Courses

Spring 2008 - French Course Descriptions

French 001 - Elementary French I

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

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.

French 002 - Elementary French II

A - Block A - Kerri Conditto
B - Block D - Marie Gillette
C - Block E - David Pauling
D - Block G - Wen-Yee Ho

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

A - Block C - Tracy Pearce
B - Block F - Annie Geoghegan
C - Block N - Ellen Detwiller
D - Block C - Luisella Simpson

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

A - Block D - Agnès Trichard-Arany
B - Block F - Marie Gillette
C - Block I - CANCELLED
D - Block KLr - Ellen Detwiller

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.

French 021 - Composition and Conversation I

A - Block A - Larysa Smirnova
B - Block E - Viola Thomas
C - Block H - STAFF

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 021 and 022 - Intensive Composition and Conversation I and II

21-I Block G - David Pauling
22-I Block J - Viola Thomas

This intensive course earns two course credits. It meets six hours a week (2 time blocks) 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 traditional presentation), weekly grammar and vocabulary tests, and a final oral exam. Students are required to attend a weekly 40-minute conversation section. Conducted in French. Prerequisite: French 004 or equivalent.

French 022 - Composition and Conversation II

A - Block C - Annie Geoghegan
B - Block E - Tracy Pearce
C - Block F - 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-X - Politiques économiques et sociales en France

Block L+ tr - 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 midterm and final 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 32-A - Readings in French Literature II

Block F+ tr - Paulette Anne Smith

Readings from 19th- and 20th-century literature in various genres - drama, poetry, fiction, philosophical essays, letters, comedy of the absurd - together with some consideration of the visual arts. Topics include exoticism, realism and its derivatives, the elusive quest for self and God, confronting myths of difference, the search for the meaning of life in art. Three short papers (2 pages each), one exposé, and a final exam. Conducted in French. Not for senior majors or for students returning from programs in a French-speaking country. Prerequisite: French 21 or equivalent.

French 32-B - Readings in French Literature II

Block E+mw - Agnès Trichard-Arany

Readings from literary genres of the 19th and 20th centuries: autobiographical and fictional novel, short story, and poetry. Emphasis on techniques of close reading and on critical analysis of different genres. Two papers, one exposé, mid-term and final examinations. Conducted in French. Not for seniors or for students returning from programs abroad. Prerequisite: French 21 or equivalent.

French 32-C - Readings in French Literature II

I+ mw - Gérard Gasarian

A close reading of five major works from the 19th and 20th centuries. Through lectures, class discussions, and oral and written assignments, the course will introduce specific methods for dealing with literary texts from different genres and periods. Short papers and exposés will be required. Conducted in French. Not for senior majors or for students returning from programs abroad. Prerequisite: French 21 or equivalent.

French 32-D - Readings in French Literature II

Block H+ - Isabelle Naginski

Selected readings in various literary genres (novel, short story, poetry) from Pre-Romanticism to the present. The course emphasizes close textual analysis and is designed to refine further students’ critical skills. Class participation is essential. Four short papers (2-3 pages) or three short papers and one exposé; mid-term and final examinations. Conducted in French. Not for seniors or for students returning from programs abroad. Prerequisite: French 21 or equivalent.

French 32-E - Readings in French Literature II

Block D+ - Claire Schub

Readings of 19th- and 20th-century texts with attention to literary, social, and cultural developments using various theoretical approaches. The course includes the novel, short story, poetry, essay, and theater, and is intended to strengthen students' oral and written critical expression. Oral presentations, mid-term and final exams, three papers (2-3 pages, 4 pages, and 5-7 pages). Conducted in French. Not for seniors or for students returning from programs abroad. Prerequisite: French 21 or equivalent.

French 75 - Classics of French Cinema (*in English)

Block L+ - Brigitte Lane

A study of remarkable French films which, since the early 1930’s, have proven to be landmarks in the history of French cinema and have left their imprint on more recent “new classics.” Special attention will be given to the aesthetic styles these films represent (from the subversive poetic realism of Jean Vigo to the rebellious spirit of Godard and Kassovitz), as well as to the political and socio-cultural context of their times and the major impact of the “French New Wave” movement. Viewing of films (one per week), individual presentations, class discussion, short readings. One mid-term paper (6-7 pages), one final paper (10-12 pages). Films may be viewed either as a group during the reserved time slot (Block 10) or individually, at any chosen time, at the Tisch Media Center. No prerequisites.

French 92 - Women's Voices from the French Diaspora (*in English)

Block N+ - Paulette Anne Smith

An introduction to modern best-sellers by contemporary women writers from Vietnam, Quebec, Acadia, Haiti, Guadeloupe, Cameroon, Algeria. Discussions of cultural history will help define the political, psychological, and aesthetic issues involved in women's writing. One oral presentation, three reaction papers (2 pages each), and a final research paper (12-14 pages). No prerequisites. Counts toward the Interdisciplinary Minor in Women's Studies.

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 125 - Studies in French Culture (“France 2008”)

Block F+ tr - Brigitte Lane

A close look at fundamental issues reflecting the rapidly changing dimensions of French culture and society: the question of national identity in an increasingly multicultural France undergoing both Europeanization and globalization; political, social, and ethical issues related to the poor, the young, the immigrant; the status of women; emerging forms of cultural production within new trends and styles reflecting post-modernity. Special attention to the various debates created by the 2007 Presidential elections and to general issues related to the diverse immigrant communities living in France. Work from the press and the Web; some films. Group discussion, individual oral presentations, one mid-term paper (6-7 pages), and a final research project (10 pages). Active participation in class a must. Prerequisites: French 21 and 22, or consent.

French 169 - “Les Poètes Maudits”: Apocalypse Now

K+ - Gérard Gasarian

The course will trace the evolution of French poetry from Romanticism to Symbolism in the second half of the 19th century. The Romantic “mal du siècle,” which is experienced by Nerval as late as 1850, gradually turns into a malediction felt by such authors as Desbordes-Valmore, Verlaine, Rimbaud, and Mallarmé. In the works of these "poètes maudits," the theme of poetic curse keeps recurring ad nauseam, nurtured by feelings of despair, distress and dejection. By cherishing their gloomy, pessimistic moods, these poets were secretly seeking some apocalyptic cleansing. To analyze their obsessive sense of impending doom, a wide range of psychological, sociological, religious and linguistic symptoms will be considered: melancholy, madness, homosexuality, rebellion, bohemianism, and damnation. There will be lectures, discussions, and oral reports. Two papers required. Prerequisites: French 31 and 32, or consent.

French 172 - In Search of Writing: 20th-Century French Novel I

Block F+tr - Claire Schub

In the 20th century, the claim that language coincides with reality is abandoned and notions of the heroic struggle are subverted. The course will focus on ways in which five novels confront issues of history, sexuality, art, identity, freedom, memory, community, and writing itself, in a context that rejects the structures of the past. How do these French writers from the first half of the 20th century speak to us as early 21st-century readers? One short paper (5-7 pages), one long paper (10-12 pages), and two exposés. Prerequisites: French 31 and 32, or consent.

French 192-A - Balzac Seminar: La Comédie féminine

Block L+ - Isabelle Naginski

This course is devoted to the study of Balzac’s La Comédie humaine. Our particular focus will be the remarkable cast of women character-types and the author’s sustained exploration of the feminine condition in 19th-century France that his vast fictional universe offers. We will concentrate on this “Comédie feminine” as deployed in the Scènes de la vie parisienne, Scènes de la vie privée, Scènes de la vie de province and the Etudes philosophiques. One short paper (5-6 pages); one long paper (10-12 pages); exposé or final take-home exam. Active class participation is essential. Counts toward the Interdisciplinary Major in Women’s Studies. Prerequisites: French 31 and 32, or consent.

French 192-B - Short Stories of the French-Speaking World

Block D+ - Paulette Anne Smith

The course will focus on the socio-historical contexts of Europe (France, Belgium, Switzerland), Africa (Senegal, Congo, the Ivory Coast, Guinea, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia), the Caribbean (Haiti, Martinique, Guadeloupe), and Quebec and Vietnam. The short stories will illustrate the paradigms that link the diverse parts of the French-speaking world, including the paradigms of Islam and of Christianity. Attention will be paid to the quest for linguistic autonomy and to practices of representation through art (mask-carving, painting, and music); to the role of exoticism in short story writing by the French masters Maupassant, Loti, Daudet, and Morand; to aspects of "orality" in relation to the ancient African values of sagesse and convivialité. Critical readings from Baudelaire, Godenne, Isacharoff and Michel Viegnes on short story technique. Discussion of the issues of globalization, post-colonialism, reinvention of self and country, and the role of women as viewed in the short story adapted into film. Three short papers (2 pages each), one oral exposé, a team project, and a final paper (10-12 pages). Prerequisites: French 31 and 32, or consent.

French 192-C - Family Values in 18th-Century French Literature

Block 10 - Nadine Bérenguier

Pre-marital sex, adultery, divorce, birth control, women’s education, women’s right to political representation: these controversial issues have been for over two centuries at the core of debates over women’s legal, social, and cultural status and their role in the family. This course will examine women’s changing roles as represented in the fiction and philosophical texts of the French Enlightenment. Readings from fiction by Françoise de Graffigny, Denis Diderot, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Isabelle de Charrière, and Choderlos de Laclos will be supplemented by Encyclopédie articles as well as a few legal documents and polemical essays. Class participation, mid-term paper (4-5 pages), research project (oral presentation [15% of grade], written report [(4-5 pages]), final paper (7-8 pages). 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-BT - Honors Thesis

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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