Group of students sitting around a table

French (FRE)

FRE 101  Elementary College French I  (3 credits)  

This class is an introductory course designed to develop fundamental communication skills in French culture. Supplementary videos, tapes, and other materials are incorporated in the course.

Course Rotation: Fall.
FRE 101O  Elementary Conversational French I - Learning Community  (3 credits)  

A structured communicative approach to the study of the French language. By the end of the semester, students will be able to express basic ideas in French, and will learn to use appropriate grammatical forms at the elementary level. In addition to the language component, students will gain a perspective of the French-speaking world through the viewing of representative contemporary films and discussing them in depth. Language structures studied in the Language component will be reinforced in the film study.

FRE 102  Elementary College French II  (3 credits)  

A continuation of the principles established in FRE 101. In addition, the course will introduce more complex sentence structures, past and future verb tenses, the subjunctive mood, and increase fundamental vocabulary. Supplementary videos, tapes, films and other materials are incorporated in the course.

Course Rotation: Spring.</
Prerequisites: None.
FRE 107  French West Africa and the Caribbean I  (3 credits)  
FRE 108  French West Africa and the Caribbean II  (3 credits)  
FRE 120  Survery of French Literature I  (3 credits)  
FRE 121  Survey of French Literature II  (3 credits)  
FRE 150  Travel Course to France  (3 credits)  

Travel abroad combined with on-campus lectures and discussions.

Course Rotation: TBA.
Prerequisites: None. Course conducted in English.
FRE 150A  A Literary Voyage Through France and Spain  (3 credits)  

This course will examine select avant-garde writers of France and Spain and the literary connections between the two countries in the early 20th century. We will travel to select cities in France, including Paris and Barcelona, and Spain during Spring Break. While in Europe, we will visit museums and other cultural sites which shaped French and Spanish writers, emphasizing the art, theatre, history and culture of both countries.

Prerequisites: None. Course conducted in English.
FRE 154  Topics: From French Literature in Translation  (3 credits)  

This course deals with subjects selected from French literature and culture. Knowledge of French is not required.

Course Rotation: Fall and Spring.
Prerequisites: None. Course conducted in English. Lubin, CSIS or Leinhard Students may use this course to meet core requirements. Education and Dyson Students may use this course for enhancement
FRE 154A  Topic in Translation: Love and Freedom in French Fiction  (3 credits)  
Prerequisites: None. Course conducted in English.
FRE 154B  Topic: Women Authors of West Africa and the Caribbean  (3 credits)  

This course explores through literature the complex historical and cultural ties between women writers of West African countries that have a French colonial history and their counterparts in the island nations of the Caribbean. While these nations have distinct cultures, their literature and the concerns of women writers share common thematic threads. All works are in English translation.

Course Rotation: Fall
FRE 154C  Topic: French Language and Culture  (2 credits)  
Prerequisites: None. Course conducted in English.
FRE 154D  Topic: Magic, Wit, Love, Laughter: Moliere/Beaumarchais  (3 credits)  
Prerequisites: None. Course conducted in English.
FRE 154E  Topic: Contemporary French Culture  (3 credits)  
Prerequisites: None. Course conducted in English.
FRE 154FM  Topic: French-Speaking World in Film - Learning Community  (3 credits)  

Students will gain a perspective of the French-speaking world through the viewing of representative contemporary films and discussing them in depth. Field trips into Pleasantville to the Jacob Burns Center and Jean-Jacques French restaurant will enhance the course.

Prerequisites: None. Course conducted in English. Learning Community
FRE 154FO  The French Speaking World in Film - Learning Community  (3 credits)  

A structured communicative approach to the study of the French language. By the end of the semester, students will be able to express basic ideas in French, and will learn to use appropriate grammatical forms at the elementary level. In addition to the language component, students will gain a perspective of the French-speaking world through the viewing of representative contemporary films and discussing them in depth. Language structures studied in the Language component will be reinforced in the film study.

Prerequisites: None. Course conducted in English.
FRE 154G  Topic: Myth and French Theater of 20th Century  (3 credits)  
Prerequisites: None. Conducted in English.
FRE 154H  Topic: 18th Century Philosophy Writers Who Shaped Modern World  (3 credits)  
Prerequisites: None. Course conducted in English.
FRE 154J  Topic: Love and Risk in Four French Novels  (3 credits)  
Prerequisites: None. Course conducted in English.
FRE 154K  Topic: Search for Truth and Meaning in French Literature 20th Century  (3 credits)  
Prerequisites: None. Course conducted in English.
FRE 154L  Topic: Culture and Literature of Modern France  (3 credits)  
Prerequisites: None. Course conducted in English.
FRE 154N  Topic: 19th Century French Writers and Thinkers  (3 credits)  
Prerequisites: None. Course conducted in English.
FRE 154P  Topics in French Literature of the African Diaspora  (3 credits)  
Prerequisites: None. Course conducted in English.
FRE 154Q  Topic: Travel to Quebec  (3 credits)  
Prerequisites: None. Course conducted in English.
FRE 154R  Topic: Our Northern Neighbors: Literature of Quebec  (3 credits)  
Prerequisites: None. Course conducted in English.
FRE 154S  Topic: Literature From West Africa to the Caribbean  (3 credits)  
Prerequisites: None. Course conducted in English.
FRE 154T  Topic: The Life and Times of Victor Hugo  (3 credits)  
Prerequisites: None. Course conducted in English.
FRE 154U  Topics in French Literature: French Women Writers  (3 credits)  
Prerequisites: None. Course conducted in English.
FRE 154V  Topic: Stability and Change in Modern France  (3 credits)  

This "hybrid" course on French culture will be conducted in English and does not require any knowledge of French. Approximately two-thirds of the course will be conducted online with provision for a number of class meetings to be scheduled during the semester. Students will work with order and coordinated cultural readings on the Internet. The class meetings will be used to discuss and understand the truth and myth of certain intercultural perceptions. The course will use role-play to promote cultural competence.

Prerequisites: None. Course conducted in English.
FRE 154X  France and America: Two Perspectives on Democracy, Freedom and the Modern Social and Politcal Order  (3 credits)  

France and America, currently two of the world's most advanced industrialized nations, are similar in many respects with regard to how they conceptualize and practice freedom, the duties of citizens and government, human rights, capitalism and other matters that pertain to modern life. There is much in America's history that is rooted in ideas that stem from the Enlightenment in 18th century France. At the same time, French views on matters like freedom, the obligations of government to the citizenry and the like often differ markedly from those held by Americans. This course will examine those similarities and differences and attempt to explain them through lectures, readings, discussions and presentations.

Prerequisites: None. Course conducted in English.
FRE 154Y  Topic: Dictators, Prostitutes, and Rebels: Francophone  (3 credits)  

This course will examine post-colonial novels by authors from throughout francophone Africa, introducing students to the culture and literature of this part of the world. The readings share the themes of dictatorship and violence, and in this context prostitution is emblematic of corruption and rebellion.

Prerequisites: None. Course conducted in English.
FRE 155A  Topic in Translation: French Existentialist Writers  (3 credits)  
Prerequisites: None. Course conducted in English.
FRE 155B  Topic in Translation: The Short Story and Novella  (3 credits)  
Prerequisites: None. Course conducted in English.
FRE 155C  Topic: Paris: A Tale of Two Cities in the Literary Imagination  (3 credits)  

Paris, the City of Lights, holds a mythic presence in world literature. In this course, we will study the many ways that Paris has appeared in French literature over the centuries. Readings will introduce students to the multiple and changing identities that the city has developed since its inception. This course is conducted in English.

Course Rotation: NYC: Spring
FRE 155T  Topic: Realism, Naturalism, Mysticism-19th and 20th Centuries  (3 credits)  
Prerequisites: None. Course conducted in English.
FRE 161  The French Speaking World Seen Through Its Films  (3 credits)  

Students will learn about the people who speak French (Francophones) by reading selections about the French from various print and internet sources, by viewing, analyzing and writing about film produced by French and Francophone directors, and by online discussions of these documents and films. Watching Francophones in action will help students understand both similarities and differences in cultural expectations, attitudes and values. In addition, students will view a series of films, selected for their representation of cultural topics. Before viewing the film, students will read selections from the text, as well as prepare and discuss cultural materials. For each film, students will discuss the topic on Blackboard, bringing in observations, ideas, and thoughts. Additional activities include reading, keeping a journal, online discussion of texts and films, viewing of films and film clips, short papers and a final PowerPoint presentation.

Course Rotation: PL: Fall, odd years.
FRE 162  Images of Women in French Literature and Film  (3 credits)  
Course Rotation: PLV: Summer.
FRE 163  Our Northern Neighbors: The Literature of Quebec  (3 credits)  

This course introduces students to a representative sample of the literature of the Canadian province of Quebec as it has developed over the past 200 years. All works were originally written in French and will be read in English translations.

Course Rotation: PLV:Summer
FRE 164  Ye Cric! Francophone Voices of the Caribbean  (3 credits)  

This course will explore literary works of French speaking authors from the Caribbean as they tell of exploration, exploitation and the search for a national identity. Authors from Haiti, Martinique and Guadeloupe will be represented, primarily from the 20th century. All works are read in their entirely in translation.

Course Rotation: PLV: Fall;Summer
FRE 165  A Different Voice: Francophone Women of North America  (3 credits)  

Readings in this course are taken from three different region of North America, Canada, The United States and the Caribbean-which represent different histories and different societies bit one language: French. Francophone women writers of North America speak for two minorities and speak from a variety of experiences: as citizens whose language is that of a minority, or with the voice of a former slave, or with the language of a disappearing heritage. All works are in English translations.

Course Rotation: PLV: Spring
FRE 166  Wmn Authors W. Afrca and Carib  (3 credits)  

This course explores through literature the complex historical and cultural ties between women writers of West African countries that have a French colonial history and their counterparts in the island nations of the Caribbean. While these nations have distinct cultures, their literature and the concerns of women writers share common thematic threads. All works are in English translation&nbsp; PLV Fall

FRE 167  Paris: The City of Lights in Film and Fiction  (3 credits)  

This course is designed to introduce students to France's most well-known and well-loved city, Paris, using a variety of films and literary sources which highlight themes which have dominated Parisian life in modern times.

Course Rotation: NYC & PLV: TBD
FRE 200  Listening and Speaking French  (1 credits)  

This course will focus solely on listening and speaking skills for students with a basic knowledge of French using strategies specifically designed to improve vocabulary, pronunciation, and understanding of the spoken language.

Course Rotation: PLV: Fall and Spring.
Prerequisites: FRE 102 or 3 years of high school French.
FRE 200A  Listening and Speaking French  (1 credits)  
FRE 200B  Listening and Speaking French  (1 credits)  
FRE 200C  Listening and Speaking French III  (1 credits)  
FRE 200D  Listening and Speaking French IV  (1 credits)  
FRE 200E  Listening and Speaking French  (1 credits)  
FRE 206  Contemporary French Novel  (3 credits)  
FRE 213  Advanced French Conversation  (3 credits)  
FRE 214  Advanced French Conversation and Composition  (3 credits)  
FRE 216  Introduction to French Literature  (3 credits)  
FRE 228  Strategies for Language Learning-French  (3 credits)  
FRE 229N  Les Philosophies DU 18E Siecle  (3 credits)  
FRE 232  French Realism  (3 credits)  
FRE 250A  Topics ( French Literature in Translation): Moliere and His Comedies  (3 credits)  
FRE 250B  Contemporary Survey: Commercial Perspectives  (3 credits)  
FRE 250C  Topic: 19th Century Novel  (3 credits)  
FRE 250D  Topic: French Literature in Translation: French Culture in Translation  (3 credits)  
FRE 250E  Topic: French Literature in Translation: Modern French Theatre  (3 credits)  
FRE 250F  Topic-French Literature in Translation: French Satire  (3 credits)  
FRE 250G  Topic in French Literature: Modern Novel and Theatre to 1945  (3 credits)  
FRE 250H  The Search for Truth in French Novel and Theatre 1945-Present  (3 credits)  
FRE 250I  Topic: From French Literature in Translation: Moliere and His Comedies  (3 credits)  
FRE 250J  18th Century Literature: Age of Ideas/Philosophers  (3 credits)  
FRE 250K  Topic in Translation: Love and Freedom in French Fiction  (3 credits)  
FRE 250L  Topic: French Comic Theatre  (3 credits)  
FRE 250M  Topics in French Literature: French Contemporary Literature  (3 credits)  
FRE 250N  Topic: 20th Century Literature Since World War II  (3 credits)  
FRE 250R  Topic in French Literature: Contemporary French Writers  (3 credits)  
FRE 250S  Topic: From West Africa to the Caribbean  (3 credits)  
FRE 250T  Topic: Women Authors in West Africa and Caribbean  (3 credits)  
FRE 251B  Topics: Classical French Theatre  (3 credits)  
FRE 251C  Topic: Writers from the French Enlightment  (3 credits)  
FRE 251D  French Literature and Translation: The Short Story  (3 credits)  
FRE 251E  Topic: Contemporary Man's Search for Meaning  (3 credits)  
FRE 251F  Topic in Translation: Myth in French Theatre  (3 credits)  
FRE 251H  Topic: The French Novel of the 19th Century  (3 credits)  
FRE 251J  French Literature in Translation: Culture/Civil of France  (3 credits)  
FRE 251M  Topic in French Literature: Commitment and Escapism  (3 credits)  
FRE 251N  Topic in Translation: 18th Century Writer Shaped World  (3 credits)  
FRE 251R  Topic in French Literature: Great Authors Through the Ages  (3 credits)  
FRE 251S  Topic: French Women Writers  (3 credits)  
FRE 251T  Topic: Realism, Naturalism, Mysticism-19th and 20th Century  (3 credits)  
FRE 280  Intensive Review of French  (3 credits)  

This course is designed to strengthen and solidify reading, writing, speaking, and understanding skills acquired in FRE 101/102 (or equivalent) by the intensive review of grammar, class conversations, reading of literary texts and the use of technology.

Course Rotation: Fall.
Prerequisites: FRE 102 or 3 years of high school French.
FRE 281  Intermediate French I  (3 credits)  

A review and expansion of the principles learned in the first year of French. Greater emphasis will be placed on reading and writing skills. By reading texts related to contemporary cultural issues, the student will enhance his knowledge of the language and the culture.

Course Rotation: PLV: TBA.
Prerequisites: FRE 102 or 3 years of High School French.
FRE 282  Intermediate French II  (3 credits)  

A review and expansion of the principles learned in the first year of French. Greater emphasis will be placed on reading and writing skills. By reading texts related to contemporary cultural issues, the student will enhance his knowledge of the language and the culture.

FRE 283  Intermediate French Conversation  (3 credits)  

An intermediate level course for students who possess a solid foundation in the fundamentals of the language and who wish to improve their ability to speak and communicate in the language.

Course Rotation: PLV: TBA.
Prerequisites: FRE 280 or 4 years of High School French.
FRE 284  Intermediate French Composition  (3 credits)  

An intermediate level course for students who possess a solid foundation in the fundamentals of the language and who wish to improve their ability to write with ease and correctness.

Course Rotation: NYC: Spring. PLV: TBA.
Prerequisites: FRE 102 or 3 years of High School French.
FRE 299A  Seminar: Translation Skill in French and English  (3 credits)  
FRE 301  French Conversation, Diction, and Phonetics  (3 credits)  

This course aims to develop fluency in the spoken language and increase vocabulary through oral and written exercises. Appropriate laboratory materials are included. Course is conducted in French.

Prerequisites: 6 credits of intermediate French or 4 years of High School French.
FRE 302  Advanced French Composition  (3 credits)  

A course that stresses writing correct French on a broad variety of topics including literature, culture, and daily life.

Course Rotation: TBA.
Prerequisites: 6 credits of intermediate French or 4 years of High School French.
FRE 303  Advanced Oral and Written Expression  (3 credits)  

A course for those wishing to improve their ability to speak and write French. The stress is on acquisition of correct pronunciation and a wider vocabulary.

Prerequisites: 6 credits of intermediate French or 4 years of High School French.
FRE 303A  Advanced French Conversation  (3 credits)  
Prerequisites: 6 credits of intermediate French or 4 years of High School French.
FRE 304  Translation and Interpretation  (3 credits)  

This course is designed to introduce the students to students to the basic theories and strategies for practical translation and interpretation both from French to English and from English to French. With reading and writing assignments as well as class discussions, students are encouraged to evaluate and apply theoretical concepts and techniques to improve their own translation and interpretation performance. In addition, oral and written translation of a variety of texts and exercises provides student an opportunity to reinforce the knowledge of French grammar they have already learned and to increase their mastery in the areas of vocabulary, syntax, and stylistics.

Course Rotation: Fall;NY
FRE 305  Advanced French for Industry and the Professions I  (3 credits)  

Designed to develop the student's language proficiency within his/her career interests. Students will be introduced to commercial terminology and cultural differences in business. Emphasis is on business correspondence.

Course Rotation: NYC: Fall - Odd years. PLV: Spring - Even years.
Prerequisites: 6 credits of intermediate French or 4 years of High School French.
FRE 306  Advanced French for Industry and Professions II  (3 credits)  

A continuation of FRE 305. Designed to develop the student's language proficiency within his/her career interests. Students will be introduced to commercial terminology and cultural differences in business. Emphasis is on business correspondence.

Course Rotation: Spring - Even years.
Prerequisites: One 300-Level French course.
FRE 310  French Culture and Civilization I  (3 credits)  

Comprehensive study of the most important aspects of French history, art, and literature. Consideration is also given to French geography, social customs, life, and institutions. Extensive use of visual aids. Course is conducted in French.

Course Rotation: NYC: Fall - Odd years. PLV: TBA.
Prerequisites: One 300-Level French Course.
FRE 311  French Culture and Civilization II  (3 credits)  

A study of the diverse French-speaking cultures in North America and Africa. A selection of seminal works by important writers and thinkers from the French-speaking world outside of metropolitan France.

Course Rotation: TBA.
Prerequisites: One 300-Level French Course.
FRE 312  French Culture and Civilazation I  (3 credits)  
Prerequisites: One 300 level French course.
FRE 313  French Culture and Civilization II  (3 credits)  
Prerequisites: One 300 level French course.
FRE 313A  Cultural Field Study to France  (3 credits)  
Prerequisites: One 300-Level Course.
FRE 313B  Cultural Field Study to Quebec  (3 credits)  
Prerequisites: One 300 level Fre Course.
FRE 313C  European Field Study: France and Germany  (3 credits)  
Prerequisites: One 300 level Fre course.
FRE 316  Masterpieces of French Literature I  (3 credits)  

A selection of seminal works in prose, poetry and theater by many of France's most important and influential writers. The course will be conducted entirely in French and students will read the texts in the original.

Course Rotation: NYC: Fall - Even years and Spring - Odd years. PLV: TBA.
Prerequisites: One 300 level French course.
FRE 317  Masterpieces of French Literature II  (3 credits)  

A selection of seminal works in prose, poetry, and theater by several of the most important and influential writers of the present modern period.

Course Rotation: TBA.
Prerequisites: One 300 level French Course.
FRE 319  Introduction to French Cinema  (3 credits)  

This course will allow students to understand the evolution of French cinema from birth with Lumiere and Melles to trends of the 21st century. Principle movements and major directors' representative films will be studied from historical, social and esthetic perspectives (Jean Renoir, Rene Clement, Fran9ois Truffaut, Claude Chabrol, Jean-Luc Godard, Agnes Varda, Mathieu Kassovltz). Throughout the course, students will be acquainted with basic methods and concepts of film analysis. Also, they will develop critical thinking on film analysis as well as on French society and culture.

Course Rotation:
Prerequisites: 3 credits at 300 level, or equivalent.
FRE 320  Medieval and Renaissance Literature  (3 credits)  
Prerequisites: One 300 level French Course.
FRE 321  Contemporary Francophone Cultures and Literatures  (3 credits)  

This course offers an introduction to the diverse French-speaking literatures of Africa, North America, and the Caribbean, beyond French culture and literature. We will study the relationship between literature and society in Francophone cultures providing an overview of the international context of Francophonie. We will particularly consider themes as "Negritude", the Negro-African identity, the dialogue between tradition and modernity, the status of women in the Francophone world, the relationship between French culture and Francophone cultures notably through the reality of colonial and post-colonial history that is still alive in the literatures of countries that are former colonies of France. This course will be taught in French.

Course Rotation: NYC; Spring
FRE 325  Classical French Theatre  (3 credits)  

A study of the classical period of French literature with special emphasis given to the life and works of Corneille, Racine, and Moliere.

Course Rotation: Fall - Odd years.
Prerequisites: One 300 level French course.
FRE 329  Les Philosophes Du 18E Siecle  (3 credits)  

A study of the works and ideas of Montesquieu, Voltaire, Diderot and Rousseau.

Course Rotation: NYC: Fall.
Prerequisites: One 300 level French Course.
FRE 330  French Romanticism, Realism and Naturalism  (3 credits)  

This course will examine representative novelists, poets, and playwrights of these major literary trends of the 19th century.

Course Rotation: NYC: Fall.
Prerequisites: One 300 level French Course.
FRE 337  Contemporary French Literature I  (3 credits)  

A survey of the main trends emerging in the post-war period especially in the novel and theater. Intensive and extensive readings from Proust, Gide, Sartre, Camus, Giraudoux, Anouilh, existentialism, and the Theater of the Absurd.

Course Rotation: NYC: Fall.
Prerequisites: One 300 level French course.
FRE 338  Contemporary French Literature II  (3 credits)  
Prerequisites: One 300 level French course.
FRE 339  Women in France: 1789 to the Present  (3 credits)  

This is an advanced French course on French women writers and artists. The works studied will be presented in the respective social and historical contexts from 1789 to the present. While highlighting key moments in women’s social and political history (from the suffrage movement to family law to feminism), issues of representation and agency will also be addressed through the analysis of women’s artistic and literary production. Supportive readings will include historical scholarship, theoretical texts, and writings representative of a variety of genres (poetry, fiction novels, travel narratives, as well as journalism and political pamphlets). We will also rely on visual and plastic arts, as well as performance arts.

Course Rotation: NYC: Fall, Even Years
FRE 380A  Seminar: Translating Skills in French and English  (3 credits)  
Prerequisites: One 300 level French course.
FRE 380B  Seminar: The Francophone World: A MutliMedia Approach  (3 credits)  
Prerequisites: One 300 level French course.
FRE 380C  Seminar: French Literature and Film  (3 credits)  

This course focuses on modern French films and their literary counterparts.

Prerequisites: One 300-level French class.
FRE 380D  Topic: Dialogue, Diction, Drama: Seminar in Spoken French  (3 credits)  
Prerequisites: One 300 level French course.
FRE 380E  Topic: French Theater of the 20th Century  (3 credits)  
Prerequisites: One 300 level French course.
FRE 380F  Topic: The Written Word: Translation and Theme  (3 credits)  
Prerequisites: One 300 level French course.
FRE 390  Honors Project in French  (1-6 credits)  
Prerequisites: Senior standing or permission of the department chairperson.
FRE 395  Independent Study in French  (1-9 credits)  
Prerequisites: One 300 level French course.
FRE 395A  Independent Study in French (A)  (1-9 credits)  
Prerequisites: One 300 level French course.
FRE 395B  Indendent Study in French (B)  (1-9 credits)  
Prerequisites: One 300 level French Course.
FRE 395C  Independent Study in French (C)  (1-9 credits)  
Prerequisites: One 300 level French course.
FRE 480A  French Civilization: Origins to the Existentialist  (3 credits)  

This course traces the development of French civilization from its origins in prehistory-evident in the cave paintings of Lascaux to the existentialist philosophy of Jean-Paul Sartre. The text for the course is Steele et al.'s La civilization française en évolution I. The work in this course should contribute to a development of all four language skills since all will come into play.

Prerequisites: One 300 level French course.
FRE 480B  Seminar: Gender Issues and Roles for Francophone Contemporary Caribbean Women  (3 credits)  

This course will focus on the issues involved in the psychosocial and historical construction of gender and gender roles. We will analyze the nature and function of Francophone Caribbean feminist/feminine writing in woman's search for self-definition, and the way it represents the body and desire. The students will debate and explore issues such as feminism, racism, colonialism, independence, post independence, and other aspects of a multi-cultural society.

Prerequisites: One 300 level French course.
FRE 480C  Topic: Contemporary Francophone Literature  (3 credits)  

It is a course about literary texts and authors from the whole French speaking world. Occasionally, we may illustrate the literary discussions and discoveries with audiovisual documents. The course will study creative writings from the 19th century to the beginning of the 21st century. It will be taught completely in French. This course should allow students to know and understand better the diversity and richness of literature produced in Francophone nations.

FRE 491  French Internship  (3 credits)  

Designed to provide the student with an opportunity to apply language proficiency to a professional setting.

Course Rotation: Fall, Spring, and Summer.
Prerequisites: Permission of the department chairperson. Students must demonstrate an adequate level of language proficiency.