Courses

Courses

Spring 2007 Courses

  • Visit Bearings to search for courses by title, instructor, department, and more.
  • Login to Blackboard. Instructional materials are available on a course-by-course basis.
102. Elementary French II
Valerie Guillet M 10:30 - 11:25, W 10:30 - 11:25, F 10:30 - 11:25 Sills-205
A continuation of French 101. A study of the basic forms, structures, and vocabulary. Emphasis on listening comprehension and spoken French. During the second semester, more stress is placed on reading and writing. Three class hours per week and one weekly conversation session with assistant, plus regular language laboratory assignments.
204. Intermediate French II
Hanetha Vete-Congolo M 2:30 - 3:55, W 2:30 - 3:55 Sills-117
Continued development of oral and written skills; course focus shifts from grammar to reading. Short readings from French literature, magazines, and newspapers form the basis for the expansion of vocabulary and analytical skills. Active use of French in class discussions and conversation sessions with French assistants. Three class hours per week and one weekly conversation session with teaching fellow.
204. Intermediate French II
Fanny Daubigny M 9:30 - 10:25, W 9:30 - 10:25, F 9:30 - 10:25 Sills-205
Continued development of oral and written skills; course focus shifts from grammar to reading. Short readings from French literature, magazines, and newspapers form the basis for the expansion of vocabulary and analytical skills. Active use of French in class discussions and conversation sessions with French assistants. Three class hours per week and one weekly conversation session with teaching fellow.
208. Contemporary France through the Media
Charlotte Daniels M 11:30 - 12:25, W 11:30 - 12:25, F 11:30 - 12:25 Sills-205
An introduction to contemporary France through newspapers, magazines, television, music, and film. Emphasis is on enhancing communicative proficiency in French and increasing cultural understanding prior to study abroad in France or another Francophone country.
208. Contemporary France through the Media
Charlotte Daniels M 1:30 - 2:25, W 1:30 - 2:25, F 1:30 - 2:25 Sills-205
An introduction to contemporary France through newspapers, magazines, television, music, and film. Emphasis is on enhancing communicative proficiency in French and increasing cultural understanding prior to study abroad in France or another Francophone country.
210. Introduction to the Study and Criticism of Modern French Literature
William VanderWolk T 10:00 - 11:25, TH 10:00 - 11:25 Sills-207
Introduces students to the literary tradition of the French-speaking world from 1789 to the present. Focus on major authors and literary movements in historical and cultural context.
333. Slow Food Nation
Fanny Daubigny M 2:30 - 3:55, W 2:30 - 3:55 Searles-115
Examines the food as a central concept in the shaping of the French Nation from the 18th to the 21st centuries. Explores through films the various political discourses attached to the concept of food from the politics of "grandeur" under Louis XIV to the politics of identity in contemporary society. Films in class may include Vatel (2000) Babette's Feast (1987), Delicatessen (1991), Cuisine et Dépendance (1993), Cuisine Américaine (1998), Chocolat (2001) A Matter of Taste (2000). Readings may include selections from Brillat-Savarin, Saint-Simon, Eugène Le Roy, Zola, Flaubert, Colette, Levy.
351. Senior Seminar for French Majors
Hanetha Vete-Congolo M 11:30 - 12:55, W 11:30 - 12:55 CT-16 Whiteside Room
The French culture is conceived worldwide as sophisticated, elaborated and appealing to many. The strong cliché developed about France’s language, which is said to be romantic, sustains that worldwide view. So do the beliefs according to which France produces the best cheese, wine, cuisine and fashion. France’s literature also contributes to entertain this worldwide view about her culture. France counts famous philosophers and writers whose writings have undeniably promoted France and the French culture on the international scene. Many of the writers have been distinguished by prestigious literary prizes among which the Prix Goncourt, Renaudot, Femina, Académie française, Médicis and Interallié. These literary prizes are only a few among the three thousand prizes awarded in France per year. The prizes cause many debates and passions among the French people. This phenomenon is typically French and is known as “L’exception française”. Being awarded one of these prizes represents an official consecration meant to underline the writer’s unquestionable worth. But one may wonder about the rational behind such a large number of literary prizes and question the authority of a literary prize and the ‘grand jury’ that awards it. Most often, the jury is made up with writers. Additionally, it is interesting to examine the trend and the type of literature that is rewarded. Is it really the best writings that are acknowledged? There have been many scandals in this literature world and some have denounced the influence of publishing houses which interests are at stake. About one million people do buy a book awarded one of the six prestigious prizes. What does this teach us about French culture and society? Is the French culture really promoted in this literature and how? Is there any political statement made through this contemporaneous French literature? What is exactly the type of culture, themes and discourse promoted via this literature given the new make up of the French population? Indeed, immigration has considerably changed the face of France nowadays. In this light such a course is highly interesting, informative and iconoclastic. Given these facts, it seems to me that, this thematic needs to be explored and developed in the context of a 300-level course. It will broaden the students’ knowledge of French and Francophone cultures. This course will also enhance information seniors who took FR.207, FR.208, FR209 and FR210 have. Not only has such a course never been taught before, but it is the only one that deals with this issue. The course will be taught from an interdisciplinary perspective and will be used literary and theoretical theories developed in France and Francophone countries. Primary readings will be from acclaimed French writers: Houellbecq, Le Clezio, Paule Constant, Alain Mabanckou, Nicole Cage-Florentiny and Fabienne Kanor.

Previous Semesters Courses