

In-depth study of contemporary language with emphasis on idiomatic usage and different styles of expression through analysis of written and spoken French. Readings include both critical and fictional prose and concentrate on women’s voices in French and Francophone society, culture, and literature. Grammar review; frequent written assignments and papers; explications de texte; oral proficiency through exposés and group projects; exams. Active class participation is essential. Not for native speakers or for those who have studied in French-speaking countries. Prerequisites: French 21 and 22, or consent.

French 191-A - Medieval French Comic Theater

Block H+ - Vincent Pollina

A study of theatrical techniques that have the power to make us laugh, and of the different types of laughter such techniques provoke. In particular we shall observe the comic interaction of the sexes and of the various social and cultural milleux. The course will concentrate on several plays read in modern French translation: Jean Bodel’s Jeu de Saint Nicolas, Adam de la Halle’s Jeu de la feuillée, Rutebeuf’s Miracle de Theophile, several anonymous farces and Sotties, and the later Farce de Maistre Pierre Pathelin. As an approach to the staging of the medieval theater, students will have the option of performing certain scenes in class. There will be discussions, two five-to-six page papers, and a final exam. Counts toward the Interdisciplinary Minor in Medieval Studies. Conducted in French. Prerequisite: French 31 and 32, or consent.

French 191-B - George Sand and Her Sisters: The Nineteenth-Century Woman Writer

Block L+ - Isabelle Naginski

While Germaine de Staël and George Sand have in recent years been "rediscovered," many women writers of the first half of the nineteenth century remain in relative obscurity. This course attempts to retrieve their lost voices and to study them alongside their more famous sisters. Often braving prejudice and ridicule, these writers were reviled by critics of the day as pedantic femmes-auteurs. But they would not be silenced. Adopting the novel genre, but also producing memoirs, plays, political and historical treatises, George Sand and her sisters played a major role in feminizing the literary arena. Some theoretical materials will be read (Cixous, Kristeva, B. Didier). One short paper (5-6 pages); one long paper (10-12 pages); one exposé or take-home final exam. Active class participation is essential. Conducted in French. Counts toward the Interdisciplinary Major in Women's Studies. Pre-requisite: French 31 and 32 or its equivalent.

French 191-C - French Surrealism

Block K+mw - Gérard Gasarian

An in-depth investigation of the Surrealist movement in France through the study of plays (Ionesco), poems (Breton, Eluard, Desnos, Queneau, Mansour, Prévert), prose narratives (Breton), and films (Buñuel). A variety of texts, in prose and in verse, will be read for their literary as well as social, cultural, and psychological significance. Surrealist theater and cinema will also be studied. Prerequisite : French 31 and 32, or consent.

French 191-D - French Cinema and Society

F+ tr - Brigitte Lane

Viewing of films: Block 10, as a group, for a large screen, or at any time of your choice, at the Tisch Media Center. An in-depth study of the various forms of social discourse in French cinema since the early 30s till today. Special attention will be granted to films offering a critical view of society and calling for change. The aesthetic relationship between cinematographic forms and social criticism will also be considered. One film per week plus excerpts, short readings, 2 oral presentations, one midterm paper (7 pages) and a final research project (10 pages). Active participation a must. Counts for the French Major, the IR and ILVS requirements and the Mass Communications and Film Studies Minor. Prerequisite: French 31 or 32 or consent. Conducted in French.

French 191-E - The Contemporary Francophone Canadian Novel (Québecois, Acadian, Amerindian)

Block 10 6:00pm-8:45pm - Paulette Anne Smith - CANCELLED

Until the 20th century French Canadian writers found their models mainly in writers from France with themes in nationalism, the simple lives and folkways of the habitants, and the devotion to the Roman Catholic Church. From an exotic rural romanticism to a realistic regionalism the Canadian novel modeled itself after Louis Hemon’s Maria Chapdelaine. During the 1970s to the 90s those currents were replaced with irony, skepticism, and a debate on cultural imperialism and universalism as in L’Evangile selon Marie Madeleine (Clive Doucet) and Liaison Parisienne (Marie Claire Blais). Followed the more autonomous post-modern trend characterized by experiments with language, subject matter and with new literary techniques of hybridization of genres and cultures. In this course, we will examine these energetic and playful movements by Québecois, Acadian and Amerindian fiction writers whose diverse ethnic origins broaden the cultural and social context in such novels as La Québécoite, (Régine Robin), Agaguk (Yves Thériault) , Prochain épisode (Jacques Poulin), L’Ile aux puces (Antonine Maillet), Le livre d’Emma (Marie-Céline Agnant).

The course will be greatly enhanced by a pre-arranged rencontre d’auteurs in Québec and Bouctouche, Acadie. Requirements Fr 31 and 32 or by consent.

French 191-F - Business French/Business France

Block D+ - Claire Schub

This course provides a fundamental knowledge of French as used in the business world, as well as background and information to enable students to communicate effectively in a business context in France and other Francophone countries. We will study technical terminology and practices in such fields as banking, government, industry, and advertising, and broaden our understanding of French political, financial, economic, and educational institutions. There will be practical training in writing business letters, job application letters, and résumés. We will discuss the impacts of recent and current developments such as the environmental movement, the anti-globalization movement, and the European Union. There will be several invited speakers who are involved in the French business world. One or two films will be shown. At the end of the semester, students may opt to take the Paris Chamber of Commerce exam for the certificat de français professionnel. Work for the course includes 3 short papers (3-4 pages); quizzes; mid-term and final exams; a final project involving creating and presenting a dossier for a job application; class participation and leading class discussions. Prerequisite: French 31 and 32.

French 191-G - New ‘French’ Voices: The Multicultural Novel in France since 1980

Block J+ - Brigitte Lane

Marked by globalization and cultural métissage, the French novel has, since 1980, taken new and multicultural directions through the works of new writers who live in France, write in French but have more than just French national origins. Deliberately subverting the tradition of the linear psychological novel, this new literature adopts alternative approaches to the representation of reality as well as new ways of confronting contemporary interrogations and concerns. Beyond perennial themes, such as love, death or freedom, it thus addresses post-modern issues such as cultural crossings, shifting identity, emotional inner exile, new forms of racism and violence and the new existential dimensions of Time/Space along with other recent socio-cultural and humane concerns due to social mutation. Special attention will also be granted to the notion of littérature des métamorphoses. One short paper (7-8 pages), one long paper (10-12 pages) and 2 oral presentations. Conducted in French. Active participation in class a must. Conducted in French. Prerequisite: French 31 and 32 or consent.

French 194 - Independent Study (in French)

ARR - Members of the Department

Guided individual study of an approved topic in French literature or civilization. Variable credit. No more than one credit in an Independent Study may be counted toward the major. Prerequisites: one 100-level literature course and consent. To register for an Independent Study, see the Department Administrator.

French 199-AT - Honors Thesis (Fall Semester)

ARR - Members of the Department

Open to qualified students. Variable credit. Prerequisites: French 31 and 32 and consent. To register for an Honors Thesis, see the Department Administrator. Once the topic has been approved by the Chair, the thesis must be registered in the Office of the Dean of the Colleges.

Back to top.