Courses

Fall 2008 - French Course Descriptions

French 001 - Elementary French

This course 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. 

Texts: Capretz, French in Action, Textbook and Workbook, Part I (Yale UP).

French 002 - Elementary French II

A - Block A John Julian 
B - Block B Kerri Conditto
C - Block F Kerri Conditto

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.

Texts: Capretz, French in Action, Textbook and Workbook, Part I (Yale UP).

French 003 - Intermediate French I

A - Block C Kerri Conditto 
B - Block D Agnès Trichard-Arany
C - Block G Ellen Detwiller 
D - Block KmL Liliane Arnet
E - Block N Liliane Arnet

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.

Texts: Muyskens et al., Bravo! Textbook and Workbook, 5th ed. (Heinle & Heinle).

French 004 - Intermediate French II

The course 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.

Texts: Course Packet. Muyskens et al., Bravo! Textbook and Workbook, 5th ed. (Heinle & Heinle).

French 021 - Composition and Conversation I

This course aims to develop the student's ability to speak and write French, with special emphasis on oral-aural skills and a focus on contemporary French culture. A review of more advanced grammar structures promotes correct expression. Lab assignments and readings, in the form of cultural texts and short fiction, serve to expand vocabulary and provide subjects for class discussions. Given the focus on oral expression, active participation in class is essential. Regular lab work, compositions, oral exposés, and debates. 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 C Tracy Pearce
B - Block D Annie Geoghegan
C - Block J Viola Thomas

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 021 or equivalent. 

French 022-XA and 22-XB - Politiques économiques et sociales en France

Block K+ Anne Taieb
Block L+ 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

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: French 021, or instructor's consent.

French 31-C - Readings in French Literature I
Block K+ - Zeina Hakim

Reading and discussion of major literary works from the Middle Ages through the eighteenth century. Through the study of various literary genres we shall examine the evolution of French literature and culture. Class discussions, two four-to-five-page papers, and a final exam. Conducted in French. Not for senior majors or for students returning from programs abroad. Prerequisite: French 21 or equivalent.

French 93 - 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 122 - Myth and Revolution, 1789-1848

Block J+ 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 primary historical documents and concentrate on the major theories, concepts and mythical constructs which helped shape France during its Age of Revolution, between 1789 and 1848. Topics will include: myths of revolution, myths of origin, the myth of Napoleon, the Civil Code, Utopian Socialism, the figure of Marianne. Grammar review; frequent written assignments and papers; explications de textes; oral proficiency through exposés; mid-term and final exams. Active class participation is essential. Not for native speakers or for majors who have studied in French-speaking countries. Pre-requisite: French 21 and 22, or consent.

French 137 - French Renaissance and Baroque Poetry

Block H+ Vincent Pollina

Sixteenth-century lyric represents a radical departure: the outward trappings of the Middle Ages are discarded even as the medieval love tradition is expanded and refined; the Greco-Roman heritage, revived with great enthusiasm, is adapted to the tastes of a contemporary French public. The richly turbulent Baroque age (ca. 1590- 1660) will further transform this legacy. Using a workshop format, we shall explore the thematic innovation and formal perfection of Renaissance and Baroque lyric, with attention to the art of reading poetic texts. Topics include love, death, and the spiritual quest, as envisaged by such authors as Ronsard, Du Bellay, Scève, Louise Labé, Pernette du Guillet, Sponde, La Ceppède, Hopil, and Saint-Amant. There will be class discussions, two five-to-six page papers, and a final exam. Prerequisites: French 31 and 32, or consent.

French 163 - Visions of Society in the 19th-Century French Novel

Block N+ Isabelle Naginski

The French nineteenth century was a period of intense reflection about society and its discontents. Because it concerned itself not only with individual destinies but with "l'être social", the novel came to be considered a privileged vehicle for the expression of social ideas. As the French thinker Renan expressed it, the literature of his day tended to regard individual suffering as a "mal social," and to hold society responsible for the poverty and degradation of its members. This course will study five different "visions" of society: Balzac's pessimistic view of the Restoration, George Sand's and Victor Hugo's utopian proposals for change ("utopia is tomorrow's truth", remarked Hugo), Flaubert's savagely ironic interpretation of 1848, and Zola's somber recreation of a miners' strike. One short paper (5-6 pages); one long paper (10-12 pages); two exposés or one exposé and a take-home final exam. Active class participation is essential. Pre-requisite: French 31-32 or consent.

French 177 - 20th-Century French Poetry

Block K+ Gérard Gasarian

A survey of 20th-century French poetry through close readings of four major poetic texts. Particular emphasis will be placed on the philosophical implications of these texts, as evidenced by the reactions they elicited, in their day, from such thinkers as Camus, Sartre and Derrida. There will be lectures, discussions and oral reports; two papers will be required. Prerequisites: French 31 and 32, or consent.

French 191-A - 17th-Century French Literature

Block G+ Zeina Hakim - CANCELLED

Variously described as "le grand siècle" (the Great Century), "l'âge classique" (the Classical age), and the epoch of the "roi soleil" (the Sun King), the seventeenth century represents a turning-point in which France led Europe in political and cultural development, while its authors expounded Classical ideas of order, clarity, proportion, and reason. Emphasizing techniques of close reading, we shall explore the chief literary forms of the time: theater, poetry, maxims, and the novel. Authors will include Molière, Racine, La Fontaine, La Bruyère, and Madame de La Fayette. Class discussions, two five-to-six-page papers, and a final exam. Prerequisites: French 31 and 32, or consent.

French 191-B - 20th-Century French Theater

Block F+tr Brigitte Lane

A detailed study of some of the major dramatic works of the 20th century while looking at the crucial interference between text, mise en scène and acting. Special attention will be granted to the evolution of French modern theater and its often antagonistic ideological directions : on one hand the 'Theater of the absurd' (both the heir of Jarry's grotesque cycle Ubu Roi and of surrealism, in general); on the other hand, a political theater marked by Brechtian influences and by the American experimental theater of the times. Attention will also be granted to the birth of newly created regional Dramatic Centers seeking to bring the performing arts to popular audiences, outside of Paris. The relationship between theater and film will also be considered. Conducted in French. Class participation a must. Oral presentations, independent or collective creative writing.One midterm paper (6-7 pages);one final research project (10-12 pages). Prerequisites: French 31 and 32 or consent.

French 191-C - 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 "diplôme de français des affaires". Prerequisite: French 31 and 32. 

French 191-D - French Cinema and Society

Block L+ 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 of related works, 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 193 - 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.

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