111 - Elementary French
Essentials of French, stressing the four skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing. Scheduled weekly use of the language laboratory to supplement and reinforce classroom learning. Given in French. Designed for students with no experience in French. Three hours. Staff.
112 - Elementary French
Second half of elementary French. Prerequisite: FREN 111. Given in French. Three hours. Staff.
115 – Intensive Elementary French – A review of elementary French intended for students having previously studied French in high school. Scheduled weekly use of the language laboratory to supplement and reinforce classroom learning. Given in French. Admittance testing only through placement, students who have taken FREN 111 and/or FREN 112 may not enroll in FREN 115. Four hours. Staff.
211 – Intermediate French
A review of French grammar with increased emphasis on reading, writing, conversation and comprehension and introduction to aspects of French culture. Scheduled weekly language laboratory hour. Prerequisite: FREN 112/115 or admittance through placement testing. Given in French. Three hours. Staff.
212 – Intermediate French
Second half of Intermediate French. Increased time spent on reading and writing of compositions; scheduled weekly lab hour. Prerequisite: FREN 211. Given in French. Three hours. Staff.
215 – Intensive Intermediate French
An accelerated course which completes intermediate French in one semester. Designed for advanced students. Students who have taken FREN 211 and/or FREN 212 may not enroll in 215. Given in French. Four hours. Staff.
220 – French Language Through Contemporary Films and Grammar
Through a selection of diverse and recent French films and the study of grammar and vocabulary, this course will broaden and strengthen the knowledge of French grammar and language at the intermediate level. Issues such as family roles, class and racial tension, immigration and university life will be analyzed and discussed. Students will widen their knowledge of French contemporary issues and consolidate their linguistic skills through class and group discussions, the in-depth review of grammatical points and writing exercises. Given in French. Prerequisite: FREN 212 or 215 or instructor permission. Three hours. Ms. Teixidor.
221 – Phonetics
An intensive study of the history of the language, phonetic theory, and phonetic transcription. Individual conferences with the instructor for diagnosis and correction of particular pronunciation problems. Prerequisite: FREN 215 or 220. Given in French. Offered every three years. Three hours. Ms. Hilliard.
232 – Conversation
Intensive practice in conversational French. Emphasis placed on the acquisition of a working nonliterary vocabulary. Topics of discussion and reading centered upon contemporary French culture. Given in French. Prerequisite: FREN 215 or 220 or departmental permission. Three hours. Ms. deGraff, Ms. Hilliard.
241 – Reading Literature in French
This course is designed to teach students, through close reading, the basic structural relationships of a literary text in order to read critically and imaginatively. It is organized by genre because certain critical terms and problems are most often associated with a particular genre. The course will include three sections, devoted respectively to the study of narrative prose, poetry, and drama. Reading, speaking and writing about literature are central activities in this course. Students will learn reading strategies, which will be reinforced in class and outside class. Given in French. Prerequisite: FREN 232 or instructor permission. Three hours. Hilliard.
256 – Paris – Old and New
This course, conducted in Paris, is an intensive study of French language and civilization. The course includes both language-building exercises and a study of the history of Paris. Course includes numerous visits to Paris museums and historic monuments and sites as well as excursions to places of interest outside of Paris. Taught in French. Prerequisites: FREN 220, or permission of the instructor. Offered alternate years. Not open to students who have completed FREN 156. Three hours. Ms. Hilliard, Ms. deGraff.
261 – Civilization
Traces the development of French civilization from prehistoric times through the upheavals of the French Revolution. Students will study the historical and political events as well as the key figures and movements which have shaped France’s development over two millennia. Particular attention will be paid to the ways in which cultural products such as art and architecture are a reflection of the time period which produced them. The content of the course will be enriched by wide use of films, videos, and the Internet. Given in French. Prerequisite: FREN 220 or departmental permission. Three hours. Ms. deGraff, Ms. Hilliard.
273 – Business French
This course is designed for students wishing to acquire a concrete knowledge of French business terminology and business practices, both to be directly applied in class workshops. Prerequisite: FREN 232, 261 or 356. Offered every three years. Three hours. Staff.
316 –Advanced Language Development
This course is a fourth year language course designed to consolidate linguistic and grammatical skills and extend student’s mastery of the language at an advanced level. There will be a major emphasis on writing, translation skills (English to French and French to English) and grammar review. Given in French. Prerequisite: FREN 220 or 241 or departmental permission. Three hours. Ms. Teixidor.
332 – Advanced Conversation
This course provides students with the opportunity to consolidate their speaking skills at an advanced level. Class discussion will focus on topics related to French culture which will be studied through the media of French films, T.V. broadcasts and related internet sites. Given in French. Prerequisites: FREN 232 and 316 or departmental permission. Three hours. Staff.
349 – Teaching Methodology for Foreign Languages
Also listed as GERM 349 and SPAN 349, this course fulfills a state requirement for students seeking certification in the teaching of foreign languages. Students will explore the theories of language acquisition, current research and various methods of language instruction to form a personal statement of teaching. This course will emphasize the national standards and proficiency-based objectives for foreign language instruction. Through the development of a teaching portfolio for future classroom use, learners will demonstrate the ability to present, reinforce and assess communicative language skills including speaking, writing, reading and listening. In addition, learners will develop practices to employ media for language teaching. Given in English. Prerequisite: seven courses beyond the 212-215 level and admission to the Randolph-Macon Education Department’s teacher preparation program. Required to be taken no earlier than the academic year during which student teaching is to take place. Offered as needed. Three hours. Staff.
351, 356 – Survey of French Literature I and II
This course provides an introduction to French literature and a survey of important trends from the Middle Ages through the 21st century. Individual works will be studied in their social and historical contexts and students will learn basic techniques of “explication de texte.” Given in French. Prerequisite: FREN 241 or departmental permission. FREN 351 not open to students who have completed FREN 251. FREN 356 not open to students who have completed FREN 252. Three hours. Ms. deGraff, Ms. Hilliard, Ms. Teixidor.
366 – Modern French Civilization
This course surveys the historical, political, cultural and social background of France since the French revolution. It will study the impact of 1789 and analyze French contemporary society through major historical events such as WII, the end of colonization and the Algerian war, May 68 and the European construction. It will also discuss the issues of immigration, regionalism and nationalism, cultural exception, socialism and look at some of the major figures of French history. Textbook will be supplemented by the use of films and newspaper articles. Given in French. Prerequisite: FREN 261 or 351 or departmental permission. Not open to students who have completed FREN 262. Three hours. Ms. Teixidor.
381-382, 481-482 – Special Topics
Intensive work in an area of language or literature not covered in the general curriculum, tailored to the needs of advanced students. Staff.
435 – 17th Century French Literature
This course presents an in-depth study of the great classical writers of the age of Louis XIV. Authors studied include Corneille, Racine, Moliere, Pascal, Mme. de LaFayette, La Fontaine, La Rochefoucauld, and La Bruyere. Given in French. Prerequisite: FREN 351 and 356, or departmental permission. Offered every four years. Not open to students who have completed FREN 335. Three hours. Ms. deGraff.
437 – 18th Century French Literature
A study of selected works by the major writers of the French Enlightenment, illustrating the evolution from Classicism to Preromanticism. The course will also examine the literature of ideas leading to the French Revolution in the works of the leading “Philosophes:” Montesquieu, Voltaire, Diderot, and Rousseau. Special attention will be given to the development of the memoir and epistolary novels and to the social criticism in the theater of Marivaux and Beaumarchais. Given in French. Prerequisite: FREN 351 and 356, or departmental permission. Offered every four years. Not open to students who have completed FREN 337. Three hours. Staff.
443 – 19th Century French Literature
The purpose of this course is threefold: to explore the great literary movements of the 19th century such as Romanticism, Realism, Symbolism, and Naturalism; to examine closely both major and minor literary works with a view to understanding the major thematic and formal concerns of their authors (poets, dramatists or novelists); and to develop critical ways of reading long fiction and poetry. Given in French. Prerequisite: FREN 351 and 356, or departmental permission. Offered every four years. Not open to students who have completed FREN 343. Three hours. Ms. Hilliard.
445 – 20th Century French Literature
A study of modern French novels, plays, and films representative of the main literary, philosophical, and artistic movements of the first half of the 20th century such as Surrealism, Existentialism, the Theater of the Absurd, and the New Novel. Readings will include works by Gide, Sartre, Camus, Beckett, Ionesco, and Robbe-Grillet. Films by Resnais and others will also be studied. Given in French. Prerequisite: FREN 351 and 356, or departmental permission. Offered every four years. Not open to students who have completed FREN 345. Three hours. Ms. deGraff.
447 – Francophone Literature
This course provides an introduction to the Francophone world (Quebec, Africa, the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean) through the study of literature. We will read a variety of texts (fiction, poetry and essay) and examine the history and relationship with France. We will pay close attention to the question of colonialism and its impact on local societies and their culture, the weight of traditions, gender issues and the aftermath of colonialism. Given in French. Prerequisite: FREN 351 and 356 or departmental permission. Not open to students who have completed FREN 347. Ms. Teixidor.
448 – African and Middle East Literature and Film
This course is a study of postcolonial literature and film from Africa and the Middle East. The focus will be on recent novels and short stories from countries formerly colonized by France (such as Senegal, Guinea, Cameroon, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia), but the course will also include material from Lebanon, Egypt, and Palestinian areas in Israel. Additionally, we will examine transnational contemporary literature and issues raised by migration and cultural change. Readings and class discussions will be in English. For French majors, most readings and the additional weekly discussion session will be in French, thus providing a fourth credit hour. Prerequisites: FREN 351 and 356, or permission of instructor (for French credit). Same as FLET 248. Offered every three years. Four hours; four hours for French major and minor. Not open to students who have completed FREN 348. Staff.
450 – Internships in French
Individually designed field studies and projects for students of junior or senior standing whose maturity and proficiency in French will enable them to enter the fields of business, industry, government, health, or social services. The internship provides several weeks of practical application of knowledge of French culture and language. Prerequisites: certification of class standing, appropriate GPA, and permission of the department. Application required; see Internship Program. Three hours. Staff.
472 – Women in French Film
This course, open to students from all academic backgrounds, will provide an introduction to film analysis and will focus on the representation of women (as heroes, rebels, mothers, friends, lovers, madwomen, etc.) in French films of the last 40 years. This course will also examine the work of several important French women film directors. Over the course of the term, students will become familiar with distinctive aspects of French film styles, with French vs. American representations of women, and with the cultural context of the selected films. This course counts towards the women’s studies minor or major, the film minor, and the French major. Prerequisite for French credit: FREN 351 and 356. Same as FLET 272. Additional class meetings in French for French majors or minors who will earn four credit hours. Offered alternate years. Not open to studentswho have completed FREN 272. Four hours. Staff.
487-488 – Department Honors I and II. Staff.
491-492 – Independent Study
An independent study under the guidance of a member of the department. At least a 3.25 cumulative GPA and approval by the curriculum committee are required. Three or six hours. Staff.
495 – Capstone Experience
Majors will take this one credit capstone course in conjunction with a 400-level literature course during the spring semester of their senior year. Working with their capstone adviser, students will submit for approval of the Departmental Capstone Committee, a topic related both to the theme of the 400-level course and to the interests of the student. Under the guidance of their capstone adviser, students will prepare a capstone project, which will also serve as the final paper or project for the 400-level literature course. In addition to the written project, students will make two oral presentations, one in English on research Day and another in French. Performance in FREN 495 will be evaluated by the Departmental Capstone Committee members and will be based on the students’ work with their capstone adviser, the capstone project, and the two presentations. Given in French. Offered in spring, offered in fall when necessary. One hour. Staff.
Study Abroad courses in Paris, France
All of the following courses are taught in French. The minimum prerequisites for all courses taught in France are FREN 232 and FREN 351 or permission of the department.
222 – French Phonetics Practicum
This course aims to improve student’s pronunciation through intensive drills in the language laboratory and through individual conferences with the instructor for diagnosis and correction of particular pronunciation problems. Prerequisite: FREN 212 or its equivalent. This course counts as an elective toward the French major or minor. Two hours.
241 – Textual Analysis, Level I
This course is designed to introduce students to the techniques of textual exegesis and to teach them to appreciate the different prose styles of various forms of literary expression in French. Texts studied will include literary and non-literary works from different periods. Prerequisite: FREN 232. This course counts as an elective toward the French major or minor. Four hours.
242 – Textual Analysis, Level II
This course teaches techniques of textual exegesis at an advanced level through close study of literary texts. Prerequisite: one course at the 300-level in French or permission of the department. Four hours.
243 – Textual Analysis, Level III
This course teaches techniques of textual exegesis at a very advanced level through the close study of literary texts. Prerequisite: One course at the 300-level in French or permission of the department. Four hours.
280 – Art, Culture and Society
This course is a study of the main cultural events in French history and the role that the French Government played in these events. Particular attention will be given to such leaders as François I, Louis XIV, the Front populaire, André Malraux, and Jack Lang, and will help to define the notion of political culture. Examples will be drawn mainly from the plastic arts. Prerequisite: FREN 232. Three hours.
309 – Advanced Grammar, Level I
An intermediate level French language course in grammar and composition designed to improve writing skills through vocabulary building exercises, study of idiomatic structures, and numerous writing exercises. Prerequisite: FREN 232. Four hours.
310 – Advanced Grammar, Level II
A third-year French language course designed to consolidate skills acquired and to extend the student’s mastery of the language. Major emphasis on the written language and a thorough grammar review at an advanced level with importance given to learning complex grammatical structures and development of a literary vocabulary. Prerequisite: FREN 232. Four hours.
313 – Advanced Grammar, Level III
A fourth-year French language course designed to consolidate skills and to extend student’s mastery of the language at a very advanced level. Major emphasis on writing, grammar review and development of a literary vocabulary. Prerequisite: FREN 245 or FREN 309. Four hours.
314 – Advanced Grammar, Level IV
A continuation of FREN 313. Prerequisite: FREN 313 or equivalent. Four hours.
375 – History of France from the Middle Ages to the XVIII Century
This course includes two series of lectures. The first, The Historical Evolution of France, offers a study of the origins of French civilization from the Gallo-Roman era to the beginning of the 18th Century. The aim of the second series of lectures entitled History of Ideas is to present the fundamental traits of French civilization through 1) a study of important French philosophers, 2) an analysis of the evolution of concepts such as civilization, progress, and the philosophy of history, and 3) discussion of the implication of these concepts in France’s history from the 15th century to the 19th century. Prerequisite: FREN 232. Students taking this course may not take FREN 261. May be counted toward a major in history. Three hours.
455 – La Belle Epoque
This course explores the historical, social, political, and artistic currents of the period of the Belle Epoque (1870-1914). The mutual influences of and interdependence between poetry, music, painting and literature are studied as important features of the pre-World War I period. A discussion of the birth of modernity in the conflicting artistic years 1912-1913 provides the student with a better understanding of a world in transition. This course will satisfy the collegiate fine arts requirement. Prerequisite: FREN 241. This course counts as part of Group III on the major. Three hours.