FREN - French

Students will be introduced to the language, familiarized with its basic vocabulary and grammar, and prepared to communicate at an elementary level. They will also be introduced to the distinctive features of the cultures where the language is spoken. The course is for students with none or very little background in the language.

Students develop essential communicative skills and cultural awareness necessary in order to interact with people from that culture, whether it is in their home country or in the United States. In order to take this course, students must have scored a level 2 or 3 in the approved placement test or have taken the introductory course FREN 100 at Fredonia.

Designed for students with no previous preparation. Study of fundamental speech patterns. Initial emphasis on developing listening comprehension, speaking skills, including pronunciation, with progressive emphasis on reading and writing skills. Discussion of selected cultural aspects.

Designed for students with one semester of college level French or equivalent. Further practice in pronunciation and fundamental speech patterns. Continued development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills for communicative proficiency. Discussion of selected cultural aspects.

The course Increases proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in French. Further development of vocabulary and grammar. Selected cultural materials will provide cultural awareness and cross cultural proficiency to the students.

The course Increases proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in French. Further development of vocabulary and grammar. Selected cultural materials will provide cultural awareness and cross cultural proficiency to the students.

Detailed study of rules of pronunciation and transcription into International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Pronunciation drills, exercises in sound discrimination and intonation.

An exploration of Quebec's cultural uniqueness through the literature that has played a central role in defining it. The historical and political events that have influenced the development of Quebec literature and culture will also be examined. Review of separatist movement included.

An introduction to the three literary genres: fiction, theatre, and poetry, with an emphasis on poetry and fiction. Selections are from a wide variety of authors and time periods, from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Primary focus is stylistic but considerable time will also be devoted to literary movements and to French history and culture. Different types of assessment will include oral presentations by the individual student and groups, papers, quizzes, discussions, and exams which will all be in French.

An introduction to the three literary genres: fiction, theatre, and poetry, with an emphasis on drama and fiction. Selections are from a wide variety of authors and time periods, from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Primary focus is stylistic but considerable time will also be devoted to literary movements and to French history and culture. Different types of assessment will include oral presentations by the individual student and groups, papers, quizzes, discussions, and exams which will all be in French.

Exercises and activities designed to promote conversations about readings, films, and/or issues in France and the French-speaking world. Ample opportunities to practice understanding and speaking French in pair and small group settings.

Syntactical patterns of French, vocabulary building, translation, and free composition. Useful techniques of composition, problems of translation and questions of style discussed.

History of principal movements and writers, from the beginning through the 17th century, studied in light of historical and social backgrounds. Discussion and lectures in French. Student reports.

History of principal movements and writers, from the 17th century to the present, studied in light of historical and social backgrounds. Discussion and lectures in French. Student reports.

France today is a country struggling with the tensions of social and economic modernization. The subject matter, therefore, will be actual and current in an effort to understand the broad sweep of social, economic, political, and cultural changes in post-war France.

Detailed study of 17th century French classicism, its formation, flowering. Student reports, discussions.

Major works of 18th century French literature; emphasis on Montesquieu, Voltaire, Diderot, Rousseau, Marivaux, and Beaumarchais. Class work in French.

Novel and theater since Proust. Emphasis on post-1940 trends: existentialism, the New Novel and Theatre of the Absurd.

Seven-week course in which students will read, study, and stage an important dramatic work of French literature. The course will end with two public performances of the work(s) studied in class.

Students engage in discussions and presentations on a variety of topics covering social, scientific, artistic, philosophical, psychological, religious, and political issues.

Special areas in French language, literature, or culture and civilization not covered by regular courses.

Individual directed study of a particular area or topic in French language or literature. Periodic meetings with instructor, writing of a substantial paper.

Student will develop a list of weekly activities, such as watching movies, listening to music, reading of articles and books, etc. that will further enhance the student’s oral proficiency in French. Student will meet once a week with instructor to discuss the activities. The course will end with retaking of Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) exam. Student is responsible for the cost of the exam.

Detailed study of literary movements and major writers of 19th century.

Focus on a major theme, movement, author, or period in the literature and/or culture of France. The course can be repeated as its content changes.

Focus on a major theme, movement, author or period of one or more French-speaking regions around the world. The course can be repeated as its content changes.

Intensive practice in spoken French and listening comprehension at an advanced level.

In-depth study of a literary or cultural topic selected by the instructor. Major written paper and oral presentation required. All work to be done in French.

To give feeling for French style, shades of meaning, and mastery of stylistic difficulties not taken up in more elementary courses. Study of classic French prose; translations and free composition.

Students serve as undergraduate learning assistants to any of the intermediate and phonetic courses in French, to be decided in consultation with the instructor. Assistants help the instructor both in the classroom as well as outside the classroom monitoring class activities online and offering tutoring. Assistants are also responsible for developing and teaching lesson(s) on grammar and/or cultural topics as agreed upon with the instructor. Assistants learn and develop best practices in language teaching. Students in education certification programs preferred.

Special areas in French not covered by regular courses. Permission of department.

Individual supervised study of particular area or topic in any of the department's French language or literature offerings. Periodic meetings with instructor and writing of a substantial paper. Permission of department.