French and Francophone Studies (FRST)
Director: Professor Cherif Keïta
Committee Members: Scott D. Carpenter, Laurence Cooper, Pamela Feldman-Savelsberg, Cherif Keïta, Christine Lac, Jamie Monson, Victoria Morse, William North, Susannah Ottaway, Martha White Paas, Diethelm Prowe, Lauren Soth, Dana Strand, Cathy M. Yandell, Carl D. Weiner
Requirements for a French and Francophone Studies Major:
The French and Francophone Studies program responds to the growing interest in cultural studies, Africana and post-colonial studies by combining in the best possible way the resources of various disciplinary approaches including literature, political science, history, anthropology, and arts. After acquiring a solid grounding in the language, students will embark on the study of topics such as French cultural theory, issues of identity, social change, nationalism, and gender in France and the francophone societies in Canada, Africa, the Caribbean, and Asia.
The major in French and Francophone Studies follows the general outlines of the French and Francophone Studies Concentration with a total of 27 additional credits in coursework and senior requirements.
I. Language competence:
Prerequisite: French 204. In order to handle the sophisticated materials in French covered in our departmental courses and in order to be able to conduct research in French, where appropriate, in the courses offered outside the French section, it is highly recommended that students take French language classes above the 204-level. Examples: French 206, 208, 209 and 309.
II.One course in cultural studies (see supporting courses under concentration)
These interdisciplinary courses (FREN 243 and appropriate off-campus courses on culture) serve to introduce students to a variety of topics and techniques relevant to cultural studies.
III. One course in history (see supporting courses under concentration)
This requirement reflects the importance of historical grounding that was previously recognized in the organization of the concentration.
IV.Four French language or literature courses, three of which must be at the 300-level:
FREN 206 Conversation and Composition
FREN 208 Paris Program: Conversation and Composition
FREN 240 The Search for Meaning
FREN 241 Leaving Home: Discoveries of the Self
FREN 245 Francophone Literature of Africa and the Caribbean
FREN 249 Paris Program: European Identities
FREN 252 Mali Program: Literature and Society in Mali
FREN 309 Beyond Words: The Fine Art of Writing in French
FREN 349 Paris Program: European Identities
FREN 351 Topics in Sixteenth Century: Metamorphoses: Love, War and Monsters in Early Modern France
FREN 352 Seventeenth Century Literature: Eccentrics in Classical France
FREN 354 Literature of the Other
FREN 356 Topics in Nineteenth Century Literature
FREN 359 Twentieth Century Literature: The Novel and Memory
Since our literature courses adopt an interdisciplinary approach, students can complement their learning in other disciplines through the literature offerings of the French section. We insist on three courses at the 300-level, because we find that the complex issues raised by the intersection of history, politics, and socio-cultural perspectives can best be explored by students who have a solid background in both language and literary studies.
V. Three elective courses appropriate for the major:
Students may choose from any of the courses included in the Concentration description, or any course appropriate for the major.
VI. The capstone seminar:
This 300-level course is an advanced interdisciplinary seminar focused on a particular topic and the methodology used for its study. It will be conducted in French or English.
VII. Comprehensive exercise:
a. French Studies 398-399: Senior Essay (fall and winter). A seminar focusing on the planning, preparation, and completion of a significant paper in French or Francophone Studies under the supervision of two advisers: one from the French section (the designated comps coordinator), and one from another discipline. This exercise will normally be written in French. 3 credits per term.
b. French Studies 400: Integrative Exercise (spring). A colloquium in which students present and defend their senior essay and discuss the essays of others. 3 credits.
A total of 69 credits are required for the major.
Majors are urged to pursue off-campus study in a French-speaking country. For information on approved international off-campus programs, consult the faculty in French and the Off-Campus Studies Office.
French and Francophone Studies Courses
FRST 398. Senior Essay The planning, preparation and writing of a significant paper in French or French and Francophone Studies under the direction of the department. Devoted to formulating a thesis and establishing a critical bibliography. 3 credits cr., S/CR/NC, ND, Fall—D. Strand
FRST 399. Senior Essay The planning, preparation and writing of a significant paper in French or French and Francophone Studies under the direction of the department. Discussion of drafts with other seminar members and the completion of the essay. 3 credits cr., ND, Winter—D. Strand
FRST 400. Integrative Exercise A colloquium in which students present and defend their senior essays and discuss the essays of others. 3 credits cr., S/NC, ND, Spring—S. Carpenter