Course Information
Below are the approved courses offered by the Department of Languages, Cultures and Literatures for French and Francophone Studies. Not all courses will be available every semester. Make sure to check course offerings on the registration portal for each upcoming semester.
Course Descriptions
FREN 101
First Semester French
Units: 3
Essentials of French language with emphasis on communicative proficiency and cultural awareness. Development of the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. This course is for students with no previous knowledge of French. Students with some knowledge of French must take the USD Language Placement exam (https://www.sandiego.edu/cas/student-resources/exams/language-placement/language-placement-exams.php) and register at the appropriate level. Every semester. Prerequisites: None or Placement Exam.
FREN 102
Second Semester French
Units: 3
Essentials of French grammar together with writing, reading, pronunciation, and comprehension. Prerequisites: FREN 101 or equivalent, or Placement Exam. Every semester.
FREN 140
Topics in French Literature and Culture
Units: 3
Study at the lower-division level of a topic in French literature and culture. This course is taught in English and will not satisfy the Language Core requirement.
FREN 141
Topics in French/Francophone Lit or Culture-Domestic Focus
Units: 3
Study at the lower-division level of a topic in French and Francophone literature, film and/or culture with a Domestic Focus. This course is taught in English and will not satisfy the Language Core requirement.
FREN 142
Topics in French/Francophone Lit, Film or Cult-Global Focus
Units: 3
Study at the lower-division level of a topic in French and Francophone literature, film and/or culture with a Global Focus. This course is taught in English and will not satisfy the Language Core requirement.
FREN 194
Special Topics in French
Units: 1 TO 3
Study at the lower-division level of a topic in French literature and culture. This course is taught in English and will not satisfy the Language Core requirement.
FREN 201
Third Semester French
Units: 3
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. Offered every semester. Also offered as summer intensive in Paris with direct immersion in French life and culture, family homestay. Offered every other year, depending on minimum enrollment. Open to all students and prepares equally well for FREN 202. Prerequisites: FREN 102 or equivalent, or Placement Exam. Every semester.
FREN 202
Fourth Semester French
Units: 3
Oral and written practice of 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 and Francophone culture. Prerequisites: FREN 201 with a grade of C- or better or equivalent, or Placement Exam. Every semester.
FREN 294
Special Topics in French
Units: 1 TO 3
Study at the lower-division level of a special topic in language, literature, or culture. When offered, selected subjects will be announced on the MySanDiego portal. If taught in English, this course will not fulfill the Core Curriculum language requirement. Consult with instructor or the department chair. Prerequisites: FREN 202 or equivalent
FREN 300
Advanced Conversation
Units: 3
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. Prerequisites: FREN 202, or equivalent, or passing the appropriate departmental placement test, or receiving a special permission from the instructor.
FREN 301
Advanced Grammar and Composition
Units: 3
This course provides opportunities for students to improve their grammar and writing skills in French through the practice of a variety of genres and discussion of authentic materials, articles, stories, songs in partner, group and class activities. Students will develop strong writings basics and comprehension of more complex rules of grammar and sentence structures. Required for all advanced courses beyond FREN 320/321/322. Prerequisites: FREN 202, or equivalent, or passing the appropriate departmental placement test, or receiving a special permission from the instructor.
FREN 302
Critical Analysis
Units: 3
Introduction to the critical analysis of literature (predominantly), theory, and film across time periods in French and Francophone production, texts selected from representative masterpieces of French and Francophone literature in all genres. Emphasis will be on close reading of texts, with an overview of the historical evolution of literary styles and genres. Prerequisites: FREN 202, or equivalent, or passing the appropriate departmental placement test, or receiving special permission from the instructor.
FREN 310
French Phonetics
Units: 3
An intensive study of French phonemes, diction, and speech and their practical applications in contemporary France. Prerequisites: FREN 202, or equivalent, or passing the appropriate departmental placement test, or receiving a special permission from the instructor.
FREN 315
L2 Teaching Methodogies and Applied Linguistics
Units: 3
An introduction to the history of second language teaching methods, applied linguistics, and the fundamentals of second language teaching. Initial training in the skills needed to be a second language teacher. Prerequisites: FREN 202 or equivalent, or passing the appropriate departmental placement test or receiving a special permission from the instructor.
FREN 317
Business French
Units: 3
This course develops intercultural and communicative competence, as well as a technical linguistic proficiency in speaking, reading, listening and writing through exposure to business practices in French and Francophone companies. The focus of this course is preparation for entry into the world of business in the French-speaking world, including several aspects of this vast domain, such as types and the organization of businesses, business ethics, work culture, job hunting and social media, job interviews, work contracts, marketing, sales, communication, and finance. Prerequisites: FREN 202, or equivalent, or passing the appropriate departmental placement test, or receiving a special permission from the instructor.
FREN 320
Early Modern Cultures and Contexts
Units: 3
Introduction to the major works of French literature, in their socio-cultural context, from the birth of the language to the Age of Enlightenment. Prerequisites: FREN 301 or equivalent, or passing the appropriate departmental placement test, or receiving a special permission from the instructor.
FREN 321
Survey of French Literature II: 19th to 21st Centuries
Units: 3
Introduction to the major works of French and Francophone literature, in their socio-cultural context, from the end of the 18th century to the beginning of the 21st century. Prerequisites: FREN 301 or FREN 302.
FREN 322
Francophone Cultures and Contexts
Units: 3
This course introduces students to Francophone literature in the world with an emphasis placed on interconnections between textual analysis, aesthetics, culture and politics, focusing on selected literary texts (predominantly), films and art from Sub-Saharan Africa, the Maghreb, the Caribbean, Europe, North America, Asia, and the French speaking Diaspora. Prerequisites: FREN 301, or equivalent, or passing the appropriate departmental placement test, or receiving a special permission from the instructor.
FREN 332
Cinema in French: (In)visible Identities
Units: 3
Representations of minorities and women continue to depend on stereotypes and discriminations in the French films industry. From a selection of films, video clips and documentaries in French we will question the meaning of invisibility as individual and social experience of discrimination of one or many labels of identity we carry. We will examine representations against the invisibility of intersectional identities that can be associated with gender, race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexuality, and disability. Our focus will be on movies by French and Francophone directors that purposely challenge representations of discriminations and inequality in society. Prerequisites: FREN 202, or equivalent, or passing the appropriate departmental placement test, or receiving a special permission from the instructor.
FREN 394
Special Topics in French
Units: 1 TO 3
Study at the third-year level of a special topic in language, literature, or culture. When offered, selected subjects will be announced on the MySanDiego portal. If taught in English, this course will not fulfill the Core Curriculum language requirement. Consult with instructor or the department chair. Prerequisites: FREN 202 or equivalent, or passing the appropriate departmental placement test, or receiving a special permission from the instructor.
FREN 408
French Fashion as Revolution
Units: 3
In the Western imaginary, high fashion and France seem to be synonymous with one another. French fashion has become part of an industry of luxury, one that ostensibly privileges brand and image over disruption of the status quo, representation of minorities, and assertion of radical political statements. However, despite the industry’s elitist tendencies, fashion has had its place in French history as a means of rebellion against the Establishment and the creation of non-conformist identities. In this course, we will analyze representations of fashion from various subcultures from 1789 to present day to uncover the ways in which oppressed social groups in France use clothing and accessories to construct and perform identity in addition to asserting a political stance. Prerequisites: FREN 301 or FREN 302 and (FREN 320 or FREN 321 or FREN 322), or the appropriate departmental placement test, or receiving a special permission from the instructor.
FREN 409
African Theater & Performance
Units: 3
In this course, students will study and watch a selection of plays, festivals and performances from French-speaking countries in Africa and its diaspora in France and across the world. Our discussions will focus on the rich cultural expressions and artistic mutations of African production from Ritual Theater, Theatre for Development to Independent Theater. Theatrical art in Africa is very ancient and continues to stay relevant, accessible and highly popular despite challenges from the impact of colonization and limited funding. The course will also use a variety of communicative activities, such as creative writing of dialogues,/monologues, short skits, and dramaturgical analysis while working to understand the cultural, political context, aesthetics, and narrative techniques. Prerequisites: FREN 301 and FREN 302 and (FREN 320 or FREN 321 or FREN 322), or equivalent, or special passing the appropriate departmental placement test, or receiving a special permission from the instructor.
FREN 410
Theater & Performance
Units: 3
This course offers the opportunity for students to experience the rich and diverse cultural landscape of France. Focusing on French theater, performances, and festivals - which attract millions of visitors every year - we will study a selection of contemporary French plays as they relate to a wide range of topics, such as community theater, sexuality, romance, class issues, feminism, hip hop, and more. In addition, we will watch several types of performances and explore the most famous theater festivals in France. The course will also use a variety of communicative activities, such as creative writing of dialogues/monologues, short skits, and dramaturgical analysis while working to understand the cultural, political context, French aesthetics, and narrative techniques. The course Prerequisites: FREN 301 or 302, and (320 or 321 or 322), or equivalent, or passing the appropriate departmental placement test, or receiving a special permission from the instructor.
FREN 414
Feminist Voices in French
Units: 3
This course interrogates what it means to be feminist across time periods and cultures in French-speaking contexts. Through intersectional analysis of text and visual media, students will examine ho historically has had the right to define what is feminisy and to self-identify as feminist. Prerequisites: FREN 301 or FREN 302 and (FREN 320 or FREN 321 or FREN 322), or equivalents, or passing the appropriate departmental placement test, or receiving a special permission from the instructor.
FREN 493
Field Experience
Units: 1 TO 3
Placement in a community agency where advanced French language skills will be utilized. A maximum of two units may be applied to the major, none to the minor. Anything over two units will count as a general elective. Prerequisites: Junior or senior class standing and approval of the department chair.
FREN 494
Special Topics in French
Units: 1 TO 3
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. If taught in English, this course will not fulfill the Core Curriculum language requirement. Consult with instructor or the department chair. Prerequisites: FREN 301 or FREN 302, and (FREN 320 or FREN 321 or FREN 322), or equivalents, or passing the appropriate departmental placement test, or receiving a special permission from the instructor.
FREN 495
Senior Capstone Project
Units: 1 TO 3
This is an optional culminating experience in which students reflect upon and integrate aspects of their entire undergraduate study. Through a writing project, an oral presentation, and an exit interview, students demonstrate their achievement of the program learning outcomes. The capstone is taken concurrently with one of the last two upper-division courses for the major, to which it is thematically linked. The student must meet with his or her capstone advisor (the professor for the upper-division major course) to determine the parameters for the project and consult with the program director to enroll. Prerequisites: Approval of the director.
FREN 497
Senior Capstone Project with Advanced Integration
Units: 1 TO 3
This is an optional culminating experience in which students reflect upon and integrate aspects of their entire undergraduate studies. Through a writing project, an oral presentation, and an exit interview, students demonstrate their achievement of the program learning outcomes. Unlike 495, this project also fulfills the Advanced Integration requirement of the Core Curriculum. Students have two options: 1) a community engagement integration project or 2) a multidisciplinary integration project. Consult with your advisor and the program director. Capstone projects are approved by the program director. Similar to 495, this capstone project is not required but rather an optional course for students.
FREN 499
Independent Study
Units: 1 TO 3
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. Prerequisites: FREN 301 and 303, or equivalents, and the approval of the instructor and the department chair. May be taken for credit each time topic changes.