French (FRN)

Major or Teaching Requirements

  1. Thirty-six credits beyond FRN 112 which must include 16 credits of upper-level literature and civilization classes; at least four credits must be taken from each of these groups: FRN 331, 332, 371, 372; FRN 350, 354, 355, 356, 360.
  2. Language proficiency must be demonstrated by passing the Diplôme de Langue or the Diplôme Supérieur de Langue.
  3. A minimum of one semester of approved international study in a French speaking country.
  4. Completion of English 200 with a passing grade.
  5. Write an acceptable critical essay of moderate length, or write an acceptable Senior Thesis.

Senior Theses and Papers are discussed in an open forum.

Minor or Teaching Requirements

Twenty-four credits in French which includes one upper-level course in civilization or literature; pass the Certificat d’Études de Français Pratique — Degré II (C.E.F.P. II).

Certificat d’Études de Français Pratique — Degré II (C.E.F.P. II), Diplôme de Langue, Diplôme Supérieur de Langue are diplomas certified by the French Ministry of Education (Alma, Nice and Paris).

FRN 109. Written French I
4 credits
Extensive written work in French. Present tense and Passé composé, with stress placed on subject/verb and noun/adjective agreement. (Paris)
FRN 111-112. Beginning French I-II
4 credits each
FRN 112 for AH-4
Introduction to French. Primary objective is to help students acquire necessary basic skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Secondary objective is to provide insight on French culture and society. (Alma, Nice, Paris)
FRN 111A. Beginning French IA
2 credits
Seven-week course in which students enter FRN 111 at mid-term. For students who have studied the language but need to reinforce or revive their skills before entering FRN 112.
FRN 169-*369. Quebec
Q3 4 credits
An introduction to the province of Quebec, designed for students with one year of college French or more. Readings cover the history of the province, its political struggles, and its artistic expression. Includes a visit to Montreal, and extended stay at Laval University, museum visitations, and limited excursions. (FRN 169 is a Quill 1 course; FRN 369 is a Quill 2 course.) Spring Term.
FRN 170-*370. Paris in May (AH-4)
4 credits
Provides two academic components: language study and French culture. Students attend a regular language class through Alma College at the Alliance Français (any level) and study cultural history of Paris through selected readings, directed visits and shows. Spring Term.
FRN 203-*303. Expressions Françaises
4 credits each
Placement
In-depth language manipulation course designed to sharpen student's ability to assimilate French both orally and through reading and writing skills. Emphasizes recognition of speech patterns, sentence structure peculiarities and registers of vocabulary. Level assigned according to language proficiency. (Paris)
FRN 207. French Conversation II
2 credits
Extensive class discussion, oral reports, summaries of selected readings and viewing materials to develop fluency in oral expression and comprehension. Reading and discussion of numerous topics, which change each year. May be repeated for up to four credits. Does not count toward major or minor. (Alma)
FRN 208-*308-*408. Oral French
4 credits
Summaries and oral reports on various reading materials to develop proficiency in oral expression. Level of study corresponds to the grammar course in which student enrolls. (Paris)
FRN 209-*309. Written French II and III
4 credits
FRN 112, 222 respectively
Extensive writing practice for students with intermediate or advanced skills, respectively. Application of verb tenses (FRN 209); refined usage of these tenses and extended use of dictée (FRN 309). (Paris)
FRN 221-222. Intermediate French I-II (AH-4)
4 credits each
FRN 112 or Placement
Systematic study of grammar and further development of speaking and writing skills through readings and discussions. (Alma, Nice, Paris)
FRN 221A. Intermediate French IA (AH-4)
2 credits
Placement or Permission
Seven-week course in which students enter FRN 221 at mid-term. For students who have studied the language but need to reinforce or revive their skills before entering FRN 222.
FRN 223-224. French Language and Culture I-II
4 credits each
Placement
Designed for students who have completed second year college French but whose language skills need strengthening before they enter level-three courses at the Alliance Française. (Nice, Paris)
FRN 255. French Literature in Translation (AH-2)
Q1 4 credits
A study of representative literary works in translation from the French canon. Readings/lecture/discussion in English.
FRN 273-*373. Medieval to Classical French Art (AH-4)
4 credits each $20
Survey of French art from medieval times through the classical period. Level assigned according to language proficiency. (Paris)
FRN 275-*375. Modern French Art
4 credits each $20
Major movements in painting, sculpture and architecture from early romanticism to cubism. Level assigned according to language proficiency. (Paris)
FRN 276-*376. Paris Through Art and Architecture
4 credits each $20
Placement
Study of varied periods of art and architecture in Paris and their relationship to the city's history. Numerous field trips in and around Paris. Level assigned according to language proficiency. (Paris, summers only)
FRN *301. Current Issues
4 credits
Advanced composition and conversation. Contemporary French social problems contrasted with those of the U.S. using newspapers, magazines and TV broadcasts. (Alma)
FRN *312. Phonetics and Diction
4 credits
FRN 112 or Placement
Analysis of sounds and study of syllabication, intonation and articulation. Laboratory exercises. (Paris)
FRN *315. Commercial French I
4 credits
FRN 321 or Placement
Study of business French for commercial communication with the French-speaking world. Designed to prepare students for Diplôme de Français des Affaires 1er degré. (Paris)
FRN *321. French Composition and Conversation
Q1 4 credits
FRN 222
Advanced composition and conversation with extensive writing and emphasis on speaking skills. Includes reading, discussions and debate on a wide variety of cultural topics. (Alma)
FRN *323-*324. Advanced Composition and Conversation I-II
4 credits each
Placement
Conversation and composition in French on geographical, historical, literary and other aspects of French civilization. (Nice, Paris)
FRN *325-*326. Advanced Composition and Conversation III-IV
4 credits each
Placement
Designed for students who have completed third year college French but whose language skills need strengthening before they enter level-four courses at the Alliance Français. (Nice, Paris)
FRN *331-*332. History of France I-II
4 credits each
FRN 222
History and architecture of the monarchy (FRN 331); Modern French history (FRN 332). (Paris)
FRN *343. Contemporary France
4 credits
FRN 222
Explores France's position in the affairs of the contemporary political, sociological and economic problems of the world. (Paris)
FRN *350. Study in French Literature (AH-2)
Q2 4 credits
Permission
Studies in literature which emphasize different centuries, genres or themes. May be taken more than once for credit. (Alma)
FRN *352. Paris of the Rich and Poor
4 credits
Permission
Literary representations of 19th-century Paris, as seen through the eyes of Flaubert, Baudelaire and others who witnessed revolutionary upheavals and urban transformations. Includes site visits. (Paris)
FRN *353. Realist and Imaginary Paris
4 credits
Permission
Literary representations of Paris throughout the 20th century, from Proust to Houellebecq. Includes site visits. (Paris)
FRN *354. From La Belle Époque to the 1990s (AH-2)
Q2 4 credits
Permission
Study of major literary movements and authors of the 20th century. (Alma)
FRN *355-*356. History of French Literature I-II (AH-2)
Q2 4 credits each
Permission
Study in French literature from its origins to the late 20th century. Readings from significant works of each literary period. (Alma)
FRN *357. French Drama
4 credits
Studies in French drama and French dramatic expression. Class attends live performances. (Paris)
FRN *360. Francophone Literature (AH-2)
Q2 4 credits
Studies in French-speaking, non-European countries' literatures. Addresses Afro-French literature, French-Caribbean literature, or French-Canadian literature. (Alma)
FRN *371-*372. History of French Civilization I-II (AH-4)
Q2 4 credits each
Permission
Introduction to French civilization and culture. Political, social and religious institutions; art, architecture, music and literature. French civilization to 1715 (FRN 371); and from 1715 to present (FRN 372). (Alma)
FRN *377. Studies in French Cinema
4 credits
FRN 222
Studies in French cinema, emphasizing the critical analysis of technical and artistic application, socio-historical contexts and directors' personal styles. (Alma, Paris)
FRN *380. Topics in French Language, Literature and Civilization (AH-4)
4 credits
Various topics such as Afro-French literature and culture, the French novel, the short story, French literary criticism and theory, study of individual authors, social structures in modern France, the press in France, the French educational system, modern French art and others. (Alma, Paris)
FRN *415. Commercial French II
4 credits
FRN 324
Study of business French for commercial communication with the French-speaking world. Designed to prepare students for the Diplôme de Français des Affaires 2eme degré. (Paris)
FRN *421-*422. Advanced Syntax I-II
4 credits each
FRN 324 or Placement
French literary styles. Textual analyses and oral reports on related topics to develop precision in expression. (Nice, Paris)
FRN *495. Senior Thesis Part I
1 credit
Prior to enrollment in FRN 500. Designed to set the preliminary work toward the senior thesis in motion. Students will be required to work on a bibliography, outline, and prospectus of the forthcoming thesis. (Alma)
FRN *499. Independent Study
4 credits
Senior Standing and Permission
FRN *500. Senior Thesis
Q2 4 credits