FREN 102 – Elementary French II

Pass/Fail Option

Listening, speaking, reading, and writing; an introduction to the basic structures and vocabulary of French, continuation.

FREN 150B1 – The Holocaust in France and Italy

Cross Listed

Gen Ed Diversity Emphasis

Tier 1 Individuals & Societies

Honors Contract

The course examines the origins, development, and implementation of discriminatory racial policies in France and Italy as well as their impact on Jewish citizens and refugees during World War II.

FREN 150C1 – Mediterranean Cities: French and Italian Perspectives

Cross Listed

Gen Ed Diversity Emphasis

Tier 1 Individuals & Societies

Honors Contract

This course considers the ways in which Mediterranean cities in France, Italy and North Africa have been viewed, experienced and conceptualized from ancient times to the present day. After studying classical and scholarly approaches to studying the idea of the Mediterranean, interactive and ecologizing, in the longue durée and microhistories, we shall explore the culture and history of Mediterranean cities and their societies. Our exploration traces ethnic and religious diversity, cultural, economic, political exchange and the history and representation of built environments. We consider the ways in which the city has been imagined in French, Italian and English literature. As the course unfolds, students engage with cultural ideas that have long captured the imagination of writers worldwide. We study the city as a dreamscape "cité pleine de rêves," and move on to trace literary conceptions of travel, the Grand Tour and the seduction of the Mediterranean city and the northern tourist. Following our close study of Venice mentalities, our course traces the history of networks and connectivity within medieval and early modern Mediterranean milieus. Aside from the familiar city-states and ports of call, we study in depth the free port city of Livorno and Jewish Sephardi diaspora. Units follow on colonialism and post-colonialism in the North African Mediterranean city intertwined with cinematic narratives of the region. Final units of the course trace the aesthetic, architectural, photographic representations of Mediterranean urban modernism from Mussolini¿s imprimatur on the landscape of Rome to the extraordinary developments of twentieth century art, architecture and urban design in Marseilles. To engage with contemporary issues, in the final unit we study representations of the cultural impact of migration on the region reading from Algerian born Italian author Amara Lakhous. It is hoped that by the end of the course, students will have developed a foundational grasp of the Mediterranean city from the French and Italian perspectives and learned to distinguish among intertwining ideas of regional and national politics, economies, colonial and post-colonial imaginaries and myths and popular culture.

FREN 160A1 – The French-Speaking World

Gen Ed Diversity Emphasis

Tier 1 Traditions and Cultures

This course will consider the development of the French-speaking world from the Renaissance to the twentieth century. The first half of the course will present a historical perspective on the evolution and exportation of French language and culture from 1500 to 1900, while the second half will emphasize the cultural and artistic expressions of modern French-speaking countries other than France.

FREN 201 – Intermediate French I

Pass/Fail Option

Continued skill development; further development of the four language skills.

FREN 202 – Intermediate French II

Pass/Fail Option

Continued skill development; reinforcement of basic language skills.

FREN 230 – French Culture (1789 - present)

Gen Ed Diversity Emphasis

Tier 2 Individuals & Societies

This course considers French culture from the worldview of the French Revolutionary period to the present day. Although this is a survey of French culture, when I use the word "culture," I take it to mean more than just national culture. After all, culture can and does cut across national boundaries. Therefore, we will study the culture of France and its people not only from the outlook of the Parisian metropole, but also within local regional and global contexts. We begin by studying the intellectual, political and social processes that culminated in the Revolution of 1789. You will engage with various interpretations of the Revolution proposed by contemporary scholars. As the course continues, you will develop a particular understanding of the Revolution in terms of what cultural theorists call symbolic action. From Napoleon's defeat to the Paris Commune to the dark years of Vichy France and the postwar recovery that followed, this approach will allow us to analyze how certain cultural symbols of the Revolution and their representations have shaped divisions within French political culture over time. When we consider the Revolution in this way, we encounter the theme of French collective memory. We ask certain questions among others such as 1) How has the French past shaped the political differences of the present? 2) How have rival interpretations of a historical event or figure served or undermined the interests of various political communities? In terms of social history, we say that culture is also to be found within the intersection of cultural identities such as gender, race, class and sexuality. Whether we are studying 19th century representations of the "unruly" women of the Paris Commune or the "dangerous" subterranean world of the sewers of Paris, or entertainers and artists of the fin de siècle period, we will analyze both production and reception of cultural values in French society. Throughout the course, you are encouraged to think about French culture from multiple perspectives. By the second half of the course, we will grapple with the complexities of French culture in the age of globalization, considering the problems of colonial legacies and French national "heritage." We will ask: In what ways has globalization challenged the traditional model of Republicanism, so integral to French political culture? To answer this question and others, our texts will allow us to analyze French political structures and national identity through the history of French imperialism and regionalism. We will pay special attention to the failure of the reintegration of former African colonies, in particular, after Algerian independence. While much of our reading material is based on historical monographs, you will also read works of fiction and analyze films. In addition, students in this course will have the opportunity to conduct research on a topic of their choice and write a longer paper based on findings. At the end of this course, it is hoped that all will have a better understanding of the collective construction of the French past as well as come to appreciate the intricate mosaic that constitutes French cultural identity.

FREN 230 – French Culture (1789 - present)

Gen Ed Diversity Emphasis

Tier 2 Individuals & Societies

Honors Contract

This course considers French culture from the worldview of the French Revolutionary period to the present day. Although this is a survey of French culture, when I use the word "culture," I take it to mean more than just national culture. After all, culture can and does cut across national boundaries. Therefore, we will study the culture of France and its people not only from the outlook of the Parisian metropole, but also within local regional and global contexts. We begin by studying the intellectual, political and social processes that culminated in the Revolution of 1789. You will engage with various interpretations of the Revolution proposed by contemporary scholars. As the course continues, you will develop a particular understanding of the Revolution in terms of what cultural theorists call symbolic action. From Napoleon's defeat to the Paris Commune to the dark years of Vichy France and the postwar recovery that followed, this approach will allow us to analyze how certain cultural symbols of the Revolution and their representations have shaped divisions within French political culture over time. When we consider the Revolution in this way, we encounter the theme of French collective memory. We ask certain questions among others such as 1) How has the French past shaped the political differences of the present? 2) How have rival interpretations of a historical event or figure served or undermined the interests of various political communities? In terms of social history, we say that culture is also to be found within the intersection of cultural identities such as gender, race, class and sexuality. Whether we are studying 19th century representations of the "unruly" women of the Paris Commune or the "dangerous" subterranean world of the sewers of Paris, or entertainers and artists of the fin de siècle period, we will analyze both production and reception of cultural values in French society. Throughout the course, you are encouraged to think about French culture from multiple perspectives. By the second half of the course, we will grapple with the complexities of French culture in the age of globalization, considering the problems of colonial legacies and French national "heritage." We will ask: In what ways has globalization challenged the traditional model of Republicanism, so integral to French political culture? To answer this question and others, our texts will allow us to analyze French political structures and national identity through the history of French imperialism and regionalism. We will pay special attention to the failure of the reintegration of former African colonies, in particular, after Algerian independence. While much of our reading material is based on historical monographs, you will also read works of fiction and analyze films. In addition, students in this course will have the opportunity to conduct research on a topic of their choice and write a longer paper based on findings. At the end of this course, it is hoped that all will have a better understanding of the collective construction of the French past as well as come to appreciate the intricate mosaic that constitutes French cultural identity.

FREN 231 – Fashion and Culture in France and Italy

Cross Listed

Gen Ed Diversity Emphasis

Tier 2 Individuals & Societies

Honors Contract

This course considers style, fashion and dress in France and Italy from a cultural studies perspective. Key to the cultural studies approach is the idea that gender, race/ethnicity, sexuality, nationality, class, and other subject positions organize identities, social relations and the objects and images that culture produces. After a general introduction to these conceptual terms, our course surveys French and Italian fashion history from the 1500s to the present day. Students grapple with key questions of cultural history, beginning with an analysis of the reasons why Paris has been regarded for so long as "the capital of fashion". In recent decades, since the age of globalization, the geography of fashion has become more competitive with Milan, New York and London all vying for fashion capital status. However, the myth of Paris remains with us. To describe this magical mythical Paris is to imagine the place where all the refinements of civilized life reach their fullest expression from avant-garde art to elegant fashion.

FREN 280 – Introduction to French Language, Linguistics and Culture

Tier 2 Humanities

Introductory course to key concepts in French language, linguistics and culture through a variety of media (textbook, comics, films, Web). This course is taught in English and requires no knowledge of French. Does not count toward fulfillment of language requirement, of the major or minor in French.

FREN 301 – Pronunciation and Conversation

This course focuses on oral communication and is designed to enhance listening comprehension and fluency in French.

FREN 302 – Grammar, Usage and Composition

This course stresses written communication. In addition, conversation and reading are targeted as means to inform writing.

FREN 310 – Spoken French in Cultural Context

This course is focused almost exclusively on oral communication. The course fosters open-mindedness through informed discussion of commonalities and differences between American and French/Francophone cultures. It enables students to sharpen their oral communication skills.

FREN 314 – Caribbean Literature and Culture (West Indies)

Cross Listed

Gen Ed Diversity Emphasis

Tier 2 Humanities

The course examines how the literature captures the multifaceted social, cultural, and political life of the region.

FREN 320 – Written French in Cultural Context

This course stimulates intellectual openness and interest in other cultures. It enables students to gain familiarity, experience and confidence in reading and writing French.

FREN 410 – Film and Fiction

Enhances skills to process information that promotes the understanding and interpretation of the target culture.

FREN 420 – Cultural History

A content-based course designed to help students gain advanced knowledge about French and Francophone cultures.

FREN 432 – French Translation

Honors Contract

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.

FREN 447 – Topics in Francophone Studies

Honors Contract

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.

FREN 498 – Senior Capstone

A culminating experience for majors involving a substantive project that demonstrates a synthesis of learning accumulated in the major, including broadly comprehensive knowledge of the discipline and its methodologies. Senior standing required.

FREN 101 – Elementary French I

Pass/Fail Option

Listening, speaking, reading, and writing; an introduction to the basic structures and vocabulary of French. Does not count toward French major or minor.

FREN 102 – Elementary French II

Pass/Fail Option

Listening, speaking, reading, and writing; an introduction to the basic structures and vocabulary of French, continuation.

FREN 150B1 – The Holocaust in France and Italy

Cross Listed

Gen Ed Diversity Emphasis

Tier 1 Individuals & Societies

Honors Contract

The course examines the origins, development, and implementation of discriminatory racial policies in France and Italy as well as their impact on Jewish citizens and refugees during World War II.

FREN 201 – Intermediate French I

Pass/Fail Option

Continued skill development; further development of the four language skills.

FREN 202 – Intermediate French II

Pass/Fail Option

Continued skill development; reinforcement of basic language skills.

FREN 230 – French Culture (1789 - present)

Gen Ed Diversity Emphasis

Tier 2 Individuals & Societies

Honors Contract

This course considers French culture from the worldview of the French Revolutionary period to the present day. Although this is a survey of French culture, when I use the word "culture," I take it to mean more than just national culture. After all, culture can and does cut across national boundaries. Therefore, we will study the culture of France and its people not only from the outlook of the Parisian metropole, but also within local regional and global contexts. We begin by studying the intellectual, political and social processes that culminated in the Revolution of 1789. You will engage with various interpretations of the Revolution proposed by contemporary scholars. As the course continues, you will develop a particular understanding of the Revolution in terms of what cultural theorists call symbolic action. From Napoleon's defeat to the Paris Commune to the dark years of Vichy France and the postwar recovery that followed, this approach will allow us to analyze how certain cultural symbols of the Revolution and their representations have shaped divisions within French political culture over time. When we consider the Revolution in this way, we encounter the theme of French collective memory. We ask certain questions among others such as 1) How has the French past shaped the political differences of the present? 2) How have rival interpretations of a historical event or figure served or undermined the interests of various political communities? In terms of social history, we say that culture is also to be found within the intersection of cultural identities such as gender, race, class and sexuality. Whether we are studying 19th century representations of the "unruly" women of the Paris Commune or the "dangerous" subterranean world of the sewers of Paris, or entertainers and artists of the fin de siècle period, we will analyze both production and reception of cultural values in French society. Throughout the course, you are encouraged to think about French culture from multiple perspectives. By the second half of the course, we will grapple with the complexities of French culture in the age of globalization, considering the problems of colonial legacies and French national "heritage." We will ask: In what ways has globalization challenged the traditional model of Republicanism, so integral to French political culture? To answer this question and others, our texts will allow us to analyze French political structures and national identity through the history of French imperialism and regionalism. We will pay special attention to the failure of the reintegration of former African colonies, in particular, after Algerian independence. While much of our reading material is based on historical monographs, you will also read works of fiction and analyze films. In addition, students in this course will have the opportunity to conduct research on a topic of their choice and write a longer paper based on findings. At the end of this course, it is hoped that all will have a better understanding of the collective construction of the French past as well as come to appreciate the intricate mosaic that constitutes French cultural identity.

FREN 231 – Fashion and Culture in France and Italy

Cross Listed

Gen Ed Diversity Emphasis

Tier 2 Individuals & Societies

Honors Contract

This course considers style, fashion and dress in France and Italy from a cultural studies perspective. Key to the cultural studies approach is the idea that gender, race/ethnicity, sexuality, nationality, class, and other subject positions organize identities, social relations and the objects and images that culture produces. After a general introduction to these conceptual terms, our course surveys French and Italian fashion history from the 1500s to the present day. Students grapple with key questions of cultural history, beginning with an analysis of the reasons why Paris has been regarded for so long as "the capital of fashion". In recent decades, since the age of globalization, the geography of fashion has become more competitive with Milan, New York and London all vying for fashion capital status. However, the myth of Paris remains with us. To describe this magical mythical Paris is to imagine the place where all the refinements of civilized life reach their fullest expression from avant-garde art to elegant fashion.

FREN 314 – Caribbean Literature and Culture (West Indies)

Cross Listed

Gen Ed Diversity Emphasis

Tier 2 Humanities

The course examines how the literature captures the multifaceted social, cultural, and political life of the region.

FREN 373 – US & Francophone Hip-Hop Cultures

Cross Listed

Gen Ed Diversity Emphasis

Tier 2 Humanities

Honors Contract

Introduction to North American, French, and Francophone African hip-hop cultures through explorations in the following areas: literature, philosophy, history, institutions, the arts, and language. Taught in English.

FREN 375 – Franco-American Relations

Cross Listed

Tier 2 Humanities

Honors Contract

Study of Franco-American cultural relations through explorations in the following areas: literature, philosophy, history, institutions, the arts, and language. Taught in English.

FREN 101 – Elementary French I

Pass/Fail Option

Listening, speaking, reading, and writing; an introduction to the basic structures and vocabulary of French. Does not count toward French major or minor.

FREN 102 – Elementary French II

Pass/Fail Option

Listening, speaking, reading, and writing; an introduction to the basic structures and vocabulary of French, continuation.

FREN 201 – Intermediate French I

Pass/Fail Option

Continued skill development; further development of the four language skills.

FREN 202 – Intermediate French II

Pass/Fail Option

Continued skill development; reinforcement of basic language skills.

FREN 231 – Fashion and Culture in France and Italy

Gen Ed Diversity Emphasis

Tier 2 Individuals & Societies

This course considers style, fashion and dress in France and Italy from a cultural studies perspective. Key to the cultural studies approach is the idea that gender, race/ethnicity, sexuality, nationality, class, and other subject positions organize identities, social relations and the objects and images that culture produces. After a general introduction to these conceptual terms, our course surveys French and Italian fashion history from the 1500s to the present day. Students grapple with key questions of cultural history, beginning with an analysis of the reasons why Paris has been regarded for so long as "the capital of fashion". In recent decades, since the age of globalization, the geography of fashion has become more competitive with Milan, New York and London all vying for fashion capital status. However, the myth of Paris remains with us. To describe this magical mythical Paris is to imagine the place where all the refinements of civilized life reach their fullest expression from avant-garde art to elegant fashion.

FREN 231 – Fashion and Culture in France and Italy

Cross Listed

Gen Ed Diversity Emphasis

Tier 2 Individuals & Societies

Honors Contract

This course considers style, fashion and dress in France and Italy from a cultural studies perspective. Key to the cultural studies approach is the idea that gender, race/ethnicity, sexuality, nationality, class, and other subject positions organize identities, social relations and the objects and images that culture produces. After a general introduction to these conceptual terms, our course surveys French and Italian fashion history from the 1500s to the present day. Students grapple with key questions of cultural history, beginning with an analysis of the reasons why Paris has been regarded for so long as "the capital of fashion". In recent decades, since the age of globalization, the geography of fashion has become more competitive with Milan, New York and London all vying for fashion capital status. However, the myth of Paris remains with us. To describe this magical mythical Paris is to imagine the place where all the refinements of civilized life reach their fullest expression from avant-garde art to elegant fashion.

FREN 245 – African Literature in Translation

Cross Listed

Gen Ed Diversity Emphasis

Tier 2 Humanities

Introduction to Francophone African literature coming from the Western part of the African continent, which forms a geographical and cultural entity. Taught in English. Does not count toward fulfillment of language requirement, or the major or minor in French.

FREN 280 – Introduction to French Language, Linguistics and Culture

Tier 2 Humanities

Introductory course to key concepts in French language, linguistics and culture through a variety of media (textbook, comics, films, Web). This course is taught in English and requires no knowledge of French. Does not count toward fulfillment of language requirement, of the major or minor in French.

FREN 302 – Grammar, Usage and Composition

This course stresses written communication. In addition, conversation and reading are targeted as means to inform writing.

FREN 310 – Spoken French in Cultural Context

This course is focused almost exclusively on oral communication. The course fosters open-mindedness through informed discussion of commonalities and differences between American and French/Francophone cultures. It enables students to sharpen their oral communication skills.

FREN 373 – US & Francophone Hip-Hop Cultures

Cross Listed

Gen Ed Diversity Emphasis

Tier 2 Humanities

Honors Contract

Introduction to North American, French, and Francophone African hip-hop cultures through explorations in the following areas: literature, philosophy, history, institutions, the arts, and language. Taught in English.

FREN 393 – Internship

Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of training and practice in actual service in a technical, business, or governmental establishment.

FREN 410 – Film and Fiction

Enhances skills to process information that promotes the understanding and interpretation of the target culture.

FREN 420 – Cultural History

A content-based course designed to help students gain advanced knowledge about French and Francophone cultures.

FREN 433 – Business French I

The basic workings of the French economy and the essential vocabulary and style specific to French business.

FREN 445 – Francophone Cultures and Traditions

Honors Contract

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.

FREN 461A – French Linguistics

Cross Listed

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.

FREN 498 – Senior Capstone

A culminating experience for majors involving a substantive project that demonstrates a synthesis of learning accumulated in the major, including broadly comprehensive knowledge of the discipline and its methodologies. Senior standing required.

FREN 498H – Honors Thesis

Honors Course

Writing Emphasis Course

An honors thesis is required of all the students graduating with honors. Students ordinarily sign up for this course as a two-semester sequence. The first semester the student performs research under the supervision of a faculty member; the second semester the student writes an honors thesis.