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University of San Diego
Languages and Literatures
Founders Hall 138
5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, CA 92110
Phone: (619) 260-4070
Fax: (619) 260-4190
languages@sandiego.edu
Chair
Kevin Guerrieri, PhD
kevin2@sandiego.edu
Media Contact
Liz Harman
harman@sandiego.edu
(619) 260-4682
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French Courses
Please read the placement policy of this department before enrolling in your first French class at USD or elsewhere.
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 students placed in this level through the department’s placement process (see website). Every semester.
102 Second Semester French / 3 units
Essentials of French grammar together with writing, reading, pronunciation, and comprehension. Prerequisite: 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 Framce (see 201 below). Prerequisite: 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 202. Prerequisite: 102 or equivalent, or placement exam. Every summer.
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: 201 or equivalent, or placement exam. Every semester.
293 Language Tutoring or Field Experience in French / 3 units
Supervised participation in the department’s Tutoring Program or placement in a community organization in which the student’s skills in the target language are developed. Prerequisite: Approval of the instructor or the language coordinator.
294 Topics in Language, Literature, or Culture / 3 units
Study at the lower-division level of a special topic in language, literature, or culture. This course may be repeated for credit when the topic changes. If taught in English, this course may not fulfill the Core Curriculum language requirement. Consult with instructor. Prerequisite: 202 or approval of the instructor.
Upper-Division Courses (FREN)
Upon completion of French 202, proceed to 300, 301, 302, or 303.
300 Advanced Conversation / 3 units
Oral practice through debates and discussions of current events or films. 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: 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 320. Recommended preparation if taking the semester abroad program in Avignon. Prerequisite: 202.
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: 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: 202.
310 French Phonetics / 3 units
An intensive study of French phonemes, diction, and speech and their practical applications in contemporary France. Prerequisite: 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: 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: 301 or higher.
394 Topics in Language, Literature, or Culture / 3 units
Study at the third-year level of a special topic in language, literature, or culture. This course may be repeated for credit when the topic changes. If taught in English, this course may not fulfill the Core Curriculum language requirement. Consult with instructor. Prerequisite: 202 or approval of the instructor.
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 areas. Prerequisite: 301 and 320 or 321, 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: 301, 302, and 320 or 321.
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: 301, 302, and 320 or 321.
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: 301, 302, and 320 or 321.
413 French Poetry / 3 units
Study of French poetry and poetic forms from the Middle Ages to the present. Prerequisites: 301, 302, and 320 or 321.
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: 301, 302, and 320 or 321. Cross-listed as a gender studies course.
493 Field Experience in French / 1-3 units
Supervised participation in the department’s Tutoring Program or placement in a community agency in which the student’s skills in the target language are developed. Prerequisite: Approval of the instructor, department chair, or the language coordinator.
494 Topics in Language, Literature, 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 MySanDiego portal. This course may be repeated for credit when the topic changes. Prerequisites: 301, 302, and 320 or 321.
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
