LANGUAGE FRENCH
UPPER LEVEL FRENCH SEMINAR COURSES
French 1 (FRE101) 4 CU
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:
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.
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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 2 (FRE201)
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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 Culture and Language through Film (FRE327)
4 CU, French 1 or its equivalent is a prerequisite
2 CU, 1st semester, French 3 is a prerequisite 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 students’ communication skills in French (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) and to prepare them for the advanced conversation, film, and literature electives. By viewing four French films of varied genres (animation, historical drama, romantic comedy, documentary style drama), students will consolidate their language skills while learning about important aspects of French culture such as commonly held stereotypes, French society, education, the European Union, immigration, and the French Resistance during World War II.
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.
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