French (FREN)
Introduction to language and culture. Fundamentals of grammar and syntax. Oral and written practice, short readings and practice in aural comprehension. Emphasis on learning useful everyday phrases and working toward accuracy in pronunciation. Offered in fall.
Continuation of language and culture, with emphasis on more complex syntactical structures while working toward greater proficiency in speaking, writing, reading and listening skills. Offered in spring. Prereq: FREN 101 or 2 years of high school French.
Experimental
Emphasis is placed on further developing the language skills through varied realistic exercises and real-life situations. Contemporary cultural and literary texts provide the thematic basis for oral and written communication. Offered in fall. Prereq: FREN 102 or placement exam.
Continued emphasis on language skills started in FREN 201. Oral and written communication in speech and writing remains the primary goal; structures and vocabulary are studied in greater depth. Emphasis on developing a cross-cultural perspective by comparing student’s native culture with the target culture. Offered in spring. Prereq: FREN 201 or placement exam.
Experimental
Co-Op Ed Experience in French
Commercial vocabulary and stylistics of French for the professions. The parts of the business letter, study of general types of business correspondence, oral and written interactions in a professional context, including letters requesting and offering information, mail orders, sales letters, applications for employment, complaints, claims, collection, credit, etc. Includes the opportunity to take the Certificate of Professional French given by the Paris Chamber of Commerce. Offered periodically. Prereq: FREN 202 or 351.
History and development of French civilization from prehistoric times to 1789. Civilization and art of the Gauls, influence of the Roman Conquest, Germanic invasions, unification of the country through the various dynasties. The art of each period will be studied, with emphasis on architecture. Offered periodically. Prereq: FREN 202 or 351.
Phonetics and phonology of the French language. Correct pronunciation of standard French, free from the deformation resulting from interference of the speech habits of native speakers of English. Offered infrequently. Prereq: FREN 202.
Recommended particularly for secondary education foreign language majors. Considerable attention is given to the specific linguistic needs of prospective teachers. Intensive experience with the spoken language. Taped exercises in comprehension. Conversations dealing with everyday life, with emphasis on acquisition of appropriate vocabulary. Emphasis on modern society and customs: schools, sports, holidays, literature, etc. Remedial treatment of phonetics and grammar. Offered periodically. Prereq: FREN 202 or equivalent. NOTE: The French section has an exciting, new way to earn some of your credits at the advanced level—in the virtual classroom. For more information, please contact Dr. Christine Gaudry-Hudson.
Recommended particularly for secondary education foreign language majors. Considerable attention is given to the specific linguistic needs of prospective teachers. Intensive experience with the spoken language. Taped exercises in comprehension. Conversations dealing with everyday life, with emphasis on acquisition of appropriate vocabulary. Emphasis on modern society and customs: schools, sports, holidays, literature, etc. Remedial treatment of phonetics and grammar. Offered periodically. Prereq: FREN 202 or equivalent. NOTE: The French section has an exciting, new way to earn some of your credits at the advanced level—in the virtual classroom. For more information, please contact Dr. Christine Gaudry-Hudson.
Experimental
Co-Op Ed Experience in French
CR. Introduction to Phonetics
Introduction to linguistics and its terminology in the context of modern French. Study of the major branches of the discipline: phonetics, phonology, syntax, morphology, semantics and sociolinguistics. Review of various French grammar issues from a linguistics perspective. To be taken before FORL 480. Prereq: FREN 351 and 352.
CR. Seminar in Twentieth Century Literature
Honors Course
CR. Current Topics
For further information on independent study, see the Special Academic Opportunities section.
Departmental Honors
Co-Op Ed Experience in French
Analysis of the language as behavior and emphasis on the priority of the spoken language in a systematic study of its structure. Comparison with English to explain and avoid errors of pronunciation and syntax resulting from intrusion of one’s native language. Required for degree.
Scientific approach to correct formation of French sounds in isolation and in combination. Remedial drill. Language laboratory experience. Required for M.A. degree.
Designed to give students a feeling for French style in writing, a sense of shades of meaning and a mastery of certain difficulties of grammar and syntax. Writing of compositions and participation in the student newspaper. Required for degree.
Intended for students who already have a firm oral and written command of French, but lack experience in necessary techniques and need expert guidance in learning to avoid the pitfalls inherent in transposing thought from one language to another. Emphasis on the importance of style, exactness of expression and use of the dictionary. Practical exercises in technical, scientific, commercial, journalistic and political language. Introduction to consecutive and simultaneous oral interpretation.
For advanced students who already possess fluency but need practice in acquiring the habit-forming processes and spontaneous assimilation of spoken-language patterns necessary for mature self-expression. Oral reports and guided discussion. Students in the course will be expected to assume leadership roles in activities of the school, such as public speaking, dramatics, newspaper, etc.
Analysis of the history of the language from Vulgar Latin to the present. Phonology and morphology. May be counted in the civilization and literature block.
Formation and development of France from the Middle Ages to the Revolution of 1789, with emphasis on the 16th century (religious wars), the 17th century (the age of Louis XIV) and the 18th century (the coming of the Revolution).
French civilization from the Revolution to the contemporary period.
Emphasizes the role of France’s geography in her economic and cultural development.
Treats in broad fashion France’s contribution in art and music. Considerable use is made of films, slides and recordings.
Selected view of current developments in France of significance to its inhabitants. Aspects treated are among the following: internal politics, foreign affairs, economy, educational system, sociological changes, arts and sciences.
Workshop 1
CR. Seminar in Medieval French Literature
CR. Seminar in Renaissance Literature
CR. Seminar in Seventeenth Century Literature
CR. Seminar in Eighteenth Century Literature
CR. Seminar in Nineteenth Century Literature
CR. Seminar in Twentieth Century Literature
Topics in French
In-depth investigation and development of a topic of current interest not normally covered in regular courses. Special topics to be covered will vary to meet the challenge of timeliness and appropriateness.
Research Report