Eligibility and Course Description

Eligibility

Students who will have sophomore, junior, or senior status in the 2012-2013 academic year are encouraged to apply. Prerequisite: French 204 or above by spring term 2013. The director reserves the right to require additional study in French before departure. 

Course of Study, 18 Credits

Students enroll in three of the four courses for a total of 18 credits. (All students enroll in French 249-07 or 349-07.) All courses count toward the Cultural Studies track of the French major, the Certificate of Advanced Study in French, and the French & Francophone Studies concentration; 208 and 249/349 also count toward the literature track of the French & Francophone Studies major; 246-07 and 249-07 (or 349-07) count toward the Concentration in French and Francophone Studies. French 246-07 counts toward the Art History major (post-1800 requirement). French 247 may count toward the Political Science major (pending departmental approval). 

FRENCH 249-07/349-07 European Identities: Paris & Madrid (6 Credits)

Paris is a world capital, a crossroads of cultures, races, classes, and languages. This vibrancy is related to France’s central role in the European Union, the evolution of which has produced tremendous changes within its member nations. The transformation of Europe has strained national and regional identities, and this strain can be “read” in various forms of expression, including literature, art, monuments, and public events. Studying the particular cases of Paris and Madrid – a “field trip” to Madrid is planned – students will examine the ways in which France is (re)defining itself within the context of an evolving Europe. Distribution credit: Literary/Artistic Analysis; International Studies.

Instructor: Scott Carpenter

FRENCH 208-07: Cultural Themes (6 Credits)

Focusing on topics of current interest in French society, this course is designed to help students gain ease and proficiency in spoken and written French. While providing some focused work on language skills, emphasis will be placed on cultural issues, often drawing on current events. Work will include regular writing, discussion, and short presentations. Distribution credit: Literary/Artistic Analysis; International Studies.

Instructor: French faculty 

FRENCH 246-07: Modern French Art (6 Credits)

Home of some of the finest and best known museums in the world, Paris has long been recognized as a center for artistic activity. In this course students will have the opportunity to study such movements as Impressionism, Expressionism, and Surrealism on site. In-class lectures and discussions will be complemented by guided visits to the unparalleled collections of the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, the Centre Pompidou, local art galleries, and other appropriate destinations. Special attention will be paid to the program theme. No previous Art History required.

Distribution credit: Literary/Artistic Analysis; International Studies.

Instructor: French faculty 

FRENCH 247-07: France and the European Union (6 Credits)

Originally an economic alliance, the European Union has developed structures and institutions far surpassing the goals of the original project. This course will examine the tensions between the nation-state and the Union, giving special attention to the entanglement of immigration, religion, and governance. Course will draw on the counterpoint example of Spain. Classes are supplemented by visits to relevant sites and by lectures by local experts. No previous Political Science coursework required.

Distribution credit: Social Inquiry; International Studies.

Instructor: French faculty