Undergraduate Courses in French

SPRING 2003

(Course information subject to change)
(Cross-reference with Department Roster)

French 110 
Elementary French
Staff
(See Timetables for times)

A first-semester elementary language course for students who have never studied French before or who have taken the placement test and received a score that places them in the 110 level.  All students who have previously studied French are required to take the placement test.  Class work emphasizes the development of speaking and listening comprehension with training in reading and writing.  Work outside of class with audio and video cassettes required for additional practice and preparation.

French 120
Elementary French
Staff
(See Timetables for times)

The continuation of the elementary level sequence (French 110) designed to develop functional proficiency in the four skills.  The primary emphasis is on the development of the oral/aural skills, speaking and listening.  Reading on topics in French culture as well as frequent writing practice are also included in the course.

French 130
Intermediate French
Staff
(See Timetables for times)

The first part of intermediate level sequence designed to develop functional proficiency in the four skills.  For students who have completed French 120 or 121 or have a placement score within the range set for the 130 level.  The primary emphasis is on the development of the oral/aural skills, speaking and listening.  Review of the basic structures learned in elementary French.  Regular readings on topics in French culture as well as frequent writing practice are also included in the course.

French 134
Intermediate French: Accelerated
Staff
MWF 9-10 AM, TR 9-10:30 AM

French 140
Intermediate French
Staff
(See Timetables for times)

The continuation of French 130.  Designed to enable students to attain a functional level of proficiency in French.  Considerable emphasis is placed on developing listening and speaking skills.  There will be a review of the basic grammatical structures learned in elementary French; other structures will be introduced systematically.  Regular readings on topics in French culture as well as frequent writing practice are also included in the course.

French 180
Advanced French in Residence
Staff

Open only to residents in La Maison Francaise

French 202
Advanced French
Staff
(See Timetables for times)

French 202 is a one-semester third-year level French course designed to prepare students for subsequent study in upper level courses in literature, language, or civilization.  It is also the appropriate course for those students who have time for only one more French course and wish to solidify their knowledge of the language by continuing to work on all four skills--speaking, listening, reading, and writing-- together with a selective review of grammar.

The class will study a series of thematic units dealing with a wide variety of literary texts, films, TV shows, songs, comedy sketches, and "bandes dessinées."  Each unit takes as its theme a particular aspect of French culture, and within this context work will be done on all four skills.  Student work will be evaluated both in terms of progress in language skills and ability to handle and engage in the content areas.

French 207-301
Spectacle & Enlightenment (Freshman Seminar)
Prof. Turnovsky
TR 3-4:30

This course studies the central role of spectacle and "entertainment" (what Pascal called "divertissement") in the cultural life of 17th- and 18th-century France. We will explore the varieties of spectacle - in the theatre and official festivals at Versailles - with attention to their "multimedia," performative aspects. Film reconstructions of life at the Court of Louis XIV as well as performances of plays will provide opportunities to consider what might be left out when we discover, say, 17th-century French literature exclusively through the written texts of Racine and Molière.

French 211-301
French for the Professions I
Prof. Slowinski
MW 4:30-6:30

Prerequisite: Intermediate-high advanced level French.
This content-based language course, taught in French, introduces economic, business, and professional terminology through the study of the following topics: the French economy and monetary policy (transition to the Euro); financial institutions (banking and postal services, stock market and insurance); specificity of the French fiscal system; business practices (business letters and resumes); advertising and the internal structure and legal forms of French companies. France's atypical system of industrial relations as well as cultural differences and their impact on the business world will also be explored.
On completion of the course, students will have the opportunity to take the test on the basis of which the Certificat Pratique de Francais Commercial et Economique is awarded. This test is administered by the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

French 212
Advanced French Grammar & Composition
Staff
(See Timetables for times)

Intensive review of grammar through writing practice. A good knowledge of basic French grammar is a prerequisite (French 202 or equivalent is recommended). Conducted entirely in French, the course will study selected grammatical difficulties of the French verbal and nominal systems, including colloquial usage. Frequent oral and written assignments with opportunity for rewrites. There will also be a reading component (magazine and newspaper articles as well as selections from Camus's L'Etranger).

French 214-301
Advanced Composition & Conversation
Prof. Donaldson-Evans
MWF 10-11

This is a course aimed at improving writing and conversational skills. It is based on the study and discussion of short extracts from a variety of texts (literary, journalistic, advertising, etc.) used as models for writing and as a base for oral discussion. Students will write frequent short compositions based on these extracts and will be asked to present a series of short oral reports. After the presentation of their oral reports, students will then lead a discussion on the report. Videos of French news broadcasts and films will be used to stimulate discussion and to improve students' comprehension of contemporary spoken French.

French 217-301
French Phonetics
Prof. Edelstein
MW 3-4:30

This course is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in French phonetics and phonology. Part of the course will be devoted to learning how to produce discourse with native-like French pronunciation, rhythm and intonation. The second half of the course will be devoted to improving aural comprehension by examining stylistic and dialectical differences in spoken French.

French 222-301
Perspectives in French Literature
Prof. Prince
MWF 11-12

This basic course in literature provides an overview of French literature and acquaints students with major literary trends and forms through the study of representative works from the Middle Ages to the present. French 222 has as its theme "The Individual and Society". Readings and class discussion are in French.

French 223-301
French Youth Since 1945
Prof. Richman
TR 10:30-12

Among the many dramatic transformations that have marked French culture and society since World War II, the emergence of la jeunesse will be our reference point to examine the major trends of the period. By means of films, short novels, and a basic historical text, we will consider the shifts in lifestyle, values, and identity among youth at critical moments in the history of the last 50 years. Conducted entirely in French, this course requires the student to view 7 films outside of class, 1 written mid-term in class, reaction paragraphs for each film, 3 of which will be expanded to relate the films to the required readings of Francoise Sagan, Georges Perec and Rachid Djaidani. Students will also present to the class their research upon some aspect of youth culture or identity of their choice. The written part of that presentation will be integrated into the final exam paper.

French 227-301
Modern France
Prof. Samuels
MWF 12-1

This course examines French political, cultural, and social history from the Revolution of 1789 to the present. Readings in primary and secondary sources, including literary texts, political documents, speeches, letters, etc., as well as analysis of visual material, especially painting and architecture. Short quizzes, papers, and oral presentations will be expected. Required for French majors; also of particular interest to majors in history, international relations, architecture, economics (Wharton), etc. All readings and discussions in French.

French 230-401
Masterpieces of French Cinema
Prof. Met
T 4-6:30, R 4-5:30

The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to the history and scope of French cinema from its beginning to the present through the analysis of key works of the French film canon. Particular attention will be paid to the various period styles ("le réalisme poétique", "la qualité française", "la nouvelle vague", "le cinéma du look", …). A variety of critical lenses will be used (psychoanalysis, socio-historical and cultural context, politics, aesthetics, gender…) to better understand the specificities and complexities of these films. Film directors will include Renoir, Duvivier, Carné, Clément, Clouzot, Bresson, Truffaut, Resnais, Godard, Beineix, Denis. Entirely conducted in French.

French 250-301
French Literature in Translation: Money and the Novel
Prof. Samuels
MWF 10-11

Theorists from Marx to Benjamin have seen Paris as the capital of the nineteenth century because of the way new economic structures gave rise to the social, political, and cultural formation characteristic of modernity. This course will explore the relation between literature and capitalism in this period. How did writers come to terms with the new modes of production and consumption that developed in France between the French Revolution and World War I? How did literature itself become a commodity during this period? Classic novels in the Realist tradition will be read for their investment in the economic discourse of their age. Balzac's Old Goriot, Flaubert's Sentimental Education, Zola's Money, and Gide's The Counterfeiters are among the novels we will study. Additionally, students will be asked to give presentations on economic theory from the nineteenth century. All readings and discussions will be in English. No knowledge of French required. This course counts for General Honors.

French 313-301
French for Professions II
Prof. Slowinski
MW 3-4:30

The course, conducted entirely in French, emphasizes verbal communication in professional situations through four components. First, a series of in-class debates on the following socio-economic issues affecting French society:
· Influence of the European Stability and Growth Plan (euro) on the French economy
· Capitalism French style
· Future of social protection (health policy and pension reform)
· Notion of Public Service a la Francaise
· Women in the workplace
· Impact of the 35-hour workweek.
Second, students will have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of authentic professional situations through the use of a video method based on interviews, meetings, strategy and negotiation sessions of businessmen and women in a variety of French companies. Third, as effective communication is based not only on linguistic proficiency but also on cultural proficiency, cultural differences mostly between Americans and French will be explored. Finally, throughout the semester, students will work in groups on the creation of their own business, association, or other organization and will be invited to present their project to the class at the end of the semester. Prerequisites: An intermediate high to advanced level of French. French for the Professions I (211) highly advisable. No business background necessary.

French 322-301
France & the European Union
Prof. Slowinski
TR 3-4:30

Foreign Language Across the Curriculum
The following topics will be addressed:
1) A brief history of European integration: The Franco-German couple-The hesitations of Great Britain; Debate: neutrality, sovereignty and identity
2) The Community's institutions: Necessity for reform before enlargement. Debate: intergovernmental cooperation vs. federation (a European constitution?)
3) The European single market: Europe becomes the biggest market in the world (the beef and banana war with the United States)
4) Economic and monetary union: Introduction of the EURO; Debate: From an economic community to a political community?
5) Political union and defense-Relations between France, Europe and NATO; Debate: Eurocentrism vs. Atlanticism
6) Is there a social Europe? Analysis of the cultural and social European model; Debate: its future vs. American or Japanese liberalism (the unemployment problem)
7) A people's Europe: Education and training; Debate: Is there a European civilization?
8) Common programs (agriculture, fishing and environment); Debate: Impact of the common agricultural policy on France
9) The Community and its neighbors: Debate: a wider vs. a deeper Community
10) Europe and its relations with the rest of the world (US, Asia and the developing countries); Debate: Euro vs. dollar and yen
Presence and participation in class are important. Three short papers during the semester and one final paper of the students' choice are required.

French 325-301
Advanced French Translation
Prof. Donaldson-Evans
MWF 11-12

This is a course on the theory and practice of translation from French into English and vice versa. Students will learn techniques of translation and will have the opportunity of translating a variety of texts: literary, historical, journal and review articles, and publicity. Students should have a good knowledge of French grammar and should have taken French 211, 212 or the equivalent in order to be well prepared to take the course.

French 340-301
French Renaissance Literature
Prof. Donaldson-Evans
MWF 12-1

This course introduces a diverse and fascinating era that marks the beginning of the early modern period. We will look at the political, historical and social context of France during the whole sixteenth century, examine the Italian Renaissance and its transformation in France, and investigate how contemporary writers and poets translated the discoveries of Humanism into their works. Authors to be studied will include the poets Clément Marot, Maurice Scève, Louise Labé, Pernette Du Guillet, Ronsard and Du Bellay. In addition we will analyze a number of stories from Marguerite de Navarre's rewriting of the Decameron (L'Heptaméron), as well as Rabelais's work and some essays of Montaigne. At the same time we will examine some examples of the art and architecture of the time, and view the film Le Retour de Martin Guerre, a fairly accurate portrayal of life in the sixteenth century and starring the archetypal French actor, Gérard Depardieu.

French 360-301
French Literature of the 18th Century: Discourses of the Feminine in 18th Century French Literature
Prof. Weber
TR 10:30-12

In this course, we will examine the nature and status of femininity--as it relates to sexuality, the body, the exotic, society, politics, freedom, and language itself--by reading a broad array of literary works from the French 18th century. Texts examined will range from novels to philosophical essays to plays (and, in some cases, contemporary film adaptations of those plays), and from works by male authors such as Rousseau, Voltaire, and Sade, to female writers like Graffigny and Charriere. All readings, class discussion, and written assignments in French.

French 382-401
Horror Cinema
Prof. Met
T 1:30-4, R 1:30-3

Building on a previous course that provided an overview of the genre (NOT a prerequisite), we will look at lesser-known cult classics of horror cinema in an international context (including British, Japanese, Italian and Belgian films), but with an emphasis on American (30s-40s) and Italian (60s-70s) horror. Issues of ethics, gender, sexuality, violence, spectatorship will be examined through a variety of critical lenses (psychoanalysis, socio-historical and cultural context, aesthetics, politics, gender…). Films considered will include: Kenton's Island of Lost Souls, Ulmer's The Black Cat, Freund's Mad Love, Wise's Curse of Cat People, Tourneur's Curse of the Demon, Bava's The Body and the Whip, Margheriti's Castle of Blood, Shindo's Onibaba, Kümel's Daughters of Darkness, Roeg's Don't Look Now, Hardy's The Wicker Man, Argento's Inferno, and others. Taught entirely in English.

French 390-301
Survey Francophone Literature
Prof. Moudileno
TR 12-1:30

The course will introduce students to major contemporary (1980s-90s) Francophone novelists from Haiti and the Antilles (Gaudeloupe and Martinique). Particular attention will be given to history and the collective memory; past and contemporary representations of the Caribbean islands; migration and exile; the process of creolization; the complexities of race, class and gender issues. Authors will include Dany Lafferierre, Lionel Trouillot; Edwige Danticat (Haiti); Raphael Confiant, Patrick Chamoiseau (Martinique); Maryse Conde, and Gisele Pineau (Guadeloupe).