French and Francophone Studies
General Information
The Department of French and Francophone Studies sees language as fundamental to the study of literatures and cultures. Committed to helping students attain proficiency in the language sequence (FREN 101-204), the Department strives at all levels to introduce students to the rich and complex endeavors of literary and cultural analysis. Operating study abroad programs in Mali and Paris, we provide opportunities for using and enhancing these skills in situ, broadening horizons while also training students in one of the world's major languages. Our programs in literary and cultural studies are appropriate for students wishing to do advanced work in French or who hope to use French language or important critical skills in future careers or studies.
Language Courses:
Language courses 101, 102, 103, 204 are a sequential series of courses designed to prepare students in the basic language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) through the study of grammar, literature, and culture, and/or to provide the foundation for pursuing advanced work in language and literature. French 206 and 309 are designed to develop the students' spoken and written mastery of the language through compositions and intensive oral work based on cultural and literary topics. Admission to these courses is determined either by appropriate high school CEEB or Carleton placement test scores, or by completion of the previous course in the sequence with a grade of C- or better.
Literature Courses:
We examine literary works for both their aesthetic and human values. Our literature courses have a number of goals: to refine and expand students' linguistic ability, to broaden their cultural understanding, to improve their ability to engage in literary analysis, to enhance their knowledge of literary history and criticism, and to help students better understand themselves and the human condition. In our discussions, we address universal themes and concerns, but we also try to uncover what is peculiarly French or Francophone about the works.
Requirements for an Arts and Literature Track
The Arts and Literature Track consists of intensive work in language, and literature, and may include courses in film or other arts. All courses in the Arts and Literature Track are conducted in French.
Sixty-nine credits beyond French 103 including:
1. Core courses: French 309, Beyond Words: The Fine Art of Writing in French, preferably taken in the sophomore or junior year; and Literary and Cultural Studies 245, Introduction to Critical Methods: Structure, Gender, Culture (usually taken in the junior year).
2. Fifty-four credits in departmental electives. Students should generally begin with courses at the 200-level (French 204, 206, 238, 239, 240, 241, 243, etc.), but at least thirty credits in addition to French 309 must be taken at the 300-level (400 does not count in this category).
All courses conducted in French on the Paris and Mali programs may be applied to this category, as long as the requisite number of 300-level credits is attained.
3. Integrative Exercise (3 credits): During their senior year students will expand and deepen an essay in French from one of their advanced courses in the major. Normally, but not always, the director for this project will be the professor from that course. This essay may be completed during any term, but must be finished by the end of winter term. In the spring term, students will deliver an oral presentation (in English) of their work.
Senior students may choose one of the following:
Option One: A substantial individual essay
Option Two: A individual essay that complements work done in a second major (subject to approval by the Department)
Option Three: Creation of a group multidisciplinary project (such as those organized by Global Engagement), subject to approval by the Department
Further details about these options are available on the Department's website.
Requirements for a Cultural Studies Track
The Cultural Studies Track is interdisciplinary in nature: students will take courses in French and Francophone literature and other media, but also in such fields as history, art history, political science, and anthropology. Courses outside the department will generally not be taught in French.
Sixty-nine credits beyond French 103 including the following (please note that any given course will not count in more than one category):
1. Core courses: French 309, Beyond Words: The Fine Art of Writing in French, preferably taken in the sophomore or junior year; and the capstone seminar (normally French 395).
2. Literature and language: At least twenty-four credits in French language or literature, in addition to the core courses, twelve credits of which must be at the 300-level.
3. At least six credits in cultural studies such as: French 243, Topics in Cultural Studies; French 245, Francophone Literature of Africa and the Caribbean; French 249/349, the Paris Program.
4. At least six credits in history or methodology such as: LCST 245, Introduction to Critical Methods: Structure, Gender Culture; HIST 237, The Enlightenment; HIST 298, Junior Year History Colloquium.
5. Elective courses: 18 credits, in French, or in other departments or programs (see pre-approved courses under the concentration in French and Francophone Studies), with director's approval.
6. The Integrative Exercise (3 credits): During their senior year students will expand and deepen an essay in French from one of their advanced courses in the major. Normally, but not always, the director for this project will be the professor from that course. This essay may be completed during any term, but must be finished by the end of winter term. In the spring term, students will deliver an oral presentation (in English) of their work.
Senior students may choose one of the following:
Option One: A substantial individual essay
Option Two: A individual essay that complements work done in a second major (subject to approval by the Department)
Option Three: Creation of a group multidisciplinary project (such as those organized by Global Engagement), subject to approval by the Department
Further details about these options are available on the Department's website.
Concentration: See separate section for French and Francophone Studies Concentration.
Programs Abroad: Participation in a Carleton or in another approved foreign study program is highly recommended for students majoring or concentrating in the above areas. The department operates programs in Paris, but non-Carleton programs are available, too. Students interested in study abroad should consult the section on international off-campus programs, and discuss alternatives with faculty in French and with the Director of Off-Campus Studies.
Certificate of Advanced Study in Foreign Language and Literature: In order to receive the Certificate of Advanced Study in French, students must fulfill the general requirements (refer to Academic Regulations) in the following course distribution: 36 credits completed with a grade of C- or better in French beyond 103, including at least two upper-level literature courses (300-395). Although courses for the certificate may be taken on a S/CR/NC basis, "D" or "CR" level work will not be sufficient to satisfy course requirements. No more than 12 credits from non-Carleton off-campus studies programs may be applied toward the certificate.
Parish International House: Students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the language by living in Parish. The Language Associate is a native speaker, and students organize and participate in numerous cultural activities in the Parish International House.