French Course Descriptions

FREN - 101. First Semester French (4)

An elementary French course. Accent on listening, speaking, reading and writing skills at the beginner's level.

FREN - 102. Second Semester French (4)

Prerequisite: FREN - 101 or equivalent competence as determined by the placement test. Continuation of First Semester French.

FREN - 195. Freshman Seminar (4)

An interestng introduction to a topic in the the field of French or Francophone literature and culture.

FREN - 201. Third Semester French (4)

Prerequisite: FREN - 102 or equivalent competence as determined by the placement test. Review of grammar. Accent on developing listening, speaking, reading, and stress on conversation.

FREN - 202. Fourth Semester French (4)

Prerequisite: FREN - 201 or equivalent competence as determined by the placement test. An intermediate-level course focusing on developing the elementary reading, writing, listening and speaking skills as well as grammar acquired in the first year. In addition, there is an increased focus on cultural knowledge and the inclusion of a full-length work of literature.

FREN - 250. Africa Films Africa (4)

The diversity of the African continent as seen through the eyes of its filmmakers. Weekly viewings and discussions will be informed by critical literature on African film and its place in the West and the developing world. This course meets the Culture requirement for French majors. Cross Listed With: MS - 250

FREN - 260. a.k.a. Africa: Mapping Identities in African Literature and Film (4)

A substantial introduction to the literature and film of the African continent. Works from five different regions and more than a dozen countries ranging from traditional folk tales to experimental novels will expose students to the diversity of the continent through its rich literary heritage. This course meets the Culture requirement for French majors.

FREN - 300. French Culture and Civilization (4)

Prerequisite: FREN - 202 or equivalent. French culture and civilization focuses on the study of French society from 1851 to the present through cultural phenomena in the context of major historical, political, and social events. The course is taught in French.

FREN - 320. Introduction to Textual Analysis (4)

An introduction to reading and analyzing literary works, with special emphasis on the acquisition of critical vocabulary through readings in major genres (poems, plays, novels) and multiple writing assignments. The course is taught in French.

FREN - 322. Introduction to French Literature 17th and 18th Centuries (4)

An introduction to the major literary currents of the 17th and 18th centuries, to the historical events that helped shape them, and to other cultural manifestations associated with them. The course is taught in French.

FREN - 324. Introduction to French Literature 19th and 20th Centuries (4)

An introduction to the major literary currents of the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, to the historical events that helped shape them, and to other cultural manifestations associated with them. The course is taught in French.

FREN - 330. Francophone Literature I (4)

An intensive and comprehensive introduction to the literature and culture of the almost thirty French speaking countries of Africa through representative texts produced in three very culturally diverse regions: North, West, and Central Africa. The course is taught in French.

FREN - 332. Francophone Literature II (4)

An intensive and comprehensive introduction to the Francophone world excluding Africa (which is covered in French 330). Texts, DVDs, and artifacts will be used as the basis for an exploration of the literary, cinematic and popular production, and the cultural and linguistic specificity of French-speaking groups in North America, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and Oceania. The course is taught in French.

FREN - 340. French Cinema and Literature (4)

A comprehensive history of French Cinema and literature from the turn of the 20th Century to the present. Students will read, analyze, compare and contrast literary and cinematic works of each significant period starting with the invention of the first camera and the Lumière Brothers first films to the different movements that influenced today's film and literary productions. This course meets the Culture requirement for French majors.

FREN - 350. Paris-Berlin: Connections and Contrasts at the Turn of the 20th Century (4)

The course explores the many cultural exchanges between France and Germany from the late 1800s to the early decades of the 20th century. In this period, Paris and Berlin were centers of artistic productions. The new perspectives in literature, art, architecture, and film of this period and their integration with social and political developments are focal points. The foundation is Nietzsche's manifesto of personal self-overcoming. This course meets the Culture requirement for French majors.

FREN - 398. Directed Study (1-4)

Individual project on various topics of French and Francophone studies to be determined with the instructor. Written permission of the department chair and the dean is required. Offered every semester at the upper-division level only to help students complete their requirements for the major or minor.

FREN - 399. Internship (4)

Internship in French companies (businesses or financial institutions), or French government agencies (consulate, embassies). Written permission of the instructor, the department chair and the dean is required.

FREN - 440. Seminar: Special Topics in French Literature and Culture (4)

Advanced study in French Literature and Culture. Topics will vary each semester.

FREN - 450. Seminar: Special Topics in Francophone Literature and Culture (4)

Advanced Study in Francophone Literature and Culture. Topics will vary each semester.