nineteenth-century French literature and culture, modernism, Paris in literature, subculture, la vie de Bohème, tourism and travel in literature
Teaching
courses taught
FREN 1750 - French Colonialism: North Africa and the Middle East
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2022 / Fall 2022
Offers a general introduction to French and Francophone literature and visual arts (painting, photography, film) from the nineteenth century to the present depicting cultures and societies of the Middle East and North Africa. In English with English translations of French texts. Taught in English and can be counted toward the French major or minor. Approved for GT-AH2.
FREN 1900 - Modern Paris in Literature, Photographs, Paintings and Movies
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Fall 2018 / Spring 2019 / Fall 2019 / Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2022 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024 / Fall 2024
Explores the evolution of modern Paris through the eyes of its artists and writers, Parisians and expatriates alike, from the French Revolution (1789) to the present. Studies historical and contemporary changes in architecture and urban planning as the city adapts to growing population, social challenges, and sustainability. Taught in English.
FREN 3010 - Phonetics and Conversation: AI and Us
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2024
Improves students' ability to pronounce French correctly by exploring the relationship between artificial intelligence and human intelligence while acquiring the basics of the International Phonetic Alphabet. Coursework involves extensive opportunities to speak French confidently and accurately from the word level to the discourse level. Assignments provide ample opportunity for improving pronunciation and spelling by practicing the differences between English and French sounds. Taught in French. Students must have completed FREN 2120 or its equivalent; they also have the option of taking this class concurrently with FREN 2120. FREN 3010 is one of three Advanced French course options of which students must successfully complete two.
FREN 3050 - French Composition
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024 / Spring 2025 / Fall 2025
Develops advanced French writing skills through practice in multiple genres, structured revision, and analytical engagement with short literary and cultural texts. Emphasizes grammatical accuracy, stylistic refinement, and critical thinking. Taught in French. FREN 3050 is one of three Advanced French course options of which French majors and minors must successfully complete two.
FREN 3100 - Introduction to Critical Reading and Writing in French Literature
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2025 / Spring 2026
An exploration of important moments in French culture and history as represented in major works of fiction, poetry, and drama. Emphasis on refining critical thought through compositions and oral expression in French. Taught in French. FREN 3100 is one of three Advanced French course options of which French majors and minors must successfully complete two.
FREN 3120 - Main Currents of French Literature 2
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2022
A survey of important texts and artistic movements from the nineteenth century to the present that inform the contemporary French and Francophone world. Students will become familiar with the intellectual history crucial to understanding the present moment. Taught in French.
FREN 3450 - Underground Paris
Primary Instructor
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Summer 2022
This Global Seminar explores the literal and figurative spaces of the Parisian underground (catacombs, metro, forgotten histories and subcultures) while also visiting the more iconic sites of the City of Light (the Louvre, the Centre Pompidou, Montmartre and more). Through readings, films, excursions and immersive assignments, students will learn about less commonly acknowledged spaces, populations and cultural movements that nonetheless constitute the life and past of this highly romanticized destination. Taught in English.
FREN 3500 - French Current Events: Conversation and Composition
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2025 / Spring 2026
Establishes a solid foundation of contemporary French civic and cultural life through the study of film, journalism, and other current media. Focuses on presentations, debates, discussions, readings and written work. Taught in French.
FREN 3700 - French-American Cultural Differences
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2019 / Fall 2019 / Spring 2020 / Spring 2021
Students will identify and consider key differences between French and American cultural, political and civic values through the analysis of film, literature, journalism, and personal observations.
FREN 4110 - French Special Topics
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Fall 2018
Topics vary each semester. Consult the online Schedule Planner for specific topics. See also FREN 4120. May be taught in English or French. When taught in French, this course requires students to have completed two of the following Advanced French course options: FREN 3010, FREN 3050 and/or FREN 3100 (all minimum grade C-). May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours.
FREN 4990 - Senior Seminar
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018
Preparation of a 15-page research paper in French presented to two members of the department faculty and defended orally in class. Recommended prerequisite: at least one course numbered FREN 4100 or above and all third-year requirements and advisor consent.
