French

Major

Due to University Updates, Course Numbers for all Departments have Changed. Please reference the Courses Tab for new Course Numbers.

Please Note:  Changes made to this program appear on the “Revisions” tab.  Those changes will be in effect Fall 2012.  Please see the “Revisions” tab for more information.

Requirements for the Major (36 Credits)

I. Prerequisites (does not count towards major)

• FREN 1/Fundamentals of Oral and Written French I (4), FREN 20/Fundamentals of Oral and Written French II (4), or the equivalent

II. FREN 30/Intermediate French (4) or placement in upper-level French courses by examination, or through receiving a score of 4 or 5 on the AP exam.

III. Two Advanced French language and culture courses from (8 credits):

• FREN 100/Surf, Watch and Talk: French Popular Culture (4)
• FREN 101/Advanced Conversation (4)
• FREN 102/French Cinema (4)

IV. Literary Analysis (4 credits)

• FREN 104A/Literary Analysis: Games People Play (2)
• FREN 104B/Literary Analysis: Strangers and Misfits (2)

V. Five Topics courses or 20 credits chosen from at least four different topics.

No more than one topic course may be taken in English.

VI. FREN 199/ Capstone Seminar (2 credits):

*All students will take this seminar in their senior year.

Note: It is strongly recommended that all French majors spend time studying in France or in a French-speaking country. Students considering graduate studies in French language, civilization, and/or literature should take general education requirements in a cognate field and additional courses in French and Francophone literature and culture. Students interested in careers in international affairs, business, or law should take courses in the relevant disciplines and programs.

Minor

Due to University Updates, Course Numbers for all Departments have Changed. Please reference the Courses Tab for new Course Numbers.

Requirements for the Minor (20 Credits)

A sequence of twenty (20) credits taken at any level, or sixteen (16), including 4 through placement.  Must include at least three 100 level courses.

Faculty

Faculty

• Professors: Deborah Hess, Marie-Pascale Pieretti (chair)
• Assistant Professor: Audrey Evrard
• Adjunct Assistant Professor: Muriel Placet-Kouassi
• Adjunct Lecturer: Stefania Britt

Courses

Courses Offered

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French Language Courses

In FREN 1 and 20, grammer may be explained in English. Otherwise, courses are conducted in French. FREN 1, 20, and 30 are intensive and require five hours weekly of classroom, multimedia language lab, and computer-assisted instruction.

FREN 101 - Formerly 1 - Fundamentals of Oral and Written French I (4)

An introduction to the French spoken and written language. Covers the basics of the French language through videos, readings, and realia from Francophone cultures. Interactive practice in the classroom and use of multimedia lab, oral, written, and computer-assisted activities.
Offered fall semester.

FREN 102 - Formerly 20 - Fundamentals of Oral and Written French II (4)

French 20 is a continuation of French 1 or the equivalent level. Designed for students who have already covered the basics of the French language, but have yet been exposed to all tenses and other grammar fundamentals. Videos, culture readings, interactive practice in the classroom, multimedia lab, oral written and computer-assisted activities
Prerequisite: FREN 101 - Formerly 1 - Offered every semester.

FREN 181 - Formerly 21 - Fundamentals of Oral French II in Paris (4)

a continuation of French 1 or the equivalent level. Designed for students who have already covered the basics of the French language, but have yet been exposed to all tenses and other grammar fundamentals. Videos, culture readings, interactive practice in the classroom, multimedia lab, oral written and computer-assisted activitie.
Offered in Paris. Prerequisite: FREN 101 - Formerly 1 -

FREN 201 - Formerly 30 - Intermediate French (4)

A continuation of FREN 102 - Formerly 20 - . Review of basic grammar; development of speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills through films, discussion, Francophone articles and literary texts, compositions, multimedia lab and computer-assisted activities. A prerequisite for FREN 303 - Formerly 100 - , 101 and 102.
Prerequisite: FREN 102 - Formerly 20 - Offered every semester.

FREN 281 - Formerly 31 - Intermediate French in Paris (4)

A continuation of FREN 102 - Formerly 20 - or FREN 181 - Formerly 21 - . Review of basic grammar; development of speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills through films, discussion, Francophone articles and literary texts, compositions, multimedia lab and computer-assisted activities.
Offered in Paris. Prerequisite: FREN 102 - Formerly 20 - or FREN 181 - Formerly 21 - .

FREN 381 - Formerly 101A - Advanced Conversation in Paris: Contemporary Topics (4)

A conversation class on current events and contemporary themes in France and the Francophone world. Course seeks to enhance oral fluency through class discussions, debates, and oral presentations on recent topics in the French media. Short writing assignments.
Offered in Paris. Prerequisite: FREN 201 - Formerly 30 - or FREN 281 - Formerly 31 - .

French Topics Given in English

The following courses may be applied to the general education literature and arts requirement and also the world literature requirements of the English major. No more than one Topics course given in English may be taken to fulfill the major requirement. Students taking these courses for credit or to complete their major requirements in French may not take the same Topics course in French.

FREN 235 - Formerly 50 - Francophone Literature in Translation: Women Novelists (4)

A critical reading of novels written in French by women from the late 17th through the 20th centuries. The study of 20th-century authors also includes women writers from the Francophone world (Quebec, Africa, and the Caribbean).
Course may be repeated. Offered in 2008-2009.
Fulfills: BH

FREN 261 - Formerly 111 - Selected Topics in French and Francophone Literatures (2-4)

A study of a topic or topics in a linguistic, cultural, or literary aspect of the French-speaking world not covered by the current offerings of the French Department.
May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Prerequisite: FREN 201 - Formerly 30 - Offering to be determined.

FREN 253 - Formerly 123 - African Francophone Literature (4)

An examination of the struggle between African cultures and modernity as seen in representative literary texts. The impact of Western influences as represented by the French political presence in Sub-Saharan Africa will be analyzed through contemporary Francophone literature produced primarily since 1950.
Offered triennially.
Fulfills: DIT

FREN 233 - Formerly AA1 - Is Another World Possible? Globalization in the Francophone World (4)

This intersiciplinary course draws from fiction and documentary films, critical essays, literary texts, manifestoes, as well as various forms of documentations of local and international street protests. It seeks to account for, and question, the specificities of anti-gloabalization reactions expressed in the Francophone world, particularly France, Quebec and West African countries. The current focus on "globalization" as an economic moment will thus be examined in relation to broader historical and intellectual debates. No Prerequisite. Taught in English. Offererd triennially.

Upper-level French Language Courses

All courses are taught in French.

FREN 302 - Formerly 101 - French Conversation and Composition: Current Events (4)

A conversation and composition class on current events and contemporary themes in France and the Francophone world. Course seeks to enhance oral fluency through class discussions, debates, and oral presentations on recent topics in the French media. Written practice through media analysis, press reviews, and short papers. May be taken concurrently with FREN 303 - Formerly 100 - or FREN 304 - Formerly 102 - .
Prerequisite: FREN 201 - Formerly 30 - or equivalent Offered every semester.
Fulfills: WI

FREN 304 - Formerly 102 - French Cinema (4)

Advanced conversation and writing practice through the viewing of contemporary French films on video. An examination of themes of French Francophone cultures through discussion, language study, papers, and computer activities designed for the course.
Prerequisite: FREN 201 - Formerly 30 - or equivalent Offered spring semester.

Introduction to French Literary Study

Focusing on cultural relations between major literary works and simultaneous developments in art, music, politics, and society, these courses offer an introduction to French literary study. Particular attention is devoted to the enhancement of reading fluency and oral proficiency through dramatic productions, videos, oral presentations and short papers. FREN 104 is required for the French major and a prerequisite for more advanced topics courses. Offered every semester.

FREN 310 - Formerly 104A - Literary Analysis: Games People Play (2)

This sequence of courses develops reading fluency and oral practice through a study of selected themes drawn from play, poetry and fiction in the French literary tradition. This sequence is required for French majors and for more advanced topics courses.
Prerequisite: (FREN 303 - Formerly 100 - or FREN 302 - Formerly 101 - or FREN 304 - Formerly 102 - ) Offered every semester.
Fulfills: WM

FREN 310 - Formerly 104B - Literary Analysis: Strangers & Misfits (2)

This sequence of courses develops reading fluency and oral practice through a study of selected themes drawn from plays, poetry and fiction in the French literary tradition. This sequence is required for French majors and for more advanced topics courses.
Prerequisite: FREN 303 - Formerly 100 - , or FREN 302 - Formerly 101 - or FREN 304 - Formerly 102 - . Offered every semester.
Fulfills: WM

Cross-Cultural Perspectives

FREN 336 - Formerly 122 - North African Francophone Literature (4)

An investigation of the major components of Moroccan, Algerian, and Tunisian patterns of culture as seen in French-language literary texts. The historical background of Berber, Arab-Muslim, and Jewish cultural influences as well as the French impact on the Maghreb will be treated.
Conducted in French. Prerequisite: FREN 104A/B or the equivalent. Offered 2008-2009.
Fulfills: DIT

FREN 339 - Formerly 124 - African Francophone Literature (4)

An examination of the struggle between African cultures and modernity as seen in representative literary texts. The impact of Western influences as represented by the French political presence in Sub-Saharan Africa will be analyzed through contemporary Francophone literature produced primarily since 1950.
Conducted in French. Prerequisite: One upper-level French course, preferably 104A/B. Offered 2007-2008.
Fulfills: DIT

FREN 338 - Formerly 126 - French Caribbean Literature (4)

A study of the international aspect of Caribbean culture as represented by literary works from Martinique and Guadeloupe. Themes treated will include: oral culture, African roots, and French assimilation.
Conducted in French. Prerequisite: One upper-level French course, preferably FREN 104A/B. Offered triennially.
Fulfills: DIT

Advanced Language Courses

FREN 306 - Formerly 130A - Advanced Composition and Stylistics I (2)

This advanced course in stylistics enables students to refine their writing skills and learn to write in a variety of styles. Review of advanced grammatical problems, basic principles of stylistic analysis, editing, and some translation from English to French.
Prerequisite: FREN 303 - Formerly 100 - , 101, or 102. Offering to be determined.

FREN 306 - Formerly 130B - Advanced Composition and Stylistics II (2)

This advanced course in stylistics enables students to refine their writing skills and learn to write in a variety of styles. Review of advanced grammatical problems, basic principles of stylistic analysis, editing, and some translation from English to French.
Prerequisite: FREN 303 - Formerly 100 - , 101, or 102. Offering to be determined.

Poetry

FREN 350 - Formerly 140 - Reading and Writing French Poetry (4)

An examination of the nature of poetic creativity through numerous examples from 20th-century French and Francophone poets, such as Apollinaire, Breton, Eluard, Chedid, Desnos, Michaux, Reverdy, Senghor, Césaire. Students are encouraged to write their own poetry, which is published in a French literary journal.
Prerequisite: Offered in 2009-2010. Same as:
Fulfills: BA

FREN 352 - Formerly 142 - Poetry and Culture (4)

An examination of the changing relations between poetry and political, sexual, cultural, and social identities in the works of recent French and Francophone poets. Students are encouraged to write their own poetry, which is then published in a French literary journal.
Prerequisite: Offered in 2007-2008.
Fulfills: BA

Theater

FREN 364 - Formerly 154 - Contemporary French Theatre (4)

Representative works of the major playwrights of the 20th century, such as Sartre, Anouilh, Ionesco, Camus, and Duras. New trends emerging in the 21st century will also be studied.
Prerequisite: offered in 2008-2009 Same as: HIST 343 - Formerly HISTG 154 -

The Novel

FREN 354 - Formerly 164 - The Novel and Society in 20th Century France (4)

A study of works from 20th century fiction examining literary representations of social and political problems such as changing class structures, political revolt, and urban unrest. The course will focus on political and social commitment from the beginning of the 20th century to 1990.
Prerequisite: Offered in 2008-2009. Same as:
Fulfills: BH

Society and Culture

FREN 340 - Formerly 180 - France in the 21st Century (4)

A study of representative texts showing cultural, social, economic, and political developments in France since 2000. Trends such as the impact of internationalism and the new Europe, as well as the challenging of social norms will be examined in fiction written since 2000.
Prerequisite: Offered in 2007-2008.
Fulfills: BH

FREN 348 - Formerly 186 - France in the 18th Century (4)

The 18th century in France was a period of major political, cultural, and ideological transformations, culminating in the French Revolution. The course examines how the printed word itself becomes a major weapon in the hands of the philosophers, women, and others to challenge the legitimacy of the established political and ideological order of the ancient régime.
Prerequisite: Offered in 2008-2009.
Fulfills: BH

FREN 346 - Formerly AA2 - Worlds of Wonder and Terror: Children's Literature (4)

This course provides a broad introduction to the rich traditions of texts written for children in French. Materials covered in class include picture books, fables, folklore, fantasy and realistic fiction from the classics to the most innovative texts. How do these texts represent the world of adults and the world of children? What cultural norms and values do they seek to reflect, promote or challenge? In particular, how do attitudes towards gender, class and race shift through the ages and across Francophone cultures? Oral and written assignments enchance student's creativity and sharpen analytical skills.
Prerequisite: (A or B)

FREN 366 - Formerly AA3 - Entertaining Crowds: Popular Culture in 19th and 20th Century France (4)

This course examines the social, economic and cultural contexts that facilitated the emergence of popular forms of cuture throughout the 19th century and the increased influence of mass media on cultural production throughout the twentieth century. Course materials will focus primarily on visual forms of expressions, including photography, visual panoramas, paintings, and cinema. Connections will be made with print and musical cultural productions, such as serial publications, crime and pulp fiction, songs and musical performances, in an effort to define the narrative and performing principles of these cultural productions as well as ways in which they have been consumed, gradually institutionalized and redefined over the course of the last two centuries. Selected reading assignments will help students frame critically the notions of and Conducted in French.
Prerequisite: (A or B)

FREN 362 - Formerly AA4 - Fantasy and Reality in French Cinema (1895-present) (4)

This course surveys major aesthetic trends and technological events in the history of French cinema, including examples of early actualits, poetic realism, 1960s cinma vrit and more recently heritage cinema and cinma de banlieue . In addition to weekly screenings, students are introduced to the critical discourse that has informed the field of film studies since the mid-twentieth century. Reading assignments will include texts by Andr Bazin, Franois Truffaut, Jean-Louis Comolli and more recently Jacques Rancire. Conducted in French. Offered triennially.
Prerequisite: FREN*316 (formerly FREN*104a/b) or Instructor's Signature.

Other Courses

FREN 300 - Formerly 194 - Independent Study (2-4)

A tutorial course. Students investigate a chosen topic in French or Francophone literature or language and culture under the guidance of French department faculty. Oral and written reports.
May be repeated for credit with the approval of the department. Open only to students with junior or senior standing Meets: weekly Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: 12 credits of advanced work in French with a B average Offered every semester.

Foreign Languages Across the Curriculum

FREN 299 - Formerly 99 - French Across the Curriculum (1-2)

Foreign languages across the curriculum is a tutorial program which seeks to enable students with at least intermediate-level proficiency in a foreign language to access authentic materials in that language will use their acquired skills to read and interpret texts in the foreign language and/or conduct research in the language knowledge gained will be applied to the work of the cognate course.
Prerequisite: FREN 201 - Formerly 30 - or equivalent and signature of language instructor.

AP Exams

Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations

A student receiving a score of 4 or 5 on the French examination is exempt from FREN 30 and is considered to have fulfilled the College’s general education language requirement. AP credits in French do not apply to the language-in-context general education requirement. See pages 15-16 for further information about AP credits.

Revisions

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

French is the first or second language in more than forty countries and is spoken by 125 million people around the world. Becoming proficient in French increases students’ chance to communicate in a non-English speaking country. In fact, the mastery of this language has become increasingly valuable for employment in international law, finance, trade, banking, and communications as well as for graduate studies in the humanities and social sciences.

The French department at Drew seeks to provide students with all levels of proficiency in the French language. Conducted entirely in French, our language courses make extensive use of an array of multimedia tools that foster intensive student participation. For non-French speakers interested in French studies, we also offer several courses in English. French course work, extracurricular activities and study abroad not only enhance language competence but also link the study of the language with students’ other areas of interest. After a language sequence in our Department, students may take courses that provide global perspectives, and that train them for literary and cultural studies or for the understanding of visual and performing arts, based on their other academic focus. The French curriculum integrates the study of literatures, cultures, and societies of contemporary France, Francophone Africa, and the Caribbean with innovative pedagogies that make the best use of current technologies and multimedia. Our instructors are either native speakers or have lived and studied in French-speaking countries for extended periods.

The learning objectives of the French major are:

• to reach an advanced oral and written linguistic competency in French (as defined by ACTFL standards)
• to enhance cultural and intercultural literacy
• to be able to articulate a well-supported argument, to compile a bibliography, and to analyze primary and secondary sources drawn from literary texts, newspapers, audiovisual materials (including film, radio, advertising, television, and the Internet), as well as academic materials relevant to topics researched
• to be critical, and to be aware, at a level adequate to undergraduate studies and conforming to the principles of a Liberal Arts Education, of ongoing debates, questions, and issues related to the French and Francophone world

Requirements for the Major (38 Credits)

I. Prerequisites (do not count towards major)

• FREN 101 [old FREN 1]- Fundamentals of Oral and Written French I (4)
• FREN 102 [old FREN 20]- Fundamentals of Oral and Written French II (4), or the equivalent

II. Intermediate French (4 credits) or placement in upper-level French courses by examination, or through receiving a score of 4 or 5 on the AP exam.

• FREN 201 [old FREN 30]- Intermediate French (4)

III. Two Advanced Intermediate French language and culture courses (8 credits) from:

• FREN 302 [old FREN 101]- Current Events and Contemporary France (4)
• FREN 304 [old FREN 102]- Contemporary Francophone  Cinema (4)
• FREN 306 [old FREN 130a/b]- From Word To Text (4)

IV. Gateway course to more advanced electives and to the French major (4 credits)

• FREN 310 [old FREN 104a/b]- Introduction to Literature and Culture (4)

V. Five Electives or 20 credits chosen with at least 4 credits in each category.

No more than one elective may be taken in English.

VI. FREN 400 [old FREN 199]- Capstone Seminar: Revolt, Rebellion, and Revolution (2 credits):

*All students will take this seminar in their senior year.

Note: It is strongly recommended that all French majors spend time studying in France or in a French-speaking country. Students considering graduate studies in French language, civilization, and/or literature should take general education requirements in a cognate field and additional courses in French and Francophone literature and culture. Students interested in careers in international affairs, business, or law should take courses in the relevant disciplines and programs.

Requirements for the Minor (20 credits)

Students may apply only 4 credits gained through exemption or placement (FREN 102-old FREN 20 or FREN 201-old FREN 30) toward the minor.

I. FREN 102 [old FREN 20]- Fundamentals of Oral and Written French II (4)

II. FREN 201 [old FREN 30]- Intermediate French (4)

III. Three other courses chosen from courses at the 300 level (12 credits).

Courses Offered

French Language Sequence

In FREN 101 [old FREN 1] and FREN 102 [old FREN 20], grammar may be explained in English. Otherwise, courses are conducted in French. FREN101 [old FREN 1] is designed for students who have not had French before.

FREN 101 [old FREN 1]- Fundamentals of Oral and Written French I (4)

FREN 102 [old FREN 20]- Fundamentals of Oral and Written French II (4)

FREN 201 [old FREN 30]- Intermediate French (4)

French Language and Culture Abroad

FREN 181 [old FREN 21]- Fundamentals of Oral French II in Paris (4)

FREN 280 [old FREN 40] – DIS On-Site Seminar (4)

FREN 281 [old FREN 31]- Intermediate French in Paris (4)

FREN 380 [old FREN 110] – DIS On-Site Seminar (4)

FREN 381 [old FREN 101a]- Advanced Conversation in Paris: Contemporary Topics (4)

Students may fulfill their language requirement through FREN 181 and FREN 281.

Advanced Intermediate French Language and Culture Courses

All courses taught in French:

FREN 302 [old FREN 101]- Current Events and Contemporary France (4)

FREN 304 [old FREN 102]- Contemporary Francophone Cinema (4)

FREN 306 [old FREN 130a/b]-From Word To Text (4)

Gateway to the French major

Focusing on cultural relations between major literary works and simultaneous developments in art, music, politics, and society, these courses offer an introduction to French literary study. Particular attention is devoted to the enhancement of reading fluency and oral proficiency through dramatic productions, film screenings, oral presentations, and short papers. FREN 310 is required for the French major and a prerequisite for more advanced elective courses. Offered every semester.

FREN 310 [old FREN 104a/b]- Introduction to Literature and Culture (4)

Electives: French and Francophone Culture and Literary Study

All courses are taught in French unless otherwise indicated.

Global Perspectives

• FREN 233 [NEW COURSE] – Is a New World Possible? Globalization in the Francophone World (4) (in English)
• FREN 334 [old FREN 132a/b]- International Business in French (4)
• FREN 336 [old  FREN 122]- Protest in the North African Tradition:  From French Colonialism to the Arab Spring (4)
• FREN 338 [old FREN 126]- The Caribbean Triangle (4)
• FREN 339 [old FREN 124]- Paris, Dakar, and Port-au-Prince (4) (in English)
• FREN 340 [old FREN 180]- France in the 21^st Century  (4)

Literary and Cultural Studies

• FREN 235 [old FREN 50]- Women’s Voices Through the Ages (4) (in English)
• FREN 346 [NEW COURSE]- Worlds of Wonder and Terror: French Children’s Literature (4)
• FREN 348 [old FREN 186]- The French Enlightenment: Culture and Society (4)
• FREN 350 [old FREN 140]- Reading and Writing French Poetry (4)
• FREN 352 [old FREN 142]- Poetry and Culture (4)
• FREN 354 [old FREN 164]- From World War II to 9/11: The Contemporary Novel (4)

Visual and Performing Arts

• FREN 362 [NEW COURSE]- Reality and Fantasy in French Film (4)
• FREN 364 [old FREN 154]- Staging the Self and the Other (4)
• FREN 366 [NEW COURSE]- Entertaining Crowds: Popular Culture in 19^th- and 20^th-France  (4)

Electives in English

The following courses may be applied to the general education literature and arts requirement and also the world literature requirements of the English major. Students may take elective courses in English, but not more than one, to fulfill the major requirement.

• FREN 233 [NEW COURSE]- Is a New World Possible? Globalization in the Francophone World (4) (in English)
• FREN 235 [old FREN 50]- Women’s Voices Through the Ages (4)
• FREN 339 [old FREN 124]- Paris, Dakar, and Port-au-Prince (4)
• FREN 261 [old FREN 111]- Selected Topics in French and Francophone Studies (2-4)

OTHER COURSES

• FREN 299 [old FREN 99]- French Across the Curriculum  (1-2)
• FREN 300 [old FREN 194]- Independent Study (2-4)
• FREN 368 [old FREN 112]- Selected Topics in French and Francophone Studies  (2-4)
• FREN 400 [old FREN 199]- Capstone Seminar (2)