UNCA Catalog: Courses of Instruction
UNCA Catalog: Table of Contents

French (FREN)

Associate Professor Pons (Chair, Foreign Languages); Professor Malicote; Associate Professor McDonald

The French major, under the auspices of the Department of Foreign Languages, offers a wide variety of courses in French language, literature and civilization. In small upper-division classes, topics of permanent human significance are discussed and related to personal interests. Through the experience of a culture, language and literatureclosely linked historically to their ownstudents are able to gain distance and awareness, stretch their intellectual horizons and at the same time prepare for careers. The department encourages travel and study abroad and helps students apply for Fulbright and other scholarships to France and admission to graduate schools.

Major in French

1. Required courses in the major--27 hours above the 220 level, including: FREN 300, 310, 320, 340, 341; three courses from the 400 series; plus a 300-400 level elective.
2. Required courses outside the major--None.
3. Foreign language requirement--Satisfied by major courses in French.
4. Special departmental requirements--Oral competency: oral competency will be tested after FREN 320 by the assembled faculty of French. Capstone project: competency in French will be demonstrated by a capstone project consisting of research plus oral and written presentations on French language, literature or civilization, to be carried out in one of the 400-level courses, as approved by the Department chair. Students must demonstrate satisfactory oral competency before undertaking the capstone project.

French with Teacher Licensure

To obtain licensure as a teacher of French (K­12), the candidate must complete the required concentration in French described in the Department of Foreign Languages section, the General Education requirements, and those courses required by the Education Department for K­12 licensure. (See Education section.)

The Foreign Language Department also offers endorsements in French (K­12 or 9­12). Students in this program are required to complete licensure in another licensable subject area (K­12 or 9­12) and 18 hours of selected courses in French numbered 300 or above. Students who intend to obtain teacher licensure in French are also required to include FREN 400 in their major and minor programs.

Declaration of Major in French

Declaring a major in French requires the student to complete a Declaration of Major form that must be signed by the department chair. Before declaring a major, students must satisfy the LANG 102 and Library Research requirements.

Minor in French

18 hours in courses numbered 300 or above, including: FREN 300, 310, 320, 340 or 341; two electives, at least one at the 400-level.

110, 120 Elementary French I, II (3, 3)

Introduction to the study of French language and culture through classroom and laboratory instruction. For beginners and those referred by placement test or departmental evaluation. This sequence satisfies the foreign language General Education requirement. (Students may not receive credit for both FREN 110 and 115, nor may they receive credit for both FREN 120 and 125.) Fall and Spring.

115 Elementary French for Reading I (3)

An elementary course that focuses on acquiring the vocabulary, language structure, and cultural background necessary for reading and discussing elementary texts. Essentials of phonetics and aural comprehension. For beginners and those referred by placement test or departmental evaluation. May replace FREN 110 toward foreign language General Education requirement. (Students may not receive credit for both FREN 110 and 115.) Fall.

125 Elementary French for Reading II (3)

A continuation of FREN 115 with the same focus on reading proficiency. This course will be of particular interest to students planning to go to graduate school. Prerequisite: FREN 110 or 115, placement test, or departmental evaluation. Completion of FREN 125 satisfies the foreign language General Education requirement. (Students may not receive credit for both FREN 120 and 125.) Spring.

210, 220 Intermediate French I, II (3,3)

Continuation of the study of French language and culture through classroom and laboratory instruction. Intensive conversational practice. Reading to develop comprehension and speed. Writing of simple compositions. Prerequisite: FREN 120 or 125 or equivalent. Fall and Spring.

300 Oral Skills (3)

Intensive practice in oral skills; listening comprehension, pronunciation, conversation. Students make extensive use of Francophone mass media, especially television and press. Laboratory exercises, oral reports, group and individual work. Course may be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: FREN 220 or equivalent. Every year.

310, 320 Composition and Structural Review I, II (3,3)

Development of accuracy and fluency in spoken and written French through oral presentations and exchanges and discussion of cultural materials, periodicals and literary works. Original compositions and review of language structures. Conducted in French. Prerequisite: FREN 220 or equivalent. Oral competency will be tested after FREN 320 by the assembled faculty of French. Every year.

340 Survey of French Civilization and Literature I (3)

A survey of the development of French literature and civilization in the context of historical developments from the beginnings through the 18th century as seen in artistic and intellectual achievements, religious, social and political institutions, customs and traditions reflected in literary texts. Oral reports and discussions. Prerequisite: FREN 310. Every year.

341 Survey of French Civilization and Literature II (3)

A survey of the development of French literature and civilization in the context of historical developments of the 19th and 20th centuries as seen in artistic and intellectual achievements, religious, social and political institutions, customs and traditions reflected in literary texts. Oral reports and discussions. Prerequisite: FREN 310. Every year.

360 History of French Cinema (3)

A survey of movements, styles and major figures in a medium to which France has made a unique contribution. Screenings, discussions, oral reports. Prerequisite: FREN 320 or permission of instructor. As needed.

400 The French Language (3)

The development of the French language and its expansion: overview of the evolution of French in France, the present-day standard language system, linguistic diversity in France and French as a world language. Independent research, oral and written reports. Prerequisites: FREN 310, 320. As needed.

435 Francophone Studies (3)

Examination of a French-language culture outside of France (e.g., Quebec, Antilles, Belgium, the Maghreb, French-speaking West Africa), concentrating on its particular cultural forms, its literature, its social and political history and the relation between its development and that of France. Prerequisite: FREN 320. Content varies; course may be repeated for credit. As needed.

445 French Views of America (3)

Examination of texts from the 18th century to the present, showing the effect of the American experience on the minds of French observers and their critical attitude to aspects of the American phenomenon. Prerequisite: FREN 320. As needed.

460 Masters of French Film (3)

An in-depth survey of the work of one, two or three cineastes situating their specific contributions to the evolution of the cinematic art in France. Screenings, discussions, oral reports. Prerequisite: FREN 320; or permission of instructor. Content varies; course may be repeated for credit. As needed.

499 Undergraduate Research in French (1-6)

Independent research under the supervision of a faculty mentor. An IP grade may be awarded at discretion of instructor. May be repeated for a total of 6 hours credit. See department chair.

171-3, 271-3, 371-3, 471-3 Special Topics in French (1-3)

Courses not otherwise included in the catalog listing but for which there may be special needs. May be repeated for credit as subject matter changes. See department chair.

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