French Course Descriptions

FREN - 101. First Semester French (4)

Grammar, composition, conversation, and reading, with stress on spoken language. Offered every semester.

FREN - 102. Second Semester French (4)

Prerequisite: FREN - 101 or equivalent competence as determined by the Department's placement test. Continuation of 0108-101. Offered every semester.

FREN - 133. Intermediate French Conversation (2)

French conversation at the intermediate level. Introduction to French and Francophone culture and society. (May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units of credit). Offered every semester.

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 Department. Review of grammar, composition, reading, and stress on conversation. Offered every semester.

FREN - 202. Fourth Semester French (4)

Prerequisite: FREN - 201 or equivalent competence as determined by the Department. 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. 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.

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.

This 300-level course taught in French will bring students to a higher level of competency in the language within the four areas of reading, speaking, listening and writing, which will enable them to better prepare for literature courses, and 400-level seminars.

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 and multiple writing assignments. Offered every Spring.

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.

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

An introduction to the major literary currents of the last two centuries, to the historical events that helped shape them, and to other cultural manifestations associated with them.

FREN - 330. Francophone Literature I (4)

This course offers students 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.

FREN - 332. Francophone Literature II (4)

The course offers students an intensive and comprehensive introduction to the Francophone world excluding Africa (which is covered in French 330). Texts, videos 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.

FREN - 340. French Cinema and Literature (4)

A comprehensive history of French Cinema through studying literature and film. Students will read and analyze a selection of major French literary works complemented by films starting at the turn of the 20th century with the Lumière brothers' first films to today's film production. French cinema and literature informs both disciplines of literature and film studies while providing significant insight into French culture and society.

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.

FREN - 398. Directed Reading and Research (1-4)

Individual project on various topics. Written permission of the instructor, the department chair and the dean is required. Offered every semester.

FREN - 399. Internship/Directed Study (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. Offered every semester.

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.