French and Italian

The Department of French and Italian offers a major in French and Francophone studies supported by an extensive and distinctive curriculum. In addition to courses supporting the French major, the department offers courses in beginning Italian language. We strongly encourage students to include in their major a semester or year of study abroad in a program suited to their interests and level.

French

French is the first language of at least 70 million people, and the second language of millions more. It is the official language of 33 countries, and is the only language other than English spoken on five continents. Fifty-six countries are members of "La Francophonie." Here in the US, French is the language spoken at home by 1,702,176 people five years or older (1990 Census), the third language after English and Spanish. Our goal is to give our students the means to visit, study or work in, or do research in any Francophone country; to give them the tools necessary to undertake, on their own, learning, understanding, and appreciating the culture, the arts, and the institutions of that country.

The program is built on four integrated objectives: mastery of the French language, spoken and written; acquisition of critical appreciation of literature written in French, and of French-speaking cinema; the study of culture through cultural analysis; awareness of the life-changing experiences entailed in the intellectual and personal challenges of learning a different way of being. We emphasize participation in appropriate study abroad options and all majors should spend one term or preferably a full academic year in the cultural environment of the target language because diversity should not only be explained, read, and talked about but also experienced. We also encourage majors to live in La Maison Francophone on campus, where they have the opportunity of immersion in the target language and culture in daily contact with native speakers. The flexibility of the major program allows the prospective major to design his/her course of study to meet individual student backgrounds, needs and interests, and to prepare for graduate study and a wide range of eventual careers. Departmental advisors are available for consultation in organizing the major program. Lectures, discussion and written work in advanced courses are normally in French.

Language Laboratory. The Paul & Edith Cooper International Learning Center, located on the third floor of Peters Hall, is a state of the art facility designed for both class and individual use at all levels of language learning. Audio, video and computer materials are available for student use. Laboratory practice is encouraged for all students who wish to improve their speaking and oral comprehension.

Advanced Placement. Students who have received a score of 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement (AP) exam in French Language or French Literature will be automatically awarded three hours of Oberlin College credit as French 300 and will be qualified to enter the Oberlin French curriculum at the 300-level. Students receiving AP credit should enroll for French 309, 321, 360, 361, 371, or 372. AP credit (French 300) counts toward the French major.

Prerequisites, Placement of Students. It is the department's policy to advance students as fast as achievement warrants. Students who have taken the SAT II Exam in French should enroll in courses according to their score:

800-675 French 309, 321, 360, 361, 371, 372
675-625 French 301
625-550 French 203 or 205, 206

Students with previous study of French who have not taken the SAT II exam should take the Oberlin French Placement Test administered by the department during orientation to determine their appropriate level.

Suggested Course Sequence. French 101-102 (or 103), 205-206 (or 203), 301, other 300-level courses in French, followed by 400 level courses. French 301 or the equivalent (via SAT-II or placement exam scores, or AP) is the prerequisite for other courses at the 300 level unless otherwise noted. Two 300-level courses beyond 301 are the prerequisite for the courses at the 400-level. Other prerequisites may be noted: see the course descriptions below.

Major. The French major consists of thirty hours of course work at the level of 301 or above, including at least twelve hours at the 300 level (beyond 301) and nine hours at the 400 level. AP credit (French 300) can be counted toward the major. French 301 or the equivalent is the prerequisite for taking courses at the 300 level and two 300-level courses are the prerequisite for taking courses at the 400 level. It is strongly encouraged that majors take 371 or 372 before advancing to the 400 level.

Minor. The minor consists of at least seventeen hours of coursework, including two 300-level courses (beyond 301), and one course at the 400 level. Courses at the 100 and 200 level are not counted toward the minor, but 300 (AP credit) and 301 may be counted.

Special restrictions for the major and minor. Students may count a French course offered in English towards the major or minor, providing they complete the reading and all written work for the course in French.

Transfer of Credit. The department will accept up to fifteen hours of approved transfer credit toward the major of thirty hours. Nine hours of the major credit must be taken in residence at the advanced level, i.e., French 309 or above, including at least one 400 level course. For the minor, up to eight hours of approved transfer credit may be applied to the minor, but at least six credits must be taken in residence at the advanced level.

Honors. The honors program in French provides qualified majors with the opportunity to complete a special project during their senior year. An honors project entails independent study in French, in consultation with a faculty sponsor, completed over two semesters (six credit hours). Qualified students are invited to apply to the program during the second semester of their junior year. Admission is determined on the basis of faculty recommendation and overall and major GPA. Further information on the honors program may be obtained from the departmental office. See also the statement on Honors in the General Information section of this catalog.

Related Disciplines. Students who major in French often complete a major in a related field. The department welcomes and encourages this exchange between disciplines. French majors have also majored in fields as diverse as Art History, Biology, Comparative Literature, Economics, English, Environmental Studies, History, Music (both within the College and Conservatory), Neuroscience, Philosophy, Politics, Spanish, and Religion. As students plan their major or minor in French, they should keep in mind the manner in which other disciplines can enrich their major coursework. A knowledge of Latin is highly desirable for all majors and minors, as well as various related courses in Art History, Classics, Comparative Literature, Creative Writing, English, History, Philosophy and Politics. The International Studies Concentration provides an appropriate grounding in the social sciences for majors interested in international affairs.

La Maison Francophone. An important element in the department's program is la Maison Francophone. The Faculty-in-Residence is assisted by two French exchange students. There are rooming accommodations for forty men and women. Regular programming includes French-language dining, film series, lectures and discussions on Francophone culture, news broadcasts in French, and various other cultural and social activities.

Study Abroad. The department expects all majors to study abroad at the appropriate time in their college career. The Office of the Dean of Studies has an approved list of programs and the faculty members of the department advise students in choosing a program that best suits student needs.

Winter Term. The Department sponsors a number of group and individual projects each year. There is always a group project based at la Maison Francophone. In the past, projects have been designed to review the language at the beginning and/or intermediate level--both individually and in groups, to do selected readings in French literature, to survey French art in relationship to literature, to study French cuisine and so on. From time to time, the Department sponsors an intensive beginning language project in French which enables students successfully completing the project to enter French 102 second semester. For information on possible Winter Term projects, consult the department chair. (See also Winter Term in General Information section.)

IV. Advanced Courses in French

406. La Fontaine's Fables: Poetry, Power and Politics 3 hours
3HU, CD
First Semester. No other French poet has approached the diversity of poetic forms and themes of La Fontaine in his Fables. We will examine the role of the moralist-poet writing seemingly modest, diverse, unique, and enigmatic fables under the absolute monarchy of Louis XIV and his attempts to free his lyric spirit within the political upheavals of his time. Significant attention will be paid to visual interpretations of the fables by illustrators throughout history. Prerequisite: Two 300-level courses beyond 301. Enrollment Limit: 12.
Mr. de Jesus

416. Littérature, art et révolution au XIX^e siècle 3 hours
3HU, CD
Second Semester. The 19^th century could be called a "revolutionary" century marked as it was by repeated political and social upheaval. This course will examine the concept of revolution in 19^th century France through the literary and pictorial representations of revolution--works that can often be considered "revolutionary" in their own right. Critical and historical readings will inform our study of literature and art. Prerequisite: Two 300-level courses beyond 301. Enrollment Limit: 12.
Ms. Phillips

441. Atelier de traduction 3 hours
3HU, CD
Second Semester. An introduction to the basic principles of translation through intensive practice in translation of texts from French into English. We will work on short literary texts, considering relevant issues of vocabulary, syntax, register, and style. Students will develop, through individual practice and collaboration, strategies for effective translation. Theoretical issues will be addressed as they arise and in various readings. The course will be conducted as a pracatium or workshop. Prerequisites: French 321 and one other 300-level course beyond 301, or the equivalent. Enrollment Limit: 12.
Ms. Zinser

450. Sujets contemporains: Title to be announced 3 hours
3HU, CD
First Semester. Topic to be announced. Please consult Registration supplement or Department of French and Italian supplement for title and description. Prerequisite: Two 300-level courses beyond 301. Enrollment Limit: 12.
Staff