Class Schedule for Winter 2024

The two courses, FR 301 & 302, are designed to empower students as they make the transition from language-based study in first- and second-year French, into the use of the French language in the study of works of literary art and other cultural expressions of the francophone world. Each course presents specific social, cultural, and historical issues through literary works and journalistic, cinematic, and artistic materials. Primary attention is given to the development of the analytical and critical skills that are a crucial part of a humanities-based education. At the same time, students continue to improve abilities in speaking, reading, and writing French by enriching advanced-level vocabulary, practicing written and oral expression, and improving aural and reading comprehension. Both classes seek to develop students' capacities, in French, for the integration of humanities content through synthesis, reflection, and critical thinking. These courses thus serve as an effective "bridge" in preparing students for upper-division literature survey courses (FR 312, 317, 318, 319) and further literary and cultural study in the French major and/or minor. This course (FR 302) explores the richness and variety of the societies and cultures of the contemporary French-speaking world, going beyond the cultural material covered in the 200-level sequence by adding depth and detail to the geographical coverage. Through readings and films, we consider and analyze the cultural legacies of colonialism and the complexities of evolving national and linguistic identities. Focusing on francophone societies in North America, Europe, North Africa, West Africa, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia, we examine cultural practices, artistic production, and current social and political issues. Note: These "stand-alone" courses may be taken in any order and as they fit the student's interest and schedule, to fulfill requirements for the French or Romance Languages majors or minors.