French Program
Department of Modern Literatures and Cultures
Françoise Ravaux-Kirkpatrick, Section Coordinator
Professor Ravaux-Kirkpatrick
Associate Professor Kapanga
Assistant Professors Delers, Pappas, Radi
Director of Intensive Language Program Baker
Director of Multimedia Language Laboratory Scinicariello
This section contains information specific to the degree programs in French. For full information regarding departmental policies relevant to all the MLC degree programs, study abroad, and course sequencing, see the main page of the Department of Modern Literatures and Cultures.
Study Abroad
Study and travel abroad are strongly encouraged for all students. For students of French, the department offers a summer study program in France. In addition, there are exchange agreements for study during the academic year in France, Quebec, and West Africa; others are being negotiated. For a complete list, contact the Office of International Education.
The Residency Requirement
For all French majors, at least 5.5 units of the 9.5 units required for the major must be taken on the University of Richmond campus. If the student participates in a study abroad program, at least one upper-level course in the major must be taken upon return from the program.
The French Major
Note: The grade point average of the coursework comprising the major must be no less than 2.00 with no course grade below C- (1.70).
9 courses and a senior project (498-499) including
FREN 305 Writing in French through Culture and Literature
One course, chosen from
- FREN 301 French Conversation through Cinema
- FREN 304 French Grammar Review
- FREN 306 French at Work
- FREN 311 French and Francophone Cultures
Two courses, chosen from
- FREN 320 Literature in Context
- FREN 324 Francophone Literatures and Cultures
- FREN 325 Medieval and Early Modern Society
- FREN 326 Revolution in France
- FREN 327 The Question of Modernity
Four 400-level courses, at least three of which are numbered 411 or higher
One unit elective at the 300 or 400 level (may be an MLC course with LAC component)
FREN 498-499 Senior Project I and II
Students are expected to fulfill all prerequisites necessary for courses within the major. Prerequisites do not count toward the major unless otherwise noted.
The French Major/International Business Option
(Earned in conjunction with a major in the Robins School of Business with an international business concentration.)
9 courses and a senior project (498-499), in addition to completing all requirements of the international business concentration for the business administration major, including
Three 300-level courses (at least one FSLT), normally taken prior to study abroad
Two 400-level seminars following required study abroad
FREN 498-499 Senior Project I and II
One semester full-time study at an approved business school (with all-French curriculum) in a French-speaking country (four courses)
The French major/international business option represents a joint project between the Department of Modern Literatures and Cultures and the International Business Program in the Robins School of Business. The curriculum includes a semester abroad at one of the University's partner institutions (for example, IFI-Rouen, EPSCI, MICEFA/Université Paris IX). There, students will continue their business concentrations in classes with both local and other international students.
To prepare for the experience abroad, students will have a solid base of 300-level French courses taken on the Richmond campus. Upon return, they will broaden their knowledge of literary and cultural studies through advanced seminars as well as additional Robins School of Business coursework. The French component of this program thus consists of five courses taken on campus plus four or five courses taken abroad, or the equivalent of a nine-course major in MLC.
Combined Major in English and French Literature is intended for students who wish to pursue in-depth work in both languages and literary traditions.
The French Minor
Note: The grade point average of the coursework comprising the minor must be no less than 2.00 with no course grade below C- (1.70).
5 courses, including
FREN 305 Writing in French through Culture and Literature
One course, chosen from
- FREN 301 French Conversation through Cinema
- FREN 304 French Grammar Review
- FREN 306 French at Work
- FREN 311 French and Francophone Cultures
Two courses, chosen from
- FREN 320 Literature in Context
- FREN 324 Francophone Literatures and Cultures
- FREN 325 Medieval and Early Modern Society
- FREN 326 Revolution in France
- FREN 327 The Question of Modernity
One 400-level course
Students are expected to fulfill all prerequisites necessary for courses within the minor. Prerequisites do not count toward the minor unless otherwise noted.
Related Majors
International Studies: Africa
International Studies: International Economics
International Studies: Modern Europe
International Studies: World Politics and Diplomacy
English/French Literature
Courses
FREN
121 Intensive Elementary French
Introduction to French language and culture. Emphasis on oral communication. Development of elementary reading and writing skills.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of department.
Unit(s): 2
FREN
221 Intensive Intermediate French
Reinforcement of communicative language skills. Increased emphasis on reading, writing, and culture.
Prerequisite(s): French 121 or equivalent.
General Education Requirement: (COM2)
Unit(s): 2
FREN
301 French Conversation through Cinema
Development of speaking ability in French, with stress upon vocabulary expansion, pronunciation and communicative accuracy, through representations of French culture in film.
Prerequisite(s): French 221 or permission of department.
Unit(s): 1
FREN
304 French Grammar Review
An in-depth study of French grammar designed to improve the written expression of more advanced students in preparation for writing.
Prerequisite(s): French 301 or 305.
Unit(s): 1
FREN
305 Writing in French through Culture and Literature
Develops competent writing skills through topics in French and Francophone literature and culture. Students will engage in writing execises in a variety of textual genres including essay, review, explication de texte (textual explication), and short paper.
Prerequisite(s): French 221 or permission of department.
Unit(s): 1
FREN
306 French at Work
Task-based course designed to develop students' ability to interact in French situations specific to the workplace. Acquisition of business terminology and etiquette and exploration of cross-cultural differences, economic and political issues influencing business in the French-speaking world.
Prerequisite(s): French 221 or permission of department.
Unit(s): 1
FREN
311 French and Francophone Culture
Exploration of significant themes and issues in contemporary French and Francophone cultures set in the context of French history and cultural traditions.
Prerequisite(s): French 221 or permission of department.
Unit(s): 1
FREN
320 Literature in Context
Introduces students to works of literature written in French from a variety of genres (poetry, prose, and theatre) and to critical writing in French.
Prerequisite(s): French 305 plus one of the following: French 301, 304, 306 or 311.
General Education Requirement: (FSLT)
Unit(s): 1
FREN
324 Francophone Cultures and Literature
Explores contemporary Francophone literatures and cultures through texts by African, Caribbean, Maghrebian, and Canadian writers.
Prerequisite(s): FREN 305 and one of FREN 301, 304, 306, or 311.
General Education Requirement: (FSLT)
Unit(s): 1
FREN
325 Medieval and Early Modern Society
Studies in French literature, history, and culture from the Medieval period to the Enlightenment.
Prerequisite(s): FREN 305 and one of FREN 301, 304, 306, or 311
General Education Requirement: (FSLT)
Unit(s): 1
FREN
326 Revolution in France
Studies in French literature, history, and culture related to the concept of revolution with special emphasis on the Enlightenment and the 19th century.
Prerequisite(s): FREN 305 and one of FREN 301, 304, 306, or 311
General Education Requirement: (FSLT)
Unit(s): 1
FREN
327 The Question of Modernity
Studies in French literature, history, and culture related to modern French society and the French-speaking world.
Prerequisite(s): FREN 305 and one of FREN 301, 304, 306, or 311
General Education Requirement: (FSLT)
Unit(s): 1
FREN
388 Individual Internship
Internship experience outside of the department in fields related to French studies. No more than 1.5 unit of internship in any one department and 3.5 units of internship overall may be counted toward required degree units.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department.
Unit(s): .25-1
FREN
389 Practice Assistantship
Students lead practice sessions associated with the elementary and intermediate language sequence in French. The practice assistantship does not count as credit toward the major or minor. Up to one unit can be applied toward graduation credit.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department.
Unit(s): .25
FREN
397 Selected Topics
Prerequisite(s): French 221 or permission of department.
Unit(s): 1
FREN
402 Advanced French Conversation
Development of advanced speaking skills beyond 301 level.
Prerequisite(s): French 301.
Unit(s): 1
FREN
404 Advanced Composition and Syntax
Further refinement of written expression and advanced grammar review.
Prerequisite(s): French 305.
Unit(s): 1
FREN
411 The French Middle Ages
Analysis of issues such as morality and literacy, governance, social order, human values and ideals, authorship, gender, and artistic production as manifested in significant texts from the 11th to the 15th centuries.
Prerequisite(s): Two classes in the 320 series: French 324, 325, 326, 327.
Unit(s): 1
FREN
421 Renaissance
Exploration of literature of a France transformed by Reformation and Renaissance: the poetry of love; devotion and play; the prose of wisdom.
Prerequisite(s): Two classes in the 320 series: French 324, 325, 326, 327.
Unit(s): 1
FREN
431 Le Siècle Classique
Exploration of both triumphs and powerful tensions within 17th-century culture, with attention to such issues as political patronage of the arts, women intellectuals and salon culture, courtly life at Versailles, social satires of Molière, and place of dissent within the absolutist state.
Prerequisite(s): Two classes in the 320 series: French 324, 325, 326, 327.
Unit(s): 1
FREN
441 Enlightenment
Literary and philosophical texts of 18th century, emphasizing questions on selfhood, social life, gender relations, and power. Topics include the libertine tradition, novel and society, women writers and Enlightenment's others.
Prerequisite(s): Two classes in the 320 series: French 324, 325, 326, 327.
Unit(s): 1
FREN
451 From Romanticism to Decadence
Issues of gender, subjectivity, and socio-historical contexts in works by poets, novelists and historians in the numerous and varied cultural movements of 19th-century France. Recent topics include desire and representation in the novel, "Fin de Siècle," Symbolist Poetry and Romanticism.
Prerequisite(s): Two classes in the 320 series: French 324, 325, 326, 327.
Unit(s): 1
FREN
461 From Modern to Postmodern
Trends in 20th century and contemporary French poetry, drama, and fiction, set in the context of painting, film and experimental art forms. Recent topics include otherness, gender, creativity, the nature of truth, and the quest for self-expression.
Prerequisite(s): Two classes in the 320 series: French 324, 325, 326, 327.
Unit(s): 1
FREN
465 French Film
Survey of development of French cinema with emphasis on the contemporary period. Introduction to film aesthetics and film theories. Film topics include French current events and trends, personal and social challenges, ethnicity, women's issues, and historical or political perspectives.
Prerequisite(s): Two classes in the 320 series: French 324, 325, 326, 327.
Unit(s): 1
FREN
467 French Culture in the Making: Conception and Actualization of a French Film Festival
Experience in the creation and preparation of a major cultural event on French cinema leading to significant enhancement of knowledge of French contemporary cinema and culture, substantial improvement of French language skills, and exposure to cultural management. Activities will be carried out in French and include writing, editing, translation and interpretation, film programming, advertisement and marketing development, outreach promotion, media relations at the local, national, and international levels, and event management.
Prerequisite(s): Two classes in the 320 series: French 324, 325, 326, 327.
Unit(s): 1
FREN
471 Francophone Studies
Literary and cultural studies of modern Francophone texts by African, Caribbean, Québecois, Maghrebian, and other French-speaking writers. Recent topics include: tradition, postcolonialism and modernity; aesthetics; négritude; and globalization.
Prerequisite(s): Two classes in the 320 series: French 324, 325, 326, 327.
Unit(s): 1
FREN
487 Contemporary Ideas
Readings and discussion of recent works which have provoked political or intellectual debate in France and the French-speaking world.
Prerequisite(s): Two classes in the 320 series: French 324, 325, 326, 327.
Unit(s): 1
FREN
495 Independent Study
Special projects individually pursued under supervision of faculty member.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of department.
Unit(s): .5-1
FREN
497 Selected Topics
Experimental topics based on student and faculty interests. Recent topics: autobiography, the emergence of drama, the letter in philosophy and literature, women writing in French.
Prerequisite(s): Two classes in the 320 series: French 324, 325, 326, 327.
Unit(s): 1
FREN
498 Senior Project I
Consultation with major faculty advisor, selection of topic for senior project, and meetings with faculty and fellow seniors.
Unit(s): 0
FREN
499 Senior Project II
Consultation with major faculty advisor, meetings with faculty and fellow seniors, completion of research project, presentation of project at French Studies Symposium.
Unit(s): .5
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