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University of San Diego
Languages and Literatures
Founders Hall 138
5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 260-4070
languages@sandiego.edu
Department Chair
Richard Stroik, Ph.D.
rstroik@sandiego.edu
Media Contact
Liz Harman
harman@sandiego.edu
(619) 260-4682
Find us on
French Courses
* Please read the placement policy of this department before enrolling in your first language class at USD.
Lower-Division Courses (FREN)
A passing grade in French 201 satisfies the core curriculum requirement.
101 First Semester French (3 units)
Introductory course to French life, language, and grammar, with stress upon pronunciation and oral comprehension. This course is open only to those who have never studied French, or who have not studied it in a considerable amount of time as determined by the director of placement or this department (see Web site). (every semester)
102 Second Semester French (3 units)
Essentials of French grammar together with writing, reading, pronunciation, and comprehension. Prerequisite: FREN 101 or equivalent, or placement exam. (every semester)
201 Third Semester French (3 units)
The final course of the core language sequence completes the introduction of the basic structures of the language, with increased emphasis on grammatical exactness to further develop communicative proficiency. At this level students are encouraged to participate in community service-learning and/or cultural activities within the French-speaking community. This course is also offered in the summer in Paris (see FREN 201 below). Prerequisite: FREN 102 or equivalent, or placement exam. (every semester)
201 Third Semester French in France (3 units)
Intensive summer course in France conducted by a USD faculty member. See course description above. Direct immersion in French life and culture; students are placed within French families. The university reserves the right to cancel this course if minimum enrollment is not met or for any other reason. Open to all students and prepares equally well for FREN 202. Prerequisite: FREN 102 or equivalent, or placement exam.
202 Fourth Semester French (3 units)
Oral and written practice of French idiomatic expression and syntax. Emphasis on accuracy and fluency reinforced through readings of short stories and essay writing, as well as conversations dealing with contemporary French culture. Prerequisite: FREN 201 or equivalent, or placement exam. (every semester)
Upper-Division Courses (FREN)
Upon completion of French 202, proceed to 300, 302, or 303.
300 Advanced Conversation (3 units)
Oral practice through debates and discussions of current events. Role playing emphasizing cultural content, using experiential methods. Study of basic notions of phonetics when necessary to help with pronunciation, advanced idiomatic forms, specific vocabulary and diverse means or styles of expression in preparation for upper-division work. Prerequisite: FREN 202.
301 Advanced Grammar and Composition (3 units)
Advanced written practice and grammar review. Essay topics follow a simulation enriched by literary texts and multimedia activities. Required for all advanced courses beyond FREN 320. Recommended preparation if taking the semester abroad program in Avignon. Prerequisite: One upper-division course or approval of the instructor.
302 Introduction to the Analysis of French Literary Texts (3 units)
Introduction to the analysis of texts selected from representative masterpieces of French literature in all genres. Emphasis will be on close reading of texts, with an overview of the historical evolution of literary styles and genres. Prerequisite: FREN 202.
303 Cultural Backgrounds of French Civilization ( 3 units)
Survey of the historical, social, cultural, and artistic evolution of French from the Middle Ages to the present. Prerequisite: FREN 202.
310 French Phonetics (3 units)
An intensive study of French phonemes, diction, and speech and their practical applications in contemporary France. Prerequisite: FREN 301 or higher.
320 Survey of French Literature I: Middle Ages to the 18th Century (3 units)
Introduction to the major works of French literature, in their socio-cultural context, from the birth of the language to the Age of Enlightenment. Prerequisite: FREN 301 or higher.
321 Survey of French Literature II: 19th and 20th Centuries (3 units)
Introduction to the major works of French literature, in their socio-cultural context, from the end of the 18th century to the second half of the 20th century. Prerequisite: FREN 301 or higher.
403 Contemporary French Civilization (3 units)
An in-depth study of major facets of the modern way of life in France, with special emphasis on the political, social, and artistic evolution of the past 30 years. Prerequisite: FREN 320 or higher, or approval of instructor.
410 French Theater (3 units)
Study of selected masterpieces of dramatic literature that reflect France’s people and culture, and the evolution of the genre through the ages. Prerequisites: FREN 301 and 302.
411 French Prose (3 units)
Study of a variety of French non-fiction and fiction (other than the novel) such as essais, pensées, discours, contes, fabliaux, nouvelles, sermons, etc. This course will examine the richness of French thought and storytelling through the ages. Prerequisites: FREN 301 and 302.
412 French Novel (3 units)
Study of selected novels reflecting the evolution of the novelistic genre through the ages. The course may include major works by such authors as l’Abbé Prévost, Balzac, Stendhal, Flaubert, Zola, Gide, Camus, Colette, Queneau, de Beauvoir, Tournier, Duras, Ernaux, and others. Prerequisites: FREN 301 and 302.
413 French Poetry (3 units)
Study of French poetry and poetic forms from the Middle Ages to the present. Prerequisites: FREN 301 and 302.
414 French Women Writers (3 units)
Study of representative works of French women writers from Marie de France to contemporary authors in their historical and social milieu. Prerequisites: FREN 301 and 302. Cross-listed as a gender studies course.
493 Field Experience in French (1-3 units)
Placement in a community agency where language skills will be utilized. A maximum of 2 units) may be applied toward the major, but none toward the minor. Prerequisite: Community placement requires approval of the department chair.
494 Topics in French Literature, Language, or Culture (3 units)
Study at an advanced level of French literature, language, or culture. Topics may include specific authors, periods, or linguistic studies such as: Business French, francophone literature, French stylists, Voltaire, Hugo, etc. When offered, selected subjects will be announced on the Web at www.sandiego.edu/search/classes/. This course may be repeated for credit when the topic changes. Prerequisites: FREN 302 and 320 or higher.
499 Independent Study (1-3 units)
A program arranged between the advanced student and the instructor to provide intensive study in a particular area of interest. Extensive reading and consultation are required, as well as preparation of reports to be assigned by the instructor. Prerequisite: Approval of French faculty member, department chair, and dean.
