What if you could immerse yourself in literature from French-speaking North Africa, a passion of Professor Deborah Hess...
French majors master the language and explore its varied cultures across the globe
C’est magnifique
For centuries French was the scientific and artistic language of Europe, and other capitals slavishly followed all that Paris offered. The legacy is a library of amazing writing extending well beyond metropolitan France. Powerful novels and films have lately emerged from Quebec, West Africa and the Caribbean.
We want to share with our majors the amazing experience of speaking another language well. You see the world in a new way. You even take on a different persona, feeling and expressing things in new ways.
The detailed analytical skills and cultural sensitivity our majors learn through literature and culture classes can be applied across disciplines. Popular double majors include French/sociology, French/political science and French/art history.
There are many study-abroad options. You may attend our semester-long programs in Paris or Nantes. In another, in the southern city of Montpellier, you would enroll directly in the French educational system, which offers an experience very close to that of a French native. Or you may opt for shorter intensive three-week programs.
The Salon
Mead Hall, Drew’s 19th-century Georgian mansion, is home to causal gatherings for French conversation. Adijat Mustapha explains why it’s worth going.
Careers Made easy
Tout le monde
There are 220 million French speakers around the globe in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas. Speaking the language gives you access to both established and growing markets in the world of business.
In a recent Drew International Seminar, students not only practiced French and met prominent intellectuals, but also took part in Carnival dance and drum rehearsals on the Caribbean island of Martinique. Grads say that their international travels transform them and are important topics of conversation in job interviews.
A number of our graduates have been admitted to the official French government assistantship program in France to teach English for nine months. Some follow that with law school, or grad school in subjects like history or literature. They find the French proficiency and work experience gives them an edge.
Full-Impact Students
Hannah Hughes
I want to be a French teacher and at Drew, I can get my Master of Arts in Teaching in one year. I’m getting a real sense of French culture here, and I’m learning how to speak French in French—as opposed to speaking French while still thinking in English.
Full-Impact Students
Adijat Mustapha
I was able to show my host family in Paris just what American life is like, and share both my cultures (I was born in Nigeria) with them in a way they hadn’t experienced. Having that human connection is a beautiful thing.
Passionate Faculty
Audrey Evrard
Assistant professor
I’m working on a book project that examines how contemporary French documentary filmmaking has engaged a more fundamental interrogation of the work ethic that underlies Western economic liberalism and motivated social struggles in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Ph.D., University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign
Passionate Faculty
Deborah Hess
Professor
The books I have published all relate to courses I teach. My current project is a book on Algerian society and literature.
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin
Passionate Faculty
Marie-Pascale Pieretti
Professor & chair
An article I just published—”When Wikipedists Meet Encyclopedists” in Digital Defoe: Studies in Defoe & His Contemporaries—details the pedagogical benefits of my students’ participation in the large Collaborative Translation Project of Diderot’s Encyclopédie.
Ph.D., New York University
Successful Alumni
Head of 19th-century furniture and decorative arts
Christie’s, New York City
Human rights defender
Human Rights Watch, Democratic Republic of Congo
FREN 101 - 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 - Fundamentals of Oral and Written French II (4)
French 102 is a continuation of FREN 101 or the equivalent level. Designed for students who have already covered the basics of the French language, but have not yet been exposed to all tenses and other grammar fundamentals. Videos, culture readings, interactive practice in the classroom, oral written and computer-assisted activities.
Offered: every semester.
Prerequisite: FREN 101.
II. Intermediate French (4 credits)
FREN 201 - Intermediate French (4)
A continuation of FREN 102. Review of basic grammar; development of speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills through films, discussion, Francophone articles and literary texts, compositions, and computer-assisted activities. A prerequisite for FREN 302 and FREN 304.
Offered: every semester.
Prerequisite: FREN 102.
III. Advanced Intermediate French language and culture (8 credits)
FREN 302 - Current Events and Contemporary France (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 304 [old FREN 102] or FREN 306 [old FREN 130a/b]. Prerequisite: FREN 201 [old FREN 30] or equivalent.
Offered: Spring semester.
Prerequisite: FREN 201 or equivalent.
FREN 304 - Contemporary Francophone Cinema (4)
Through weekly screenings of recent films (released in the last decade or so), this course introduces students to current social, cultural and narrative concerns in Francophone cinema. Intensive conversational and writing practice, along with regular language review and creative assignments provide students with numerous opportunities to acquire basic vocabulary and analytical tools that are specific to the study of audiovisual documents in French. May be taken concurrently with FREN 302 [old FREN 101] or FREN 306 [old FREN 130a/b]. Prerequisite: FREN 201 [old FREN 30].
Offered: spring semester.
Prerequisite: FREN 201 or equivalent.
FREN 306 - From Word to Text (4)
An advanced intermediate course in the use of French, both written and spoken. Stresses written composition, stylistic analysis, and conversational fluency. Systematic grammar review, basic textual analysis, editing and some translation from English to French sharpen students’ linguistic skills. Class discussions and writing on various topics that expose students further to French and Francophone cultures. May be taken concurrently with any course at the 300 level. Prerequisite: FREN 201 [old FREN 30]. Offered annually.
Offered: Offering to be determined.
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: FREN 302, or FREN 304.
IV. Gateway (4 credits)
FREN 310 - Introduction to Literature and Culture (4)
V. Electives (20 credits)
At least 4 credits must be taken in each of groups A-C.
A. Global Perspectives (4-8 credits)
FREN 233 - Is Another World Possible? Globalization in the Francophone World (in English) (4)
This interdisciplinary 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-globalization 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. Offered triennially.
FREN 334 - International Business French (4)
France is the second largest economy in the European Union which is the most important trading block of the United States. Given this context and the use of French in various other business situations in Francophone countries, this course aims at enhancing French oral and written skills related to the world of business, economics and finance. A cross-cultural training prepares students for a week-long mid-semester trip to Québec where they practice their French and meet with representatives of the French-speaking Canadian business community. (Extra-costs borne by the students are room and board at off-campus site). Assignments include oral presentations of articles and short response papers on topics discussed in class. Final projects include the simulation of a French job interview and case studies of social entrepreneurship in French-speaking Africa. Prerequisite FREN 310 [old FREN 104a/b] or Instructor’s Signature.
FREN 336 - Protest in the North African Tradition: From Colonization to the Arab Spring (4)
This course focuses on the tradition of rebellion in French-speaking areas of North Africa, resulting in a literary tradition in which protest, primarily against an outside, but later against an internal presence, develops as an important mode of political expression. The role of women in Tunisian, Algerian, and Moroccan societies is an aspect of the challenge to existing social practices. Documents are explored from different modes and fields, including historical, sociological, and literary sources. Prerequisite: FREN 310 [old FREN 104a/b]. Fulfills: DIT. Crosslisted with MEST. Offered triennially.
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: FREN 310 or the equivalent.
FREN 338 - The Caribbean Triangle (4)
The sources of the Caribbean cultural tradition are examined through print, electronic, and other media sources. The cultural traditions include those of Haiti, Guadeloupe, and Martinique. International relations, both historical and contemporary, will be examined between mainland France, West Africa, and the Caribbean, along with more recent developments between Paris, the French Caribbean, and North America. Course materials will include both electronic and print sources, contemporary media, and more historically-based literary and cultural texts.
Offered: triennially.
Prerequisite: FREN 310 [old FREN 104a/b].
FREN 339 - Paris, Dakar, and Port-au-Prince (in English) (4)
A course examining the international ties between France, West Africa, and the Caribbean, as well as a further tie with North America. It includes materials from film, narrative, poetic, and documentary sources. Themes treat bicultural encounters, revolt and rebellion, as well as the formation of new cultural traditions. Conducted in English. No prerequisites. Crosslisted with PANAF. Offered triennially.
Prerequisite: One upper-level French course, preferably FREN 310
FREN 340 - 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 twenty first century fiction.
Prerequisite: FREN 310 .
B. Literary and Cultural Studies (4-8 credits)
FREN 235 - Francophone Literature in Translation: Women Novelists (in English) (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.
FREN 346 - 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: FREN 310. Offered triennially.
FREN 348 - The French Enlightenment: Culture and Society (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. Written assignments include the publication of students’ contributions to the Encyclopedia of Diderot & D’Alembert Collaborative Translation Project http://quod.lib.umich.edu/d/did/. Prerequisite: FREN 310 (old FREN 104a/b). Offered triennially. Fulfills: BH
Prerequisite: FREN+104.
FREN 350 - Reading and Writing French Poetry (4) (Same as: HISTG+140.)
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 the Drew French literary journal.
Prerequisite: FREN 310
FREN 352 - 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 Drew's French literary journal.
Prerequisite: FREN 310 .
FREN 354 - From World War II to 9/11: The Contemporary Novel (4) (Same as: MAT 872.)
The course examines the impact of international events and cultural movements on French novels and short stories from World War II to 9/11/2001. We discuss international events such as the Holocaust and its after-effects, decolonization and the immigration of peoples from former French colonies to mainland France, as well as the impact of changes in the relation between France and other countries in Europe and with other regions of the world following the break-up of the Soviet bloc. Conducted in French. Fulfills: BH. Offered triennially.
Prerequisite: FREN 310.
C. Visual and Performing Arts (4-8 credits)
FREN 362 - 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 actualités, poetic realism, 1960s cinéma vérité and more recently heritage cinema and « cinéma 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 André Bazin, François Truffaut, Jean-Louis Comolli and more recently Jacques Rancière. Conducted in French. Offered triennially.
FREN 364 - Staging the Self and the Other (4) (Same as: HIST 343.)
This course examines works representative of the dramatic tradition spanning from the French classical stage to contemporary works written by authors of French expression. The construction of personal or social or national identity is central to our study and our exploration of the complex dynamic that exists between the spaces of performance, reception, and imagination. Some written assignments but emphasis put on oral expression, diction, articulation. Students perform parts of a play as part of their oral exam. Prerequisite: FREN 316 [old FREN 104a/b]. Offered triennially. Fulfills: BH
Offered: offered in 2008-2009.
Prerequisite: FREN 104.
FREN 366 - 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 "popular" and "culture". Conducted in French. Prerequisites: French 310 [old FREN 104a/b]. Offered triennially.
D. English-Language (0-4 credits)
Only one of the following courses may be used to fulfill the major requirement.
FREN 233 - Is Another World Possible? Globalization in the Francophone World (in English) (4)
This interdisciplinary 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-globalization 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. Offered triennially.
FREN 235 - Francophone Literature in Translation: Women Novelists (in English) (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.
FREN 261 - 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.
Offered: Offering to be determined.
Prerequisite: FREN 201.
FREN 339 - Paris, Dakar, and Port-au-Prince (in English) (4)
A course examining the international ties between France, West Africa, and the Caribbean, as well as a further tie with North America. It includes materials from film, narrative, poetic, and documentary sources. Themes treat bicultural encounters, revolt and rebellion, as well as the formation of new cultural traditions. Conducted in English. No prerequisites. Crosslisted with PANAF. Offered triennially.
Prerequisite: One upper-level French course, preferably FREN 310
VI. Capstone (2 credits)
Students will normally take this seminar in the senior year.
FREN 400 - Capstone Seminar (2)
The theme of "Revolt, Rebellion and Revolution" lies at the basis of most literary and cultural movements in modern France, modern being defined in a historical sense as events following the French Revolution in 1789. This capstone course designated for senior French majors is to explore how various texts of French expression represent and/or impact the radical literary and cultural shifts that have occurred from the French Enlightenment to today. While the analysis of primary and secondary literary sources deepens students' knowledge of French literature, other texts (films and archival material) broaden and contextualize their understanding of French society. Students exchange ideas and discuss all texts in class conversations and in senior project.
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
Requirements for the Minor (20 credits)
I. Core (8 credits)
FREN 102 - Fundamentals of Oral and Written French II (4)
French 102 is a continuation of FREN 101 or the equivalent level. Designed for students who have already covered the basics of the French language, but have not yet been exposed to all tenses and other grammar fundamentals. Videos, culture readings, interactive practice in the classroom, oral written and computer-assisted activities.
Offered: every semester.
Prerequisite: FREN 101.
FREN 201 - Intermediate French (4)
A continuation of FREN 102. Review of basic grammar; development of speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills through films, discussion, Francophone articles and literary texts, compositions, and computer-assisted activities. A prerequisite for FREN 302 and FREN 304.
Offered: every semester.
Prerequisite: FREN 102.
II. Upper Level (12 credits)
Note
Only 4 credits gained through exemption or placement (FREN 102orFREN 201) may be applied towards the minor.
