Course Descriptions
A one-semester course that permits rapid acquisition of reading skills. Even with no prior study of French, students by the end of a semester are able to read and understand materials written in French in the standard literature and professional journals of their field of interest.
The cultural history of France surveyed through selected works of literature, art, and architecture. Readings and discussions, in conjunction with faculty-guided visits to historical sites in Paris. Offered in Paris program only. Graduate -level requirements include additional readings for their final project and conduct personal research on a topic of their choice.Moreover, grading criteria for form and content will be stricter for graduate students.
Advanced course in translation and stylistics designed to expand students' range and appreciation of written styles in a variety of texts and registers with grammar reviews and vocabulary work. Written translations to and from French. Graduate-level requirements include two-page translations. The grading criteria will be stricter for the graduate students in that no more than three minor errors in all the categories combined (i.e., agreement, tense/aspect, vocabulary, register/style) will be allowed for an A, no more than four for a B, no more than five for a C and so on. Undergraduate students will be allowed up to five minor errors for an A, etc.
The basic workings of the French economy and the essential vocabulary and style specific to French business. Acquire and demonstrate research, theoretical and critical skills in social and business-related topics of their choice. Graduate-level requirements include a choice between working on 1) the portfolio + an additional paper (c. 6 pages) on a topic of their choice; or 2) a longer term paper (c. 12 pages) on a specialized topic of their choice.
The basic workings of the French economy and the essential vocabulary and style specific to French business. Graduate-level requirements include an additional culture-oriented reference book; whole films (not only extracts), complete novels (not only extracts) as well as secondary critiques of French business practices. Papers are also longer.
A content-based course designed to help students gain advanced/graduate knowledge about French literature. The topic of each course varies according to the faculty's expertise. Graduate-level requirements include more emphasis on research, theory, and criticism, and more substantial assignments in terms of length and quality.
Examines representative examples of French achievements in literature and/or cinema so as to provide an appreciation and understanding of the aesthetics of literary and/or visual language through the study of narrative structures and forms. Graduate-level requirements include stronger emphasis in individual research for graduate students (secondary readings mandatory). More substantial assignments (length and expectations of quality) for graduate students.
Designed to help students gain a better sense of the Francophone world's diverse histories, cultures, and societies. Graduate-level requirements include more emphasis on research, theory, and criticism, and more substantial assignments in terms of length and quality. Graduate-level requirements include more emphasis on individual research (reading of and reports on secondary sources mandatory). More substantial assignments in terms of length and quality.
This content-based course is designed to help students gain a better sense of French history, culture, and society through the focused examination of a particular issue or topic. The specific focus of each course varies according to the faculty's expertise. Graduate-level requirements include more emphasis on research, theory, and criticism, and more substantial assignments in terms of length and quality.
A survey course that introduces students to major movements and issues relative to the Francophone world. Students will gain a general understanding of key concepts and debates from an overview of dominant historical trends and current preoccupations. Graduate-level requirements include development and demonstration of skills in research, theory, and criticism. Papers are also longer.
A content-based course designed to help students gain a better sense of the Francophone world through the focused examination of a particular issue or topic. The topic of each course varies according to the faculty's expertise. Graduate-level requirements include more emphasis on research, theory, and criticism, and more substantial assignments in terms of length and quality.
FREN 550 is designed to develop intercultural competence and a strong foundation in cultural and literary history. The course focuses on early-modern France, from the 16th century to 1789. Emphasis varies according to the faculty's expertise.
Course is designed to develop intercultural competence and a strong foundation in cultural and literary history. The course focuses on the most important periods and literary texts in the history of modern France from the Revolution to World War II.
Course is designed to develop intercultural competence and to provide a strong foundation in cultural and literary history. The course focuses on the most important periods and literary texts in the history of contemporary France (1939-present).
This is a French literature course focusing on a specific historical period. It provides a strong foundation in the literary, cultural, and historical knowledge required for French Studies. The topic of the course varies according to the instructor's area of expertise.
Focuses on key concepts in theory and criticism with an emphasis on writers who have shaped modern French thought in particular. Students will read and discuss major theoretical works that are of continued relevance today within the French-speaking world.
Course provides a strong foundation in the history and development of French cinema. Major films, directors, and movements are studied in their historical, social, and cultural context, with a particular focus on the aesthetics of visual language and cinematic techniques.
Course is designed to develop intercultural competence and to provide a strong foundation on the Francophone Maghreb (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia) and Near East (Lebanon, Syria). It examines the history, religions, and politics of the Francophone Arab world.
Course is designed to develop intercultural competence, as well as a strong foundation in the literature and culture of French-speaking Sub-Saharan Africa. Political, cultural, and social aspects of the Francophone regions of West, East, and Central Africa will be analyzed.
An in-depth study of an aspect of modern cultural, literary, and historical developments in modern cultural, literary, and historical developments in the Francophone Caribbean from the slave revolt in Saint Domingue (now Haiti) at the turn of the 19th century to the aftermath of nationalist independence movements in the 1950s and 1960s.
Talk-it-OUT! Theater for Social Justice explores the ways in which theatre performance/performance activism can be used to bring awareness of and promote social change around questions of social justice (race, gender, age, sexuality, religion, nationality, education, (dis)ability and bodymind, etc.). Through classroom and community performances utilizing techniques of forum theatre (Boal) and interactive theatre (Grosjean), we will build upon student leadership skills and reflect on the various ways performative activism can positively impact the society in which we live as well as contribute to building bridges between schools and the broader community. We will discuss selected readings that address questions of power, privilege, social identity and structures of oppression, as well as readings on the practice and theory of interactive theatre. In class, we will explore different tools for creative action designed to reflect upon social justice and promote social change and community building. Students will develop skills in creative writing and expression through theatre activities. Students will also gain hands-on teaching experience by co-leading theatre workshops and/or discussions with local high schools and other community members. Assignments include readings, writing, journaling, and group work (workshops, community meetings, creative writing, performances).
This course will introduce the study of French from a linguistic point of view. The area to be covered will be chosen from: phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, dialect and social variation, pragmatics, discourse analysis.
This is an introductory course to simultaneous interpretation (i.e., the translation of speech or discourse from one language to another while listening to the speaker) and consecutive interpretation (i.e., the translation of speech or discourse after the speaker has finished saying it) in various communication situations. Graduate-level requirements include the length and difficulty of assignments, homework and testing.
Examines in detail current topics in the linguistic analysis of French. May be repeated when topics vary. Taught in French with readings in French and English. Graduate-level requirements include higher level of oral and written work.
Introduction to semiotics, survey of major figures and trends. Saussure and structuralism, Jakobson and functionalism/poetics, Pierce and pragmaticism. Focus on what these trends tell us about language. Students' written work will represent students' specific interests.
The course provides an overview of the major issues facing Language Program Directors (LPDs) in language and literature departments today, from their roles and responsibilities to their position within their units, the professional challenges they face, and the tasks they have to complete. This will be achieved by providing background and research, by engaging future language program directors in reflecting about attitudes and beliefs about leadership and management styles, offering opportunities for dialogue with Language Program Directors working in a variety of language programs, and participating in applied tasks related to a number of issues examined in the course.
In this course, issues in L2 literacy extend beyond pedagogy by examining a wide range of theoretical and research issues. Students discuss how to bridge research and practice, create reading and writing activities grounded in theory and empirical investigations.
This class is intended to prepare students to teach a second/foreign language. It will provide students with the essential foundations in language teaching methodology and theory, pedagogical grammar, curriculum and materials development, classroom management, and formal and informal assessment techniques. In addition, students will gain practical knowledge through video practicum components, which allow them to watch and reflect on actual classroom teaching. Students will complete this program with the pedagogical knowledge and practical understanding necessary to be confident and effective language teachers.
This course focuses on the use of technology in foreign language learning. It has three parts: 1) theory, how computers fit within concepts of L2 acquisition; 2) pedagogy, how computers have been used in the classroom & 3) application, the design & implementation a segment of instruction.
In this course, students explore relationship between SA (Study Abroad) and L2 development; interaction between individual differences and proficiency gains; impact of cultural and programmatic factors on interaction with host community; need to align SA/AH (At Home) curricula.
The primary objective of this course is the development of language teachers' assessment literacy, which includes knowledge of key assessment principles and skill in creating or adopting assessment tools and procedures for the language classroom. Participants in this course will develop their knowledge and skills related to assessing all skill areas in the language classroom, including productive skills (writing, speaking), receptive skills (reading, listening), and assessing grammar and vocabulary. Grading and student evaluation will also be important topics of consideration and exploration in this course. Designed specifically for in-service (and pre-service) language teachers, the course combines theory with practice by covering essential principles of effective classroom assessment and the development of effective assessment tools for classroom use. Participants completing this course will become more assessment literate and better able to evaluate student performance in their classrooms fairly and effectively.
This course focuses on how to design and implement modern foreign/second language instruction materials. We look at language acquisition issues as well as pedagogical issues. Participants are also asked to design and implement a segment of instruction.
Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of training and practice in actual service in a technical, business, or governmental establishment.
The development and exchange of scholarly information, usually in a small group setting. The scope of work shall consist of research by course registrants, with the exchange of the results of such research through discussion, reports, and/or papers.
The purpose of the Proseminar is to provide incoming SLAT major and minor students with a forum in which they can acquire knowledge about current major issues in the field of Applied Linguistics and methods applied to investigate them, critically engage with research and scholarship, and develop a stance in relation to these major issues. Please register through the SLAT Program Coordinator.
Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work. Graduate students doing independent work which cannot be classified as actual research will register for credit under course number 599, 699, or 799.
Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work. Graduate students doing independent work which cannot be classified as actual research will register for credit under course number 599, 699, or 799.
Research for the master's thesis (whether library research, laboratory or field observation or research, artistic creation, or thesis writing). Maximum total credit varies.
Research for the doctoral dissertation (whether library research, laboratory or field observation or research, artistic creation, or dissertation writing).