Oberlin College Course Catalog

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 nearly 80 million people, and the second language of around 100 million more. It is the official language of 29 countries, and is the only language other than English spoken on five continents. Fifty-one countries are members of "La Francophonie." Here in the United States, French is the language spoken at home by nearly 1.7 million people (2000 Census), the fourth language after English, Spanish, and Chinese. 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 and 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 30 hours of course work at the level of 301 or above, including at least 12 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 17 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 15 hours of approved transfer credit toward the major of 30 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, films, lectures and discussions on Francophone culture, French-language television, 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.)

In this Department

First-Year Seminar and Language Courses

First-Year Seminar (Offered in English)

FYSP 135. North African Women and Islam
3 hours 3HU, CD
First Semester.
For description, please see "First-Year Seminar Program" in this catalog.
Mr. Yedes

I. Language Courses (Offered Every Year)

101, 102. Français élémentaire I, II
5 hours 5HU, CD
First (101) and Second (102) Semester.
This year-long sequence is to build proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, with special emphasis on meaning and the functional use of language and on understanding French-speaking cultures. The interactive multi-media approach requires extensive work in the language lab and two hours of small group work beyond the five hours of regular class time. Prerequisites: No previous French is expected for FREN 101. FREN 101 or the equivalent is prerequisite for FREN 102. Students with previous study of French must present an SAT II score or take the departmental placement test. Enrollment Limit: 22.
Mr. de Jesus, Mr. Thommeret

103. Français élémentaire accéléré
4 hours 4HU, CD
First Semester.
Designed for students with previous work in French not yet qualified for FREN 203 or FREN 205, this intensive course covers all basic grammatical concepts and vocabulary while building skills in listening comprehension, speaking, writing, and reading. To reinforce both class and individual work, students will participate in two hours per week of small group oral practice. Successful completion of FREN 103 qualifies students for FREN 203 and FREN 205. Prerequisite: Some previous French with an SAT II score under 550 or appropriate score on placement test. Enrollment Limit: 18.
Ms. Zinser

203. Français intermédiaire accéléré
4 hours 4HU, CD
Second Semester.
This is a one-semester intensive course equivalent to FREN 205, 206. Review of the essentials of French grammar. Continued development of reading using a variety of texts, practice in composition, and speaking. In addition to the three hours per week, of class, students are required to attend two hours in small group practice. Prerequisites: Appropriate SAT II score (550-625), appropriate score on placement test, FREN 102 or the equivalent. Enrollment Limit: 18.
Staff

205, 206. Français intermédiaire
3 hours 3HU, CD
First (205) and Second (206) Semester.
This year-long sequence includes review of the essentials of grammar, continued development of reading skills using both literary and cultural texts, and practice in composition and speaking. In addition to the three hours per week of class, students are required to attend one hour in small group practice. Prerequisites: Appropriate SAT II score (550-625), appropriate score on placement test, FREN 103 or the equivalent. FREN 205 is prerequisite for FREN 206. Enrollment Limit: 22.
Mr. Yedes, Ms. An

301. Expression orale et écrite
4 hours 4HU, CD
First Semester.
Through activities in class and outside of class, students expand their vocabulary, increase their knowledge of the Francophone world, and develop their speaking ability. Through weekly compositions and literary readings, students strengthen their critical reading and writing skills. Grammar review integrates practice of spoken and written French. One hour of weekly discussion/lab work also required. Prerequisites: Appropriate SAT II score (625-675), appropriate score on placement test, FREN 203 or FREN 206 or the equivalent. Enrollment Limit: 15.
Ms. Zinser, Staff

309. Plaisir de lire
3 hours 3HU, CD
Second Semester.
This course is designed for students who wish to gain extensive experience in reading French texts and to discover the pleasure of reading comfortably in French. We will read from five to six interesting contemporary books, written for the general French public. These texts will be relatively short, accessible, and varied in nature. Since reading and writing are intimately linked, students will have the option of writing notes on their reading as they read, or after having read each work. Prerequisite: FREN 301 or the equivalent. Enrollment Limit: 15.
Staff

321. Pratiques de l'écrit
3-4 hours 3-4HU, CD
First Semester.
This course focuses on the relationship between writing and reading, and on ways to improve one through the other. Analysis of stylistic models; comparison of French and American text building; techniques of contraction and expansion; recognition and correction of mistakes; differences between English and French modes of expression. Taught in French. Prerequisite: Appropriate SAT II score (675-800), appropriate score on placement test, FREN 301 or the equivalent. FREN 321 is prerequisite for FREN 441. Note: Fourth credit available only for remedial work. Enrollment Limit: 15.
Mr. Thommeret

In this Department

Colloquia

II. Colloquia (Offered Every Year)

360. Freshman/Sophomore Colloquium: L'Autobiographie ou le texte indéterminé
3 hours 3HU, CD
First Semester.
This colloquium is designed particularly for freshmen and sophomores with strong preparation in French (with an SAT II score above 675, Advanced Placement credit in French, French 301, or the equivalent). Conducted in French. For description, please see "Colloquia and Other Small Classes for First- and Second-Year Students" in this catalog. Enrollment Limit: 15.
Mr. de Jesus

361. Colloquium: Le Voyage dans la littérature française
3 hours 3HU, CD
Second Semester.
For many writers voyage is the vehicle for dissemination of ideas and opinions. Some embarked on exotic journeys. Others took imaginary trips. Both provide a wealth of voyage and travel literature embracing all forms of narrative. We will examine voyage as a metaphor in which social, cultural and religious issues are explored and criticized. Among authors/texts studied: Tristan et Iseut, Rabelais, Montaigne, La Fontaine, Diderot, Voltaire, Verne, Saint-Exupéry, Césaire, De Beauvoir, Camus. Prerequisite: French 301 or the equivalent, SAT II score above 675 or Advanced Placement credit in French. Conducted in French. Enrollment Limit: 15.
Mr. Yedes

In this Department

Survey Courses

III. Survey Courses (Offered Every Year)

371. Littérature Française I: Du Moyen Age à la Révolution
3 hours 3HU, CD
First Semester.
This course studies transformations and continuities in French literature from the Middles Ages to the Revolution, while exploring what constitutes "literary history." We will combine close reading of significant texts with contextual readings to broaden the conception of literary study to allow for diverse interdisciplinary perspectives. Prerequisite: FREN 301 or the equivalent. Enrollment Limit: 15.
Mr. de Jesus, Ms. Zinser

372. Littérature Française II: De la Révolution à nos Jours
3 hours 3HU, CD
Second Semester.
Perspectives on various authors, literary works, and movements shaping the character of French literature from the French Revolution to the present. Special attention will be given to different critical approaches to reading. Each year, the focus of the course may change. All readings, lectures, and discussion are in French. Prerequisite: FREN 301 or the equivalent. Enrollment Limit: 15.
Staff

In this Department

Advanced Courses

IV. Advanced Courses in French

409. La Tragédie: Corneille et Racine
2 hours 2HU, CD
Second Semester. First Module.
This course presents the traditional confrontation of two great classical 17th century writers of tragedy. While exploring the parallels and contrasts of these two tragic visions, we will use this confrontation to explore the political and social implications motivating these two visions of theatrical art and of human nature. A persistent theme of the course will be to sharpen our critical insight into the psychological and philosophical bases of what constitutes tragedy. Among the plays studied: L'Illusion comique, Le Cid, Horace, Phèdre, Bérénice, Britannicus. Prerequisite: Two 300-level courses in French beyond 301. Enrollment Limit: 12.
Mr. de Jesus

410. La Comédie: Marivaux et Beaumarchais
2 hours 2HU, CD
Second Semester. Second Module.
In the wake of Molière's 17th century comic tradition, Marivaux and Beaumarchais adapted their respective comic visions to the culture and needs of their 18th century society. With comedy anchored in social concerns, we will examine the redefinition of the family, disguise as a means of deception and self-discovery, the valet's challenge to aristocrat's authority, the subtlety of marivaudage and the discovery of love, and the evolving role of women, among other themes. Prerequisite: Two 300-level courses in French beyond 301. Enrollment Limit: 12
Mr. de Jesus

426. Les Littératures de la Francophonie
3 hours 3HU, CD
First Semester.
Entirely devoted to literary works by Francophone writers from North Africa, the Caribbean, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Vietnam, this course will also study the socio-historical context that gave rise to such literature. Readings will include poetry, fiction and drama from writers that express varied cultural backgrounds as well as the impact of French culture on them. Approaches to these literatures will be linguistic, thematic, and cultural. Prerequisite: Two 300-level courses in French beyond 301. Enrollment Limit: 12.
Mr. Yedes

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

451. Les Barbares de la littérature française
3 hours 3HU, CD
Second Semester.
Through a selection of French essays, poetry, novels, and political writings ranging from the 16th to the 20th centuries, we will study the literary history of the "barbarian" from its etymological origins to current rhetorical uses, the challenges that the barbarian poses for literary representation, and related contexts such as nationalism, religious violence, and cross-cultural encounters. We will read works by Montaigne, Maalouf, Baudelaire, Rimbaud, Flaubert, Chateaubriand, Barrès, and Michaux. Prerequisites: Two 300-level courses beyond 301. Enrollment Limit: 12.
Ms. An

In this Department

Courses Offered in English

V. Courses Offered in English

250. Survey of French Cinema: A History of Illusions
3 hours 3HU, CD
First Semester.
This course will provide a historical survey of French cinema, starting with Méliès and the Lumière Brothers, and working through 1930s Poetic Realism, the New Wave, the 1990s, and the beginning of the digital age. Historical contextualization will be balanced with close film analysis and studies of cinematic technique and structure. We will also discuss cinema's relationship to the other arts (literature, photography, theatre, and painting). This course will be taught in English. Enrollment Limit: 30.
Ms. An

350. Remembering the French New Wave: French Legacies in Global Cinema
3 hours 3HU, CD
Second Semester.
We will consider the legacy of the French New Wave in international film history through some of its major classics and their subsequent imprints on North American, European and East Asian cinemas. Other issues include the national and multi-national frameworks of cinematic production, intertextuality as representative of a globalized cinematographic heritage, and national and cultural identity as an effect of the screen. This course will be taught in English. Prerequisite: FREN 250 or CINE 101. Enrollment Limit: 25.
Ms. An

505. Honors
2-6 hours 2-6HU
Consent of instructor required. Honors sponsored by Mr. de Jesus, Mr. Yedes, and Ms. Zinser (Sem I).

995. Private Reading
1-3 hours 1-3HU, CD
Consent of instructor required. Projects sponsored by Mr. de Jesus, Mr. Thommeret, Mr. Yedes, and Ms. Zinser (Sem I).

In this Department