French

French 1 (FRE101)

4 CU - NOTE: this course may be offered through Middlebury Interactive Languages

Students acquire the skills necessary for listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and learn to communicate thoughts, needs, wants, and reactions in spoken and written French. Special attention is given to vocabulary, syntax and grammatical structure. Lessons will be explained progressively in French. Pattern drills and varied spoken exercises provide ample practice in each specific domain of language acquisition. French and francophone culture and civilization are presented in context.

French 2 (FRE201)

4 CU, French 1 or its equivalent is a prerequisite Students continue to develop and build their communicative skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The transition from concrete to abstract language is emphasized throughout the course, as French and francophone culture and civilization are presented in context. Students cover all the basic grammatical structures while also learning practical application of concepts. Students increase their knowledge of vocabulary and syntax through daily exercises, written and oral drills, and writing assignments, while also reinforcing and recycling learned grammatical structures.

French 3 (FRE301)

4 CU, French 2 is a prerequisite A primary objective of this course is the consolidation of basics, particularly in the areas of vocabulary, verbal constructions through the past subjunctive, idioms, and additional grammar. Reading skills are improved through frequent readings on French and Francophone cultures and history. Written compositions of varying length are an important part of the course, as students integrate and apply their language skills. The use of French in the classroom is expected. Listening comprehension is furthered by frequent auditory stimuli, both from textbook-based audio clips and authentic televised newscasts and cultural programs from the French-speaking world. References to French and francophone culture and civilization are an integral part of this course. Upper Level French Seminar Courses

The upper level courses continue to build the core language skills while exposing students to authentic materials of increasing length and difficulty. Students who have completed French 3 have two options. • Option 1 – Students who would benefit from further strengthening and refinement of their language skills should consider taking the regular seminar courses (300 level). Upon successful completion of these courses, students may, with permission of the department chair, choose to take the advanced seminar classes. • Option 2 – Students who demonstrate particular excellence in French 3 may, with permission of the department chair, move directly into the advanced seminar courses (400 level). These courses focus on the discussion of ideas and concepts in French, with special attention given to producing longer written compositions and essays. Students will be expected not only to comprehend the content of written and spoken language, but also to conduct critical analysis of literature, film and culture.

French Stories of Good and Evil (FRE311)

This course serves as a bridge to the advanced French electives. Moving away from direct daily study of French grammar, this course aims to strengthen the students’ communication skills in French (reading, speaking, listening, and writing) and to prepare them for the advanced conversation, film and literature courses. Through readings of condensed adaptations of literary classics and viewings of related films or tv series, students will build their vocabulary and increase their fluency in spoken and written French. Literary and film selections may include Victor Hugo’s Notre-Dame de Paris, Disney’s Hunchback of Notre-Dame, Maupassant’s Bel-Ami, and Netflix’s popular new crime series Lupin.

Advanced Conversation – Café Français (FRE422)

2 CU, 2nd semester, one semester elective is a prerequisite, with permission of Mr. Silva This upper level conversation course is designed for motivated French students interested in advancing their oral proficiency towards fluency in the language. The goal of the course, conducted strictly in French, is to improve the students’ listening and speaking skills so that they will be able to effectively communicate with native speakers in various settings. Great emphasis will be placed on students’ daily participation and effort in class. Students will lead discussions, make frequent oral presentations, engage in role-play exercises, and debate in French. Materials for the course will be drawn from French newspaper and magazine articles, radio and television programs, blogs and films. Course themes include cultural concepts of friendship, gender equality, immigration, reality television, blogging and French slang, technology, and education. The semester will conclude with a group video project based on the themes explored during the semester.

Modern Lit on the Page, Stage, and Screen (FRE430)

2 CU, 1st semester, French 3 or one semester elective is a prerequisite, with permission of Mr. Pratt This advanced elective will introduce students to modern French-language plays as texts that can be interpreted both as literature and as scripts. Works by a geographically and ethnically diverse set of authors writing in French from the 1960s to the 2000s will be read. As students move through the reading of each text, they will refine literary analysis skills and practice analysis of performance and film (in French, of course!) by dissecting filmed stage productions and movie adaptations. Thematically, the course will focus on the human desire to know, to be known, and to remember—three central preoccupations of modern theatre. All discussions and class work will be in French. Students will be expected to keep a reading notebook, to give oral presentations that lead the class in close analysis of a movie or filmed stage production clip, to write short reflective or analytical essays, to engage in dramatic reading of passages, and to prepare a final analytical and/or performative final project. The Gourmet Culture of France (FRE351)

2 CU, 2nd semester, French 3 is a prerequisite This course, designed as an on-level course, will explore the culinary culture of France. Students will strengthen and develop all areas of their written and spoken French while exploring a cornerstone of French culture and making crosscultural comparisons. Taught entirely in French, the course will include topics such the history of French gastronomy, table etiquette, Parisian salons, the accreditation process of food in France, as well as an in-depth look at the courses of a meal and the diverse regions of France. Readings will include selected short literary texts and contemporary first-person narratives by French chefs and writers. Each unit will culminate in a cooking and/or tasting experience that will allow students to put into practice what they are learning.

Advanced French: Conversation, Culture and Media (FRE428)

2 CU, 2nd semester, French 3 or one semester elective is a prerequisite, with permission of Mr. Pratt This advanced elective will examine contemporary topics of cultural importance relating to daily life in France as presented in the media. Students will regularly engage with authentic French media sources on topics surrounding contemporary society. The class will view clips from the day’s French television news, listen to and analyze French popular music and podcasts, read French magazine articles and blog posts, and communicate with native speakers in France and other countries in the Francophone world in order to be able to make cross-cultural comparisons. Topics for discussion and exploration will be chosen by the class members for their immediate relevance during the time span of the semester. Great emphasis will be placed on strengthening students’ speaking and listening skills, refining pronunciation, and perfecting short analytical writing pieces in French.