Courses

101 Beginning French I

Content: Introduction to the basic vocabulary and structural patterns of the French language. Emphasis on developing speaking and writing skills. Practical conversations dealing with all aspects of traditional French and Francophone culture.

Prerequisite: None. Must be taken in sequence.

Taught: Annually, 4 semester credits each.

102 Beginning French II

Content: Continued study of the basic vocabulary and structural patterns of the French language.  Further development of oral skills, with increased emphasis on writing practice.  Practical conversations and writing assignments dealing with all aspects of traditional French and Francophone culture.

Prerequisite: French 101 or placement exam..

Taught: Annually, 4 semester credits each.

201 Intermediate French I

Content: Strengthening language skill foundation. Solid grammar review and vocabulary expansion. Emphasis on oral and written proficiency. Short compositions and group presentations based on selected literary and cultural readings, audio and video materials.

Prerequisite: French 102 or placement exam. Must be taken in sequence.

Taught: Annually, 4 semester credits.

202 Intermediate French II Reading in Cultural Context

Content: Builds reading, writing, and speaking skills while broadening cultural background through a wide variety of texts and multimedia materials in French.  Emphasis is on gaining familiarity with the texts and contexts of French and Francophone culture while improving mastery of French spoken and written language.

Prerequisite:  French 201 or placement exam.

230 French Literature in Translation

Content: Translations of selected outstanding works of French and Francophone literature including novels, short stories, plays, and poetry. Lectures, discussions, student essays, supplementary readings on literary, cultural, historical, philosophical, religious, and social background of works studied. Taught in English; no background in French or French literature required.

Prerequisite: None.

Taught: Alternate years, 4 semester credits. May be taken twice for credit if the topic is different.

244 French Practicum

Content: Independent work dealing with a French/Francophone project under faculty supervision. Advanced students lead beginning French discussion groups.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Taught: Each semester, 1-4 semester credits.

261, 262 Conversational French

Content: Development of speaking and listening skills. Topics of conversation and new vocabulary, idioms, and sentence patterns from authentic cultural and literary materials.

Prerequisite: French 202.

Taught: Annually, 2 semester credits each. Both courses may be taken twice for credit or taken in sequence for a maximum of 4 credits, credit-no credit.

301 French Composition and Conversation

Content: Oral expression, idiomatic usage, and creative writing with advanced grammar review. Readings, discussions, and compositions based on selections from French culture and literature. Emphasis on developing proficiency in spoken and written French. Group discussions, individual projects, midterm, final.

Prerequisite: French 202 or placement exam.

Taught: Annually, 4 semester credits.

321 Introduction to French Literary Studies

Content: Advanced study of French syntax and stylistics based on readings from contemporary French and Francophone literature and culture. Expository and creative oral and written expression; conceptualization in the language and explication de texte. Group discussions, individual projects, midterm, final.

Prerequisite: French 301 or consent of instructor.

Taught: Annually, 4 semester credits.

330 Francophone Literature

Content: Major works by Francophone writers outside of France (Africa, Canada, Caribbean). Focus on sociocultural issues as expressed in literature. Class discussion, short papers, oral presentations, midterm, final.

Prerequisite: French 321 or the equivalent.

Taught: Alternate years, 4 semester credits.

340 French Literature and Society

Content: In-depth study of representative works of French poetry, short fiction, or drama from a particular historical period. Focus on a specific genre and/or theme. An examination of how literature provides aesthetic responses to political and sociocultural issues through innovative strategies of narration and interconnections between literature and the arts. Class discussion, short papers, final.

Prerequisite: French 321 or the equivalent.

Taught: Alternate years, 4 semester credits.

350 Topics in French and Francophone Literature

Content: Special topic pertaining to prominent issues of French and/or Francophone literature. The chosen topic will vary and may include the study of a genre, literary movement, historical period, or theme. Possible topics include medieval romance, the lives of saints, the Renaissance, epistolarity, theatre, gender studies, traditional oral literature, existentialism, film studies. Linguistic and literary proficiency practiced through extensive oral and written work and final examination.

Prerequisite: French 321 or the equivalent.

Taught: Annually, 4 semester credits. May be taken twice for credit if the topic is different.

410 Major Periods in Frnch Literature

Content: Major trends in French literature from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Emphasis on stylistics and fine points of idiomatic usage. Further development of techniques of literary analysis. Class discussion, oral presentations, short papers, research paper, final.

Prerequisites: French 321. Senior standing.

Taught: Annually, 4 semester credits.

444 French Practicum

Content: Possible practica include the following: 1) Independent research dealing with a French/Francophone project under faculty supervision. 2) Participation in a theatre workshop that culminates in mounting a French play for the campus community. 3) Internship at the Portland “Ecole française” French-immersion school.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Taught: Each semester, 1-4 semester credits.

450 Special Topics

Content: Special topics or issues of French/Francophone literature and culture. Emphasis on stylistics and fine points of idiomatic usage. Extensive oral and written work culminating in a research paper written and presented in French.

Prerequisites: French 321. Senior standing.

Taught: Annually, 4 semester credits.

490 Honors Thesis

Content: Independent research project suitable for granting departmental honors. Details determined by student in conference with supervising faculty member.

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor. Departmental approval.

Taught: Annually, 1-4 semester credits, credit-no credit.