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Chairs: Professor Scott D. Carpenter
Professors: Scott D. Carpenter, Cherif Keïta, Éva Pósfay, Dana J. Strand, Cathy M. Yandell
Visiting Assistant Professor: James A. Long
Senior Lecturers: Christine Lac, Cynthia Luck Shearer
Visiting Lecturer: Annick Fritz-Smead
The French and Francophone Studies Department 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 the student 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 student's 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' 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.
1. Core courses: French 309, Beyond Words: The Fine Art of Writing in French
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
206, 240, 241, 243, etc.), but at least thirty-six credits at the
300-level (French 309 and French 400 do 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: 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 early in the spring
term, when an oral presentation (in English) of the work will be
presented.
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, etc. Courses outside the department will generally
not be taught in French.
Requirements:
Sixty-nine credits beyond French 204 including the
following (please note that any given course will not count in more
than one category):
1. Literature and language: At least five French
language or literature courses, four of which must be at the 300-level,
and one of which must be French 309, Beyond Words: The Fine Art of
Writing in French
2. At least one course in cultural studies: Such
as: 243, Culture with a Small "c"; 249, Paris Program: Living in the
City: Paris-Fes; 250, Mali Program; Film and Society in Mali; 349,
Paris Program: Living in the City: Paris-Fes
3. At least one course in history or methodology:
Such as: FREN 251, Mali Program: Negotiating the Past: The Challenges
of Nation-building in Mali; HIST 234, France in the Making, 987-1460;
HIST 237, The Enlightenment, LCST 245, Introduction to Critical
Methods: Structure, Gender Culture
4. Elective courses: Up to three additional
courses in FREN or from other departments or programs (see pre-approved
courses under the concentration in French and Francophone Studies),
with director’s approval.
5. Capstone seminar: This senior seminar (usually,
but not always, French 395) is an advanced interdisciplinary seminar
focused on a particular topic and the methodology used for its study.
6. The Integrative Exercise: 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 early in the spring term, when an
oral presentation (in English) of the work will be presented. Although
the initial paper may have been written in English, the essay for the
integrative exercise will be in French.
A major in Romance Languages (a combination of French and Spanish language and literature) is available by petition.
Concentration: See separate section for French and Francophone Studies Concentration.
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: six courses
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.
Language House: Students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the language by living in the Language House. The Associate is a native speaker, and students organize and participate in numerous cultural activities in the Language House.
FREN 101. Elementary French This course introduces the basic structures of the French language, everyday vocabulary and cultural situations. Students practice all four skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) in French. Taught five days a week in French. Prerequisite: none (Placement score for students with previous experience in French). 6 cr., ND, Fall—Staff
FREN 102. Elementary French This course introduces complex sentences and various tenses through short literary and cultural texts. Students practice all four skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) in French. Taught five days a week in French. Prerequisite: French 101 or placement score. 6 cr., ND, Winter—Staff
FREN 103. Intermediate French This course reviews basic and complex sentence patterns in greater depth through the discussion of authentic short stories. Students practice all four skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) in French. Taught five days a week in French. Prerequisite: French 102 or placement score. 6 cr., ND, Fall,Spring—Staff
FREN 204. Intermediate French Through discussion of book-length literary and cultural texts (film, etc.), and including in-depth grammar review, this course aims to help students acquire greater skill and confidence in both oral and written expression. Taught three days a week in French. Prerequisite: French 103 or placement score. 6 cr., ND, Fall,Winter—Staff
FREN 206. The Media: A Multifaceted Approach By way of various French and Francophone media, this course aims to increase your knowledge of France and the Francophone world, as well as improve your oral and written expression. In addition to the reading of various newspaper and magazine articles from diverse sources (France, Canada, Morocco, etc.) you will engage with such resources as film, radio and television. 6 cr., ND, Fall,Winter—A. Fritz-Smead, C. Keïta
FREN 208. Paris Program: Conversation and Composition 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. The course will be conducted and supervised by local instructors assisted by recent graduates of the Program in French as a Foreign Language at the University of Paris X. In addition to regular in-class activities, the graduate assistants will meet with students for weekly tutorials. 6 cr., AL, Spring—Non-Carleton Faculty
FREN 210. Coffee and News Keep up your French while learning about current issues in France, as well as world issues from a French perspective. Class meets once a week for an hour. Requirements include reading specific sections of leading French newspapers, (Le Monde, Libération, etc.) on the internet, and then meeting once a week to exchange ideas over coffee with a small group of students. Prerequisite: French 204 or permission of the instructor. 2 cr., S/CR/NC, ND, Fall,Winter,Spring—S. Carpenter, C. Yandell
FREN 233. The French Cinema In this overview of the major trends in French cinema, we will consider the intersections of the political, social, cultural, and artistic dimensions of films by a number of different French directors. Discussions will focus on such questions as the following: In what ways has French cinema mobilized (or undermined) national myths? What role has film played in mediating the French historical memory? How have French films dealt with the nation's (colonial) others? Course materials will incorporate critical theory and cultural readings. Taught in English with all films subtitled. 6 cr., AL, Winter—D. Strand
FREN 235. Francophone Literature of Africa and the Caribbean Reading and discussion of literary works, with analysis of social, historical and political issues. Conducted in English. 6 cr., AL, RAD, Spring—C. Keïta
FREN 240. Dreams of Trespass From sweet-talking medieval troubadours to free-spirited Moroccan harem women, French and Francophone literature offers fascinating glimpses of what happens when we dare to flirt with the forbidden. In this survey course, we will explore the transgressive acts imagined by selected writers and filmmakers. Conducted in French. Prerequisite: French 204 or the equivalent. 6 cr., AL, Fall—D. Strand
FREN 241. Identity Quests This introductory course to French and Francophone literature will take us to places as distant as Barcelona, Kinshasa, Tokyo, Paris, Montreal, Algiers, and Prague. We will explore recent works published (in French) since the mid-1990s on a variety of topics such as the role of language, history, and memory in shaping one's identity, the question of cultural belonging, and the challenge of in/voluntary separation from one's roots. The course aims to develop students' skills in analysis and discussion in French. Conducted in French. Prerequisite: French 204 or the equivalent. 6 cr., AL, Winter—É. Pósfay
FREN 243. Culture with a Small "c" In this course, we will analyze a few cultural icons that define France at home and abroad, such as language, historical characters or food. We will contrast the native and foreign image of these icons, as we look at movies, songs, cartoons, recipes, toys, short stories, essays and other types of cultural artifacts. Prerequisites: French 204 or the equivalent. 6 cr., AL, Spring—C. Lac
FREN 246. Paris Program: City of Wonders: Paris in the Arts Home of some of the finest and best-known museums in the world, Paris has long been recognized as a center for artistic activity. Students will have the opportunity to study French art of the last two centuries onsite: 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. 6 cr., AL, Spring—Non-Carleton Faculty
FREN 249. Paris Program: Living in the City: Paris-Fes Adopting a comparative perspective, this course will focus on how the lived space of the city both shapes and reflects the cultural identity of its inhabitants. Through readings, lectures, and on-site visits in Paris, as well as in the "new city" of Fes and its medieval medina, students will explore the dynamic relationship between urban settings (monuments, public and private spaces, etc.) and definitions of self and community. Conducted in French. 6 cr., AL, Spring—D. Strand
FREN 250. Mali Program: Film and Society in Mali This course will concentrate on the dynamics of traditional orality within the art of cinema in Mali. Feature films and documentaries by award-winning filmmakers such as Soulemane Cissé, Cheick Oumar Sissoko, Adama Drabo, Dany Kouyaté, and Abderrahmane Sissako will be screened and analyzed. Discussions with some of these filmmakers will introduce the student to the challenges and success of filmmaking in economically-challenged countries such as Mali and Burkina Faso. 6 cr., AL, Not offered in 2006-2007.
FREN 251. Mali Program: Negotiating the Past: The Challenges of Nation-building in Mali This course will look at various issues in Malian history (ancient and modern) and the process of political and economic change. A component of this course will be an introduction to conversational Bambara, the lingua franca of Mali. 4 cr., AL, Not offered in 2006-2007.
FREN 252. Mali Program: Literature and Society in Mali This course will focus on the theme of social change in different genres of Malian literature, from the colonial period to the present. By studying oral and written works by traditional and modern poets, novelists, and playwrights such as Seydou Badian and Massa Makan Diabaté, Moussa Konaté, and Amadou Hampaté Bâ, the student will get an understanding of issues such as education, marriage, and traditional vs. modern political power in contemporary Malian society. Meeting will be arranged with many writers and oral performers. 6 cr., AL, Not offered in 2006-2007.
FREN 309. Beyond Words: The Fine Art of Writing in French In this class we will attempt to master the art of writing essays, and exposés while wrestling with unruly subjunctives and pesky prepositions in French. We will study, translate and emulate various types of texts in order to develop a sense of style in French. We will work on projects such as subtitling of films, and translating picture books. Overall our work will focus on developing a continued appreciation for words and language. Required for the major in French. Prerequisite: at least one course above 204. 6 cr., AL, Spring—C. Keïta
FREN 349. Paris Program: Living in the City: Paris-Fes Adopting a comparative perspective, this course will focus on how the lived space of the city both shapes and reflects the cultural identity of its inhabitants. Through readings, lectures, and on-site visits in Paris, as well as in the "new city" of Fès and its medieval medina, students will explore the dynamic relationship between urban settings (monuments, public and private spaces, etc.) and definitions of self and community. Conducted in French. 6 cr., AL, Spring—D. Strand
FREN 351. Topics in the Sixteenth Century Literature: Metamorphoses: Love, War and Monsters in Early Modern Fr The French Renaissance continues to intrigue students and critics by its propensity for paradox, ambiguity, and contradiction. Just as literature and the arts reached new levels of aesthetic achievement, the bloodiest civil war in French history was taking shape. Simultaneously producing lyric poetry praising beautiful bodies, bawdy tales, moralizing dialogue, and chronicles of monsters, French sixteenth century culture was in a constant state of flux. Through such authors as Rabelais, Marguerite de Navarre, Ronsard, Louise Labé and Montaigne, as well as contemporaneous artistic and musical works, we will investigate the meaning of these metamorphoses. Recommended preparation: French 240-level course or the equivalent. 6 cr., AL, Not offered in 2006-2007.
FREN 352. The Court and its Dissenters Seventeenth-century France is often touted as the pinnacle of French grandeur. Under Louis XIV's absolutist rule, France supported an astounding number of normative measures--from founding academies to policing codes of behavior--designed to help the French nation to become a political, economic and cultural world power. But in the midst of all these pressures towards normativeness, could one express any dissent in the age of Versailles? To answer this question we will examine the creative (and irreverent) strategies used by a whole range of authors such as Molière, Racine, Lafayette, Fènelon, and many more. Conducted in French. Recommended preparation: French 240-level course or equivalent. 6 cr., AL, Spring—É. Pósfay
FREN 354. Literature of the Other What is the division between Us and Them? The way we define the groups we belong to and those we differ from has always been of capital importance, and these definitions change over time. By looking at texts and events of the eigthteenth and nineteenth centuries, including travel literature, tales of the supernatural, texts from the Revolution and documents of colonization, we will investigate the creation and manipulation of various "Others," as they have been defined socially, culturally, and sexually. Authors may include Mme de Graffigny, Diderot, Sade, Mme de Staël, Balzac, Flaubert, Baudelaire, among others. Conducted in French. Recommended preparation: French 240-level course or equivalent. 6 cr., AL, Not offered in 2006-2007.
FREN 356. Topics in Nineteenth-Century Literature: Aesthetics of the False The nineteenth century gives rise to a major literary movement that we have come to know as Realism. However, there is an undercurrent to this movement, one that capitalizes on literature's original association with falsehood. In our review of the techniques and preoccupations in the fiction and prose poetry of such authors as Balzac, Mérimée, Sand, and Baudelaire, we will focus on various notions of falsity (frauds, hoaxes, and more) especially as the false displaces the true as an aesthetic ideal. We will also look ahead to see how such concerns foreshadow various postmodern preoccupations in the twentieth century. Recommended preparation: French 240 or above. Conducted in French. 6 cr., AL, Not offered in 2006-2007.
FREN 359. Twentieth Century Literature: The Novel and Memory Marcel Proust's quest to retrieve the past set the stage for future writers who have undertaken the challenging task of probing what Bell Hooks has called "the debris of history." In this course, we will study representative novels and films dealing with memory, paying particular attention to the high stakes involved in remembering (and forgetting) at the intersection of personal story and history. Taught in French. Prerequisite: French 204 or the equivalent. 6 cr., AL, Winter—D. Strand
FREN 360. Topics in French Studies: Algeria-France For the historian Benjamin Stora, the close and complex bond between France and Algeria is like a marriage, plagued by inequality and betrayal, and doomed to a violent divorce the repercussions of which are still being felt on either side of the Mediterranean. In this interdisciplinary course we will explore the 175-year relationship between Algeria and France through literary and historical texts and film. The course syllabus may include works by Assia Djebar, Albert Camus, Brigitte Rouan, Benjamin Stora, Tahar Djaout, Gillo Pontecorvo, Frantz Fanon, and Jacques Derrida. Taught in French. Prerequisites: 200-level French literature course or equivalent. 6 cr., AL, Not offered in 2006-2007.
FREN 395. The Mande of West Africa: A Culture in Transition This course examines the main aspects of social change in the area formerly covered by the medieval Empire of Mali, through anthropological texts, oral narratives, novels, films and both traditional and modern music. Some of the writers, film directors and musicians who will be studied are: Laye Camara, Amadou Hampate, Ba, Souleyman Cisse, Cheick O. Sissoko, Salif Keïta, Mory Kante, and others. Conducted in French. Prerequisite: French 240-level course or the equivalent. 6 cr., AL, Fall—C. Keïta
FREN 400. Integrative Exercise 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 early in the Spring term, when an oral presentation (in English) of the work will be presented. 3 cr., S/NC, ND, Fall,Winter,Spring—S. Carpenter