N.B. Course descriptions and required texts are subject to change.
Courses offered at the Mills campus are denoted with an "S" following the course number.
Courses
Courses offered in the past four years.
▲ indicates offered in the current term
▹ indicates offered in the upcoming term[s]
FREN 3101 - Beginning French I ▲
Level 1 is intended for students with no or minimal previous experience with the French language. The course emphasizes communicative proficiency, with special attention to the development of oral and listening skills, self-expression, and cultural insights.
Classroom activities are varied and interactive and are focused on acquiring all four language competencies (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) simultaneously-always in the context of a cultural narrative. Each lesson begins with a rapid flow of authentic French presented in realistic, everyday circumstances, supported by video presentations. Free-form classroom interactions are balanced with structured grammar and vocabulary drills. All in-class activities are task-based and put the students in real-life situations. By the end of this seven-week immersion program, students will
be able to easily navigate a variety of real-world situations.
Required books: 1) Maia Grégoire, Grammaire Progressive du Français (Niveau débutant), Paris, CLE international- 2004.ISBN-10: 209033858X; 2) Guy Capelle, Noëlle Guidon, Reflets (méthode de français 1), Paris, Hachette, 1999.ISBN-10: 2011551160
LNGSummer 2009, Summer 2010, Summer 2011, Summer 2012, Summer 2013
FREN 3101S - Beginning French I
THIS COURSE IS TAUGHT AT MILLS CAMPUS
This course is intended for students with no or minimum previous experience of the French language. We will develop the four competencies (listening and writing comprehension and expression) with extra emphasis put on oral communication. We will work with two different kinds of support: a method, Reflets, as well as realia. The entire class will also revolve around a creative oral and writing project in response to the needs of students.
Texts : Maia Grégoire- Grammaire Progressive du Français (Niveau débutant)- Paris, CLE International- 2004 ; Guy Capelle, Noëlle Guidon- Reflets (méthode de français 1)- Paris, Hachette- 1999 ; Guy Capelle, Noëlle Guidon- Reflets (Cahier d’Exercices)- Paris, Hachette- 1999.
Summer 2010, Summer 2011
FREN 3102 - Beginning French I ▲
Level 1 is intended for students with no or minimal previous experience with the French language. The course emphasizes communicative proficiency, with special attention to the development of oral and listening skills, self-expression, and cultural insights.
Classroom activities are varied and interactive and are focused on acquiring all four language competencies (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) simultaneously-always in the context of a cultural narrative. Each lesson begins with a rapid flow of authentic French presented in realistic, everyday circumstances, supported by video presentations. Free-form classroom interactions are balanced with structured grammar and vocabulary drills. All in-class activities are task-based and put the students in real-life situations. By the end of this seven-week immersion program, students will
be able to easily navigate a variety of real-world situations.
Required books: 1) Maia Grégoire, Grammaire Progressive du Français (Niveau débutant), Paris, CLE international- 2004.ISBN-10: 209033858X; 2) Guy Capelle, Noëlle Guidon, Reflets (méthode de français 1), Paris, Hachette, 1999.ISBN-10: 2011551160
Summer 2009, Summer 2010, Summer 2011, Summer 2012, Summer 2013
FREN 3102S - Beginning French I
THIS COURSE IS TAUGHT AT MILLS CAMPUS
This course is intended for students with no or minimum previous experience of the French language. We will develop the four competencies (listening and writing comprehension and expression) with extra emphasis put on oral communication. We will work with two different kinds of support: a method, Reflets, as well as realia. The entire class will also revolve around a creative oral and writing project in response to the needs of students.
Texts : Maia Grégoire- Grammaire Progressive du Français (Niveau débutant)- Paris, CLE International- 2004 ; Guy Capelle, Noëlle Guidon- Reflets (méthode de français 1)- Paris, Hachette- 1999 ; Guy Capelle, Noëlle Guidon- Reflets (Cahier d’Exercices)- Paris, Hachette- 1999.
Summer 2010, Summer 2011
FREN 3103 - Beginning French I ▲
Level 1 is intended for students with no or minimal previous experience with the French language. The course emphasizes communicative proficiency, with special attention to the development of oral and listening skills, self-expression, and cultural insights.
Classroom activities are varied and interactive and are focused on acquiring all four language competencies (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) simultaneously-always in the context of a cultural narrative. Each lesson begins with a rapid flow of authentic French presented in realistic, everyday circumstances, supported by video presentations. Free-form classroom interactions are balanced with structured grammar and vocabulary drills. All in-class activities are task-based and put the students in real-life situations. By the end of this seven-week immersion program, students will
be able to easily navigate a variety of real-world situations.
Required books: 1) Maia Grégoire, Grammaire Progressive du Français (Niveau débutant), Paris, CLE international- 2004.ISBN-10: 209033858X; 2) Guy Capelle, Noëlle Guidon, Reflets (méthode de français 1), Paris, Hachette, 1999.ISBN-10: 2011551160
LNGSummer 2009, Summer 2010, Summer 2011, Summer 2012, Summer 2013
FREN 3103S - Beginning French I
THIS COURSE IS TAUGHT AT MILLS CAMPUS
This course is intended for students with no or minimum previous experience of the French language. We will develop the four competencies (listening and writing comprehension and expression) with extra emphasis put on oral communication. We will work with two different kinds of support: a method, Reflets, as well as realia. The entire class will also revolve around a creative oral and writing project in response to the needs of students.
Texts : Maia Grégoire- Grammaire Progressive du Français (Niveau débutant)- Paris, CLE International- 2004 ; Guy Capelle, Noëlle Guidon- Reflets (méthode de français 1)- Paris, Hachette- 1999 ; Guy Capelle, Noëlle Guidon- Reflets (Cahier d’Exercices)- Paris, Hachette- 1999.
Summer 2010, Summer 2011
FREN 3201 - Beginning French II ▲
Level 1.5 is intended for students with minimal previous experience with the French language. The course emphasizes communicative proficiency, with special attention to the development of oral and listening skills, self-expression, and cultural insights.
Classroom activities are varied and interactive and are focused on acquiring all four language competencies (listening, speaking, reading,
and writing) simultaneously-always in the context of a cultural narrative. Each lesson begins with a rapid flow of authentic French presented in realistic, everyday circumstances, supported by video presentations and a comprehensive workbook. Free-form classroom interactions are balanced with structured grammar and vocabulary drills. By the end of this seven-week immersion program, students will
be able to easily navigate a variety of real-world situations.
Required books: 1) Maia Grégoire, Grammaire Progressive du Français (Niveau débutant), Paris, CLE international- 2004.ISBN-10: 209033858X; 2) Guy Capelle, Noëlle Guidon, Reflets ( méthode de français 1), Paris, Hachette, 1999.ISBN-10: 2011551160
Summer 2010, Summer 2011, Summer 2012, Summer 2013
FREN 3201S - Beginning French II ▲
THIS COURSE TAUGHT AT MILLS CAMPUS
This course is intended for students with no or minimum previous experience of the French language. We will develop the four competencies (listening and writing, comprehension and expression) with extra emphasis put on oral communication. We will work with two different kinds of support: a method, Reflets, as well as a grammar book to support your effort. The entire class will also revolve around creative oral and writing projects in response to the needs of students.
Required books:
1) Maia Grégoire- Grammaire Progressive du Français (Niveau débutant)- Paris, CLE International- 2004 ISBN 10: 209033858x)
2) Guy Capelle, Noëlle Guidon- Reflets (méthode de français 1)- Paris, Hachette- 1999 ISBN 9782011551160
3) Guy Capelle, Noëlle Guidon- Reflets (Cahier d’Exercices)- Paris, Hachette- 1999. ISBN 201155117x
Summer 2012, Summer 2013
FREN 3202 - Beginning French II ▲
Level 1.5 is intended for students with minimal previous experience with the French language. The course emphasizes communicative proficiency, with special attention to the development of oral and listening skills, self-expression, and cultural insights.
Classroom activities are varied and interactive and are focused on acquiring all four language competencies (listening, speaking, reading,
and writing) simultaneously-always in the context of a cultural narrative. Each lesson begins with a rapid flow of authentic French presented in realistic, everyday circumstances, supported by video presentations and a comprehensive workbook. Free-form classroom interactions are balanced with structured grammar and vocabulary drills. By the end of this seven-week immersion program, students will
be able to easily navigate a variety of real-world situations.
Required books: 1) Maia Grégoire, Grammaire Progressive du Français (Niveau débutant), Paris, CLE international- 2004.ISBN-10: 209033858X; 2) Guy Capelle, Noëlle Guidon, Reflets ( méthode de français 1), Paris, Hachette, 1999.ISBN-10: 2011551160
Summer 2010, Summer 2011, Summer 2012, Summer 2013
FREN 3202S - Beginning French II ▲
THIS COURSE TAUGHT AT MILLS CAMPUS
This course is intended for students with no or minimum previous experience of the French language. We will develop the four competencies (listening and writing, comprehension and expression) with extra emphasis put on oral communication. We will work with two different kinds of support: a method, Reflets, as well as a grammar book to support your effort. The entire class will also revolve around creative oral and writing projects in response to the needs of students.
Required books:
1) Maia Grégoire- Grammaire Progressive du Français (Niveau débutant)- Paris, CLE International- 2004 ISBN 10: 209033858x)
2) Guy Capelle, Noëlle Guidon- Reflets (méthode de français 1)- Paris, Hachette- 1999 ISBN 9782011551160
3) Guy Capelle, Noëlle Guidon- Reflets (Cahier d’Exercices)- Paris, Hachette- 1999. ISBN 201155117x
Summer 2012, Summer 2013
FREN 3203 - Beginning French II ▲
Level 1.5 is intended for students with minimal previous experience with the French language. The course emphasizes communicative proficiency, with special attention to the development of oral and listening skills, self-expression, and cultural insights.
Classroom activities are varied and interactive and are focused on acquiring all four language competencies (listening, speaking, reading,
and writing) simultaneously-always in the context of a cultural narrative. Each lesson begins with a rapid flow of authentic French presented in realistic, everyday circumstances, supported by video presentations and a comprehensive workbook. Free-form classroom interactions are balanced with structured grammar and vocabulary drills. By the end of this seven-week immersion program, students will
be able to easily navigate a variety of real-world situations.
Required books: 1) Maia Grégoire, Grammaire Progressive du Français (Niveau débutant), Paris, CLE international- 2004.ISBN-10: 209033858X; 2) Guy Capelle, Noëlle Guidon, Reflets ( méthode de français 1), Paris, Hachette, 1999.ISBN-10: 2011551160
LNGSummer 2010, Summer 2011, Summer 2012, Summer 2013
FREN 3203S - Beginning French II ▲
THIS COURSE TAUGHT AT MILLS CAMPUS
This course is intended for students with no or minimum previous experience of the French language. We will develop the four competencies (listening and writing, comprehension and expression) with extra emphasis put on oral communication. We will work with two different kinds of support: a method, Reflets, as well as a grammar book to support your effort. The entire class will also revolve around creative oral and writing projects in response to the needs of students.
Required books:
1) Maia Grégoire- Grammaire Progressive du Français (Niveau débutant)- Paris, CLE International- 2004 ISBN 10: 209033858x)
2) Guy Capelle, Noëlle Guidon- Reflets (méthode de français 1)- Paris, Hachette- 1999 ISBN 9782011551160
3) Guy Capelle, Noëlle Guidon- Reflets (Cahier d’Exercices)- Paris, Hachette- 1999. ISBN 201155117x
Summer 2012, Summer 2013
FREN 3211 - Early Intermed French ▲
Level 200 is aimed at students who have received some previous instruction in (or exposure to) French, but who are not yet able to function independently in full immersion.
Level Two focuses on developing listening comprehension, oral competence, and socio-cultural communicative proficiency and on acquiring strategies for oral and written expression through progressive practice.
Various cultural aspects of French-speaking communities worldwide will be studied through readings and recordings.
The course is divided into 3 units. Students will be taught 4 classes a day: Vocabulary and civilization; Introduction to literature; Oral activities; Grammar.
Required books:
1. Maia Grégoire, Odile Thievenaz
Grammaire progressive du français Niveau Intermédiaire 600 exercices
978-2090 33 84 85 CLE International
2. Maia Grégoire, Odile Thievenaz
Grammaire progressive corrigé Niveau Intermédiaire
978-2090 33 84 92 CLE International
3. Blondeau N, Allouache F, Né M-F
Littérature progressive du français, Niveau débutant, avec 600 activités
978-2-09-033884-3 CLE International 2003
Summer 2009, Summer 2010, Summer 2011, Summer 2012, Summer 2013
FREN 3211S - Early Intermed French ▲
THIS COURSE IS TAUGHT AT MILLS CAMPUS
Grammar and Vocabulary (intermediate level)
In this course, learners will discover French grammar and vocabulary through a variety of texts. The main focus will be on literary texts of the 20th and 21st centuries, but older literary texts and texts from other domains will also be considered. These will be taken from French and Francophone sources and will allow the learner to have an overview of culture, history, life in French-speaking countries, etc. The course will also focus on all four language skills, namely speaking, listening, reading and writing.
Required books:
1. La grammaire progressive du Français de Maïa Grégoire et d’Odile Thiévenaz, CLE International ISBN 9782090338485 + les corrigés Grammaire Progressive du Français ISBN 9782090338492
2. Le Français par les textes 2, B1-B2 : 45 textes de français courant de Martine Barthe et Bernadette Chovelon 978-2-7061-1484-7
Summer 2010, Summer 2011, Summer 2012, Summer 2013
FREN 3212 - Early Intermed French ▲
Level 200 is aimed at students who have received some previous instruction in (or exposure to) French, but who are not yet able to function independently in full immersion.
Level Two focuses on developing listening comprehension, oral competence, and socio-cultural communicative proficiency and on acquiring strategies for oral and written expression through progressive practice.
Various cultural aspects of French-speaking communities worldwide will be studied through readings and recordings.
The course is divided into 3 units. Students will be taught 4 classes a day: Vocabulary and civilization; Introduction to literature; Oral activities; Grammar.
Required books:
1. Maia Grégoire, Odile Thievenaz
Grammaire progressive du français Niveau Intermédiaire 600 exercices
978-2090 33 84 85 CLE International
2. Maia Grégoire, Odile Thievenaz
Grammaire progressive corrigé Niveau Intermédiaire
978-2090 33 84 92 CLE International
3. Blondeau N, Allouache F, Né M-F
Littérature progressive du français, Niveau débutant, avec 600 activités
978-2-09-033884-3 CLE International 2003
Summer 2009, Summer 2010, Summer 2011, Summer 2012, Summer 2013
FREN 3212S - Early Intermed French ▲
THIS COURSE IS TAUGHT AT MILLS CAMPUS
This course will concentrate on the systematic acquisition of strategies for written expression through progressive practice, with topical review of basic morphological and syntactic structures. Different kind of texts (descriptive, informative, argumentative, poetic, …) will be used to illustrate and explain the grammar studied and to be a model for the writing tasks. The entire class will revolve around writing projects in response to the needs of students : how to describe a past action, a dream or a life project, how to propose something to someone, how to compare things, movies, persons or events, how to express an objection, etc.
Required Book : Sylvie Poisson-Quinton, « Expression écrite – Niveau 2 », Paris, Clé International, 2006. (ISBN : 978-2-09-035205-4)
Summer 2010, Summer 2011, Summer 2012, Summer 2013
FREN 3213 - Early Intermed French ▲
Level 200 is aimed at students who have received some previous instruction in (or exposure to) French, but who are not yet able to function independently in full immersion.
Level Two focuses on developing listening comprehension, oral competence, and socio-cultural communicative proficiency and on acquiring strategies for oral and written expression through progressive practice.
Various cultural aspects of French-speaking communities worldwide will be studied through readings and recordings.
The course is divided into 3 units. Students will be taught 4 classes a day: Vocabulary and civilization; Introduction to literature; Oral activities; Grammar.
Required books:
1. Maia Grégoire, Odile Thievenaz
Grammaire progressive du français Niveau Intermédiaire 600 exercices
978-2090 33 84 85 CLE International
2. Maia Grégoire, Odile Thievenaz
Grammaire progressive corrigé Niveau Intermédiaire
978-2090 33 84 92 CLE International
3. Blondeau N, Allouache F, Né M-F
Littérature progressive du français, Niveau débutant, avec 600 activités
978-2-09-033884-3 CLE International 2003
Summer 2009, Summer 2010, Summer 2011, Summer 2012, Summer 2013
FREN 3213S - Early Intermed French ▲
THIS COURSE IS TAUGHT AT MILLS CAMPUS
This course is designed to better the oral communication and pronunciation of Modern Standard French for intermediate-level students. Through a variety of activities, students will improve their phonetic production (focus on vowels, consonants, diphthongs, nasalization, liaison, elision, intonation, Phonetic Alphabet) while developing vocabulary and the capacity to express their ideas in a myriad of functional settings. Topics may include: French culture, current events (from French-language newspapers, magazines, and TV programs), travel, music, and sports.
Required books:
1-Chamberlain, Alan and Ross Steele. Guide pratique de la communication. Paris : Didier, 2004. ISBN : 978-2278050635
2-Dansereau, Diane. Savoir Dire: Cours de phonétique et prononciation (2nd edition). Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2006. ISBN: 978-0618507061. This book should come with lots of CDs.
Summer 2010, Summer 2011, Summer 2012, Summer 2013
FREN 3214 - Early Intermed French ▲
Level 200 is aimed at students who have received some previous instruction in (or exposure to) French, but who are not yet able to function independently in full immersion.
Level Two focuses on developing listening comprehension, oral competence, and socio-cultural communicative proficiency and on acquiring strategies for oral and written expression through progressive practice.
Various cultural aspects of French-speaking communities worldwide will be studied through readings and recordings.
The course is divided into 3 units. Students will be taught 4 classes a day: Vocabulary and civilization; Introduction to literature; Oral activities; Grammar.
Required books:
1. Maia Grégoire, Odile Thievenaz
Grammaire progressive du français Niveau Intermédiaire 600 exercices
978-2090 33 84 85 CLE International
2. Maia Grégoire, Odile Thievenaz
Grammaire progressive corrigé Niveau Intermédiaire
978-2090 33 84 92 CLE International
3. Blondeau N, Allouache F, Né M-F
Littérature progressive du français, Niveau débutant, avec 600 activités
978-2-09-033884-3 CLE International 2003
Summer 2009, Summer 2010, Summer 2011, Summer 2012, Summer 2013
FREN 3301S - Oral Expression &Pronunciation ▲
THIS COURSE IS TAUGHT AT MILLS CAMPUS
Through the study of a play, travel diaries, performing excerpts, press reviews and debates, students will work on putting the language into motion and emotion and on getting confortable in different public speaking situations...
The course will be articulated in a dynamic, participative and creative way around three axes:
1)Press reviews in a mini-studio environment, followed by a multi-media presentation on one specific subject.
2) Dramaturgic study of texts: reading, discussion, analyze;
3) Acting exercises to improve the articulation, pronunciation, listening, and public speaking.
Required books: Pour un oui ou pour un non de Nathalie Sarraute (France), ed. Folio Théâtre; Les Cahiers dogon d’Antonin Potoski (France), ed. P.O.L
Exercices de conversation et de diction françaises pour étudiants américains d’Eugène Ionesco (France), ed. Mermaid Turbulence
Summer 2010, Summer 2011, Summer 2012, Summer 2013
FREN 3305 - Topics in French Language ▲
From one language to the other.
This course aims to improve students' oral skills through an intense theatrical practice. Through reading and acting, students will work on their comprehension and interpretative skills, as well as their confidence, ease and fluency in speaking the language.
Each class will focus on two ways of understanding a language : the technical side (relaxation, breathing, diction, articulation, body language ...) and the intellectual and emotional aspect (reading, analysis, discovery of texts and styles of expressions in the Francophone literary world).
The course has two sequences :
- Immersion : studying a variety of short texts, students will be immersed gradually in the linguistic diversity of the Francophone world.
- Odysseys : students will study in depth one play of the author. This play will be memorized and staged by the students at the end of the session.:
Required Texts 1) 5 petites pièces africaines pour une comédie, Edition Lansman ISBN 2872824987; 2) Odyssées, Gustave Akakpo, Edition Lansman ISBN 9782872828937; 3) Bon Voyage Don Quichotte ISBN 2872822011
Summer 2009, Summer 2010, Summer 2011, Summer 2012, Summer 2013
FREN 3306 - Topics in French Language ▲
This French composition course features a creative approach to process writing. Learners, individually or in groups of two (three maximum), select a genre, a mini-novel, skits or epistolary novel, and construct a story with embedded grammatical, rhetorical, and stylistic constraints. User-friendly instructive tools intended to stimulate creativity and facilitate language accuracy are readily available on the instructor's website. There, learners have access to a panoply of descriptive and narrative excerpts featuring various genres, moods, and registers. They also find pedagogically relevant reference works such as lexical and semantic webs, dictionaries, encyclopedias, grammatical descriptions, and literary, historical and Francophone civilization links. This carefully orchestrated course is a natural environment for 'scaffolding' and 'noticing' the gap between the language they experience from the various sources of input and their own output. It also aims at targeting 'avoidance' and 'overuse' strategies that often immobilize learners' language development and creativity.
No book required
Summer 2009, Summer 2010, Summer 2011, Summer 2012, Summer 2013
FREN 3306S - Grammar & Composition ▲
THIS COURSE IS TAUGHT AT MILLS CAMPUS
This French composition course will systematically approach the necessary strategies for written expression while literary pieces/excerpts will be used to illustrate and explain the grammar studied. In a creative approach to process writing, learners will work in pairs/small groups to select a literary text of a particular genre (short story, poem, epistolary writing, theater, essay) and construct a story with embedded grammatical, rhetorical, and stylistic constraints.
Textbook: Littérature progressive du français avec 600 exercices. Niveau intermédiaire. Blondeau, Allouache & Né. (Clé International: 2005) ISBN: 209-033756-7
Summer 2010, Summer 2011, Summer 2012, Summer 2013
FREN 3307 - Images and Texts ▲
Through the examination and use of authentic French materials we will focus on oral language (pronunciation, communication…) and discuss current topics in French society (Hexagone and DOM-TOM, laïcité vs. religions, etc.). Aural and visual materials will include feature-length films (On connâit la chanson and Les choristes), songs and literary texts (poetry, drama, and short story).
Required books: Boule de suif et autres nouvelles de Guy de Maupassant (2007; Larousse; ISBN 2035834236).
[1 unit]
A partir de ressources françaises authentiques, nous nous concentrerons sur l'aspect oral de la langue (prononciation, communication…) et discuterons de sujets de société qui traversent la France (laïcité vs religions, identité française, Hexagone et DOM-TOM, etc.).
Les documents auditifs et visuels incluent longs métrages (On connâit la chanson et Les choristes), chansons et textes littéraires (poésie, théâtre, et nouvelle).
Livre obligatoire: Boule de suif et autres nouvelles de Guy de Maupassant (Larousse; ISBN 2035834236).
[1 unité]
Summer 2009, Summer 2010, Summer 2011, Summer 2012, Summer 2013
FREN 3308 - Intro Francophone World ▲
In this course, students will be introduced to the history, literature and culture of several francophone countries. Texts (excerpts of novels, poetry, plays) and other documents (comic books, articles, songs, films and documentaries) from Quebec, North and West Africa, the West Indies and Europe will be used to study the social and geopolitical situation of these regions and their artistic esthetic. Topics like exile, colonialism, neocolonialism, postcolinialism, ""négritude"", ""créolité"", women's rights, identity, tradition and language will be explored through the study and analisis of texts by Aimé Césaire, Frantz Fanon, Albert Memmi, Léopold Sedar Senghor, Léon G. Damas, Maryse Condé, Suzanne Dracius, Birago Diop, Kama-Sywor Kamanda, Roch Carrier, Mariama Bâ among others. Excerpts from a comic book by Marguerite Abouet, and documentaries will also be included. Students will continue to perfect their reading and writing skills individually through short compositions and in group through document analysis. A great emphasis will be given to reading comprehension and developping writing skills. Students will practice their oral competence in class. An individual oral presentation and a final paper on one aspect of francophone culture will be required.
Summer 2009, Summer 2010, Summer 2011, Summer 2012, Summer 2013
FREN 3310S - 20C Fren & Francophone Theater
THIS COURSE IS TAUGHT AT MILLS CAMPUS
Twentieth Century French and Francophone Theater (.5 unit)
Level Three is for students who have had significant previous instruction in French and who are already able to function independently in full immersion. Typically, students at this level demonstrate textual/writing ability beyond the sentence level. The individual components of the program are designed to complement one another, and all include intensive study of the language. Students will also arrive at a broader appreciation of French and Francophone cultures and literatures. N.B. All four courses are required
This course will explore French and Francophone (Canadian, Caribbean, African) drama, investigating themes of political and social justice, the nature of personal identity, and sacrifice in the name of love. Utilizing the theater to both criticize and affirm human experience in modern and post-modern societies, avant-garde playwrights rejected traditional notions of character, plot, and staging. From the Theater of the Absurd to Postcolonialist drama, this highly experimental stage culture turned society, the human being, and the literary world inside out. Dramatists include Sartre, Ionesco, Giraudoux, Césaire, Tremblay, and Schwarz-Bart.
Summer 2010
FREN 3314S - Love on Stage:19-20C FR&Franco
Love on Stage - Representations and Expressions of Love in the 19th and 20th Century French and Francophone Plays
THIS COURSE TAUGHT AT MILLS CAMPUS
Romantic theatre, which began in the 19th century, is characterized by representations of love. Whether explainable by characters, unwanted by them or fatal to their existence, love is always passionate and torturous. It can be born out of a desire to be loved or a fantasy and is fed by admiration and flattery. By placing these different “facettes” of love on stage, the theatre creates and brings to life certain traits which come forth due the nature of this sentiment that is a confrontational space. In this course, we will examine different representations and expressions of love, not to mention the stakes involved with it, in a variety of French and francophone plays from the 19th and 20th century.
Texts:
V. Hugo, Ruy Blas, Paris, Bordas, 1995, (ISBN 2-04-028161-4)
A. Musset, On ne badine pas avec l’amour, Paris, Bordas, 2003 (ISBN-10: 2047303729)
J-P. Sartre, Huis clos, Paris, Gallimard, 1947, (ISBN 2-07-036807-6)
M. M. Bouchard, Les Muses Orphelines, Montréal, Lémeac, 1995, (ISBN 978-2-7609-0358-6)
T. Sangaré, Le Soupir des Falaises, Paris, Ndze, 2005 (ISBN : 2-911464-30-3)
Summer 2011
FREN 3335S - Seduction French &Franco Plays ▲
THIS COURSE TAUGHT AT MILLS CAMPUS
This course is designed to serve as a thorough introduction to contemporary French and Francophone literature. After a short summary of the historical evolution that lead from the epic of the Middle Ages to the literary movements of the Twentieth Century (Surrealism, Nouveau Roman…), we will focus on the recent production over the last three decades to give an overview of what is being written and read today. Students will be introduced to the broad trends, themes and aesthetics through a selection of representative authors and works (several excerpts will be circulated), including relevant figures from the French-speaking world.
Summer 2012, Summer 2013
FREN 3342S - Early Modern France
THIS COURSE IS TAUGHT AT MILLS CAMPUS
Absolutism, Enlightenment, and Revolution in Early Modern France (1 unit)
Level Three is for students who have had significant previous instruction in French and who are already able to function independently in full immersion. Typically, students at this level demonstrate textual/writing ability beyond the sentence level. The individual components of the program are designed to complement one another, and all include intensive study of the language. Students will also arrive at a broader appreciation of French and Francophone cultures and literatures. N.B. All four courses are required.
From the sixteenth century’s bloody civil wars between Protestants and Catholics, through the “grand siècle” of Louis XIV the Sun King, to the great age of Enlightenment and the French Revolution, this course explores the civilization of early modern France. Studying film, literature, political documents, and secondary sources, we will investigate how this period produced the political, social, aesthetic, and philosophical foundations of modernity in France and beyond. Authors include Aubigné, Corneille, Lafayette, La Fontaine, Molière, Voltaire, Rousseau, Diderot, Beaumarchais, and Gouges.
Summer 2010
FREN 3350S - Francophone Civilizations ▲
THIS COURSE TAUGHT AT MILLS CAMPUS
This course is designed to serve as an overall introduction to the culture and civilization of France from the Middle Ages to the present. Using an interdisciplinary approach linking literature, art and cultural history, we will study how French society has been put together over centuries to create a worldwide famous cultural situation; we will also consider what is left of these assets as expressed today by analyzing trends and issues of contemporary France through the political, social and cultural situation. The course will also study the rise of the so-called ‘Francophonie’ (French-speaking world), with the aim of understanding the processes of contacts between France and non-European cultures through the medium of a common language.
Summer 2011, Summer 2012, Summer 2013
FREN 3401S - Adv Oral Expression & Pronun ▲
THIS COURSE IS TAUGHT AT MILLS CAMPUS
The purpose of this course is to help advanced students develop their conversational and pronunciation skills, by means of various original materials and through a wide array of challenging oral production activities.
By working on the linguistic and socio-cultural dimensions of a variety of useful communicative speech situations, students will acquire and consolidate a more sophisticated and lasting proficiency in oral expression. Each class will include systematic work on pronunciation, carefully integrated into the program of the day or the week; practice & correction of French pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation through a wide array of oral exercises (discrimination, repetition, dialogues, in-situation activities...). In all aspects of the course, improving communicative ability will be the priority. A mid-session individual interview will allow students to measure their progress and receive customized suggestions to maximize their oral performance.
Required book:
Les 500 Exercices de Phonétique (A1/A2), livre + corrigés intégrés + CD audio MP3, Hachette Français Langue étrangère, 2009, ISBN: 9782011556981
Authors: Dominique Abry, Marie-Laure Chalaron"
Summer 2010, Summer 2011, Summer 2012, Summer 2013
FREN 3411 - Adv Grammar & Composition ▲
The objective of this course is to examine the different uses of the French verbal tenses using authentic text excerpts from francophone novels or French poems sung by famous singers. These texts will illustrate the aspectual, temporal and enunciative uses of verbal tenses. Students will be invited to write texts of their own to invest and readjust their knowledge in the field of verbal tenses. These texts will be analysed collectively so that students can develop their metalinguistic ability and improve their writing skills.
No book required
Summer 2009, Summer 2010, Summer 2011, Summer 2012, Summer 2013
FREN 3411S - Adv Grammar & Composition ▲
THIS COURSE IS TAUGHT AT MILLS CAMPUS
In this advanced course students will review fundamental grammatical structures and principles through the study of literary pieces/excerpts. The study of different literary genres will enable students to construct progressively a repertoire of textual forms (narrative, descriptive, expressive, and argumentative) in order to communicate flexibly and fluently in writing.
Required book : Renaud, Simone and Vann Hooff, Dominique. En bonne forme. 8th Edition. Boston : Houghton Mifflin, 2007. ISBN 13 : 978-0-618-65644-8
Summer 2010, Summer 2011, Summer 2012, Summer 2013
FREN 3412 - Great Speeches Fr Pol Rhetoric ▲
Great Speeches in French Political Rhetoric
This course will study a variety of modern political speeches from the French Revolution to the present time. It offers a panorama of the evolution of French political rhetoric according to its historical, political, intellectual, and religious context. Students will have the opportunity to become familiar with political literature and will work on the art of rhetoric and political discourse in a concrete and lively manner, notably through enrichment of vocabulary, knowledge of the diversity of language styles, analysis of argumentation, and discursive strategies. Students of this course will have the opportunity to write by themselves a political speech which will be performed in a special event : the 'Soirée de l'Eloquence politique' (end of the Summer School, in the Warner Hemicycle). For this summer (2013), the 'Soirée' will be devoted to the Paris Commune of 1871.
Required book: Jean-Jacques Becker, Gilles Candar, Histoire des gauches en France, volume 1, « L’héritage du XIXe siècle », La Découverte, 2004, ISBN 2-7071-3865-7
Summer 2009, Summer 2010, Summer 2011, Summer 2012, Summer 2013
FREN 3421S - French Women Writers:Ren-Rev
THIS COURSE IS TAUGHT AT MILLS CAMPUS
French Women Writers: Renaissance to the Revolution (1 unit)
Aiming to instruct and entertain, French women writers from the Renaissance to the Revolution made a significant contribution to humanism in Europe. They pioneered and perfected new literary genres that expressed their perspectives on sex, marriage, manners, education, and politics. In doing so they made France the cradle of feminism in its artistic, political, cultural and philosophical manifestations. Authors include Crenne, Navarre, Labé, Scudéry, Lafayette, Aulnoy, Graffigny, Charrière, and Gouges.
Summer 2010
FREN 3427 - African Tales ▲
In this course, you will discover the universe of the African Tale. Tales are one of the main pedagogical tools in the African culture which is characterized by its oral tradition. Tales develop your imagination, enable you to master the language and help you understand the aesthetic and moral values that regulate the functioning of the society.
It has been passed down from the great traditional storytellers (the elderly and the griots). This course will be dedicated to the studying of the particular framework of the African tales. Moreover you will be taught how to read and write tales through the analysis of some classics.
Here is the list of the books that will be studied in the program:
-Kaydara de Hampâthé Bâ
-Petit Bodiel de hampâthé Bâ
- Les contes d’Amadou Koumba de Birago Diop
-Leuk- le lièvre de Senghor et Sadji
Summer 2013
FREN 3429 - Cinema Maghreb & Immigration ▲
N.B. This course will be offered from July 2 to July 24, 2 hours a day
This course will study the historical and cultural aspects of the Maghreb and immigration though cinema. It will explore the double image that characterizes this type of cinema. The first image will focus on the French vision of the Maghreb and its representation in France’s former colonies. The second image will focus on Maghrebian directors and their vision of their societies. We will also explore the integration in France of the second generation of immigrants (the ""Beurs""), especially issues of citizenship, exile, etc. Examples will be taken from films such as: Julien Duvivier’s ""Pépé le Moko"", Gillo Pontecorvo ‘s ""La Bataille d'Alger"", M. Allouache ‘s ""Omar"", C. Ruggia ‘s ""Le Gone du Chaaba"", Y. Benguigui ‘s ""Inchallah dimanche"" and A. Kechiche’s ""La Graine et le mulet"", among others.
Summer 2009, Summer 2010, Summer 2011, Summer 2012, Summer 2013
FREN 3438S - Topics in Francophone Lit ▲
THIS COURSE TAUGHT AT MILLS CAMPUS
Taught from a multidisciplinary perspective, this class will introduce students to the French Overseas Departments of Martinique and Guadeloupe, and the independent country of Haiti. Students will study the works of some of the great literary figures (Fanon, Césaire, and Glissant) of these regions in order to explore the different issues they tackle, their style and their role in shaping the thought process of their contemporaries. Special attentions will be given to the biographies of the writers, the environment in which they evolved as well as the literary movements to which they belonged (Indigenism, Negritude, Caribbeanness, and Creoleness). Students will also have the opportunity to learn about the political, religious, and social elements of these countries. The discussions, class presentations, and the writing assignments (essays) will help students develop the ability to think critically and improve their French language skills in reading, writing and speaking.
Required books:
Condé, Maryse. Le coeur à rire et à pleurer. Paris : Editions Robert Laffont, 1999. ISBN 2-221-08860-3
Confiant, Raphael. Mamzelle Libellule. Paris : LE SERPENT A PLUMES EDITIONS, 1994. ISBN 2-908957-45-0
Laferrière, Dany. L’énigme du retour. Paris : BERNARD GRASSET EDITIONS, 2009. [Les Editions du Boréal, 2009 for Canada]. ISBN 978-2-246-74891-5
Métellus, Jean. Anacaona. Paris: Hatier, 1986 (2002). ISBN 2-218-07538-5 or ISBN-13: 978-2747301893
Summer 2011, Summer 2012, Summer 2013
FREN 3442S - Understanding French Civ ▲
Understanding French Civilization
THIS COURSE TAUGHT AT MILLS CAMPUS
This course is designed for students to deepen their knowledge of France through a thorough analysis of what is meant by ‘French Civilization’. The workshop means to bring to light the main components of ‘Francité’ (Frenchness) in order to understand from inside how French society functions; using an interdisciplinary approach interconnecting cultural history, intercultural studies, sociology and anthropology, the course will highlight key patterns such as Hexagon, citizenship, national unity or the State (‘l’Etat’) with the aim of deciphering the complex framework of relationships that organize the so-called ‘French model’. The course is therefore intended to provide students with a better understanding of French past and current political characteristics, economic challenges, social issues and cultural assets.
Summer 2011, Summer 2012, Summer 2013
FREN 3444S - Contemporary France
THIS COURSE IS TAUGHT AT MILLS CAMPUS
Contemporary France (1 unit)
This course focuses on contemporary French culture and society and in particular on the contexts, habits, and structures that make it possible to understand current events and present-day institutions in France. Methodology: cross-cultural analysis of values and assumptions underlying French language and behaviors, examination of relevant French cultural materials (press, literature, cinéma, French rap, TV etc.), and Franco-American cultural misunderstandings.
Summer 2010
FREN 3450 - Theater and Language ▲
This course aims at developing ease and fluidity of oral communication in French. With support of three contemporary Francophone plays, students will discover the French languages diversity by working on pronunciation, quality of their voice, gesture, breathing...
The course will be articulated in a dynamic, participative and creative way around three axes:
1)Dramaturgic study of texts: reading, discussion, analyze;
2)Exercises stemming from the theatrical pedagogy to improve the qualities of articulation, pronunciation, memorization, verbal ease and public speaking;
3)Staging extracts of the studied plays, which will close the course
This year, we’ll be exploring the theme “Brotherhoods/Sisterhoods/Families”
Required books :
1) J’étais dans ma maison et j’attendais que la pluie vienne, de Jean-Luc Lagarce (France) ISBN 978-2-912464-03-3, ed. Les Solitaires Intempestifs
2) Le Père, de Guy Régis Junior (Haïti), ed. ISBN 978-2-84681-305-1 Les Solitaires Intempestifs
3) Fratrie, de Marc-Antoine Cyr (Québec), ISBN 978-2-916834-35-1ed. Quartett
Summer 2009, Summer 2010, Summer 2011, Summer 2012, Summer 2013
FREN 3460 - Oral Production &Pronunciation ▲
Improving oral communication ability will be the objective of this course. Students will develop and perfect oral production and comprehension skills by working on French phonetics. A wide array of oral exercises (discrimination, repetition, dialogues, readings) with an individualized feed back will allow students to practice and correct their French pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation.
Required book : D. Abry, M-L. Chalaron, Les 500 exercices de phonétique, niveau B1/B2, ISBN 978-2-01-155754-4 Hachette FLE 2011
Summer 2009, Summer 2010, Summer 2011, Summer 2012, Summer 2013
FREN 3475 - Autobiographical Writing
The aim of this course is two-fold: it will introduce students to the autobiographical genre, and will also help them improve their analytical and writing skills in French. We will explore the various types of particular fantasies (fantasmes) that underly autobiographical texts. Students will also produce their own autobiographical narrations.
Required texts: 1) Les mots, Jean-Paul Sartre, GALLIMARD (Folio) ISBN : 2070366073;
2) Enfance, Nathalie Sarraute. GALLIMARD (Folio) ISBN : 2070376842;
3) W ou le souvenir d’enfance, Georges Perec, GALLIMARD (L’imaginaire) ISBN : 2070733165
4) Le pacte autobiographique, Philippe Lejeune, SEUIL (Points) ISBN : 2020296969
Summer 2009, Summer 2010, Summer 2011, Summer 2012
FREN 3485 - Young People and Politics ▲
N.B. This course will be offered from July 25 to August 17, 2 hours a day
Youth is an intensive period of transaction during which individuals, in different ways, will enter adulthood and discover politics. Young people have to negotiate with their primary socialization, and especially with their family legacy, to make their own choices and to appropriate specific attitudes, behaviours and roles in this field. First of all, this course will give the opportunity to better understand this process and to study political identity during this period of life. Are young people in politics so different from their elders? Can we observe some generational characteristics? Are all young people politically similar? This course will also explore the different forms of politicization among the young. Are they interested? Do they vote and how do they vote? Are they engaged and how are they engaged? Lastly, working with different data, surveys and studies, this course will offer an overview of French political life today.
Required book: Anne Muxel, Avoir 20 ans en politique. Les enfants du désenchantement, Paris, Seuil, 2010, ISBN 978.2.02.100.252.2
Summer 2009, Summer 2010, Summer 2011, Summer 2012, Summer 2013
