Suffolk students have many academic choices in French. They can pursue a traditional French major in the study of language, literature and civilization. They can also major in French studies, which provides a broader English-speaking base and more interdisciplinary choices. Our study abroad programs provide authentic language experience. Our partnership with the CAVILAM Institute in Vichy, France offers two academic options: eight weeks or four weeks of intensive French. Both give students credit for courses taken abroad. The CCFS-Sorbonne program allows students to study for a semester or year in Paris, France. We host both a weekly table française and the French Club, which organizes a number of cultural events throughout the semester, such as the viewing and discussion of various films. Students who come from all regions of the French-speaking world work as modern language assistants to tutor students and to broaden their perspectives.
Course descriptions may be updated periodically to reflect changes since the last published catalog.
Major
Prerequisites:*
-
FR-201 Intermediate French I
Prerequisites:
Instructors consent
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This writing-intensive course examines short readings, films, and print media in the development of language skills. Regular language laboratory sessions required.
Term:
Offered Fall Term
Type:
BA FOREIGN
-
FR-202 Intermediate French II
Prerequisites:
Take FR-201 or Instructors consent
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Continuation of skills development from 201.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
Type:
BA FOREIGN
*The prerequisite may be waived if students choose to study for two months in CAVILAM, our intensive summer language partner program in Vichy, France. Students who receive a score of “sem4+” on the online placement test in French have fulfilled the 201– 202 prerequisite. To qualify for admittance to either major, a student must complete the prerequisite with an average of “B” or higher.
Eight Advanced Courses (32 credits)
-
FR-205 The Francophone World
Prerequisites:
FR 202 or Instructors consent
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This course explores the francophone world through the media of literature and film. Selected works of francophone literature will be linked to writing exercises and conversation activities.
Term:
Alternates Fall & Spring
Type:
Cultural Diversity Opt B,BA FOREIGN
-
FR-306 Advanced Conversation and Composition
Prerequisites:
FR-202;
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This course enhances students conversational and writing skills in French. Authentic language and formal writing skills are detailed. The development of oral proficiency is stressed with a focus on listening comprehension, reading and writing. Advanced French grammar is stressed with a focus on written grammatical exercises. This class is open to heritage speakers as well as those who have participated or are planning on participating in the CAVILAM, CCFS-Sorbonne Programs.
Term:
Alternates Fall & Spring
Type:
BA FOREIGN
Including one literature course from the Early Period (4 credits)
-
FR-309 Survey of French Literature I
Prerequisites:
FR 202 or Instructors permission
Credits:
4.00
Description:
A study of French literature from medieval times to the 18th century.
Term:
Offered Fall Term
Type:
Humanities Literature Requirement,BA FOREIGN
-
FR-315 Mots Doux: Love, Lust and Literature
Prerequisites:
Take FR-205 or Instructors consent
Credits:
4.00
Description:
The aim of this course is to introduce students to the basic trends of French literature in the context of a general thematic. While giving critical attention to the theme of love and its manifestations in representative works, this exploration also provides a base from which the student can access the evolution of French Literature. We will situate each work we study in its proper historical context while paying close attention to the evolution of literary genres and parallel trends in the formal study of literary discourse. In this class we will address various thematics that accompany a traditional survey of literature course such as, critical discourse, aesthetic representation, literary movements, genre, constructions of sexual identities, sexual politics and representations of ethnicity, class and culture.
Term:
Occasional
Type:
BA FOREIGN
-
FR-310 Survey of French Literature II
Prerequisites:
FR-202 or instructors permission
Credits:
4.00
Description:
An analysis of the classic texts of French literature from nineteenth, twentieth and twenty-first centuries as they relate to important events in the art, culture, and history of France.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
Type:
Humanities Literature Requirement,BA FOREIGN
And a maximum of four courses outside of Department of World Languages and Cultural Studies. A current list is available in the department office.
*A maximum of four courses taken at other institutions, courses taken in our intensive summer language partner program with CAVILAM, or courses taken in a study abroad program in a French-speaking country can count toward the major.
Note:
French majors may obtain credit toward their major when they take FR 216, FR 320, FR 401, or FR 410 if they do supplemental work in French. Any Seminar for Freshmen with a topic related to the French-speaking countries (e.g., culture, politics, society) counts toward the major or minor programs.
AP Credit:
Incoming students who receive a score of "4" or "5" on the AP French Examination have fulfilled the prerequisite for the major.
Minor
Minor Prerequisites:*
-
FR-201 Intermediate French I
Prerequisites:
Instructors consent
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This writing-intensive course examines short readings, films, and print media in the development of language skills. Regular language laboratory sessions required.
Term:
Offered Fall Term
Type:
BA FOREIGN
-
FR-202 Intermediate French II
Prerequisites:
Take FR-201 or Instructors consent
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Continuation of skills development from 201.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
Type:
BA FOREIGN
*The prerequisite may be waived if students choose to study for two months in CAVILAM, our intensive summer language partner program in Vichy, France. Students who receive a score of “sem4+” on the online placement test in French have fulfilled the 201-202 prerequisite. To qualify for admittance to either minor, a student must complete the prerequisite with an average of “B” or higher.
French Minor
Four advanced courses:
-
FR-205 The Francophone World
Prerequisites:
FR 202 or Instructors consent
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This course explores the francophone world through the media of literature and film. Selected works of francophone literature will be linked to writing exercises and conversation activities.
Term:
Alternates Fall & Spring
Type:
Cultural Diversity Opt B,BA FOREIGN
-
FR-306 Advanced Conversation and Composition
Prerequisites:
FR-202;
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This course enhances students conversational and writing skills in French. Authentic language and formal writing skills are detailed. The development of oral proficiency is stressed with a focus on listening comprehension, reading and writing. Advanced French grammar is stressed with a focus on written grammatical exercises. This class is open to heritage speakers as well as those who have participated or are planning on participating in the CAVILAM, CCFS-Sorbonne Programs.
Term:
Alternates Fall & Spring
Type:
BA FOREIGN
-
FR-309 Survey of French Literature I
Prerequisites:
FR 202 or Instructors permission
Credits:
4.00
Description:
A study of French literature from medieval times to the 18th century.
Term:
Offered Fall Term
Type:
Humanities Literature Requirement,BA FOREIGN
-
FR-315 Mots Doux: Love, Lust and Literature
Prerequisites:
Take FR-205 or Instructors consent
Credits:
4.00
Description:
The aim of this course is to introduce students to the basic trends of French literature in the context of a general thematic. While giving critical attention to the theme of love and its manifestations in representative works, this exploration also provides a base from which the student can access the evolution of French Literature. We will situate each work we study in its proper historical context while paying close attention to the evolution of literary genres and parallel trends in the formal study of literary discourse. In this class we will address various thematics that accompany a traditional survey of literature course such as, critical discourse, aesthetic representation, literary movements, genre, constructions of sexual identities, sexual politics and representations of ethnicity, class and culture.
Term:
Occasional
Type:
BA FOREIGN
-
FR-310 Survey of French Literature II
Prerequisites:
FR-202 or instructors permission
Credits:
4.00
Description:
An analysis of the classic texts of French literature from nineteenth, twentieth and twenty-first centuries as they relate to important events in the art, culture, and history of France.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
Type:
Humanities Literature Requirement,BA FOREIGN
French Studies Minor
Four advanced courses:
-
FR-205 The Francophone World
Prerequisites:
FR 202 or Instructors consent
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This course explores the francophone world through the media of literature and film. Selected works of francophone literature will be linked to writing exercises and conversation activities.
Term:
Alternates Fall & Spring
Type:
Cultural Diversity Opt B,BA FOREIGN
- One course from the Early Period or one course from the Modern Period (see list above).
- A maximum of two courses outside of the Department of World Languages and Cultural Studies. A current list is available in the department office.
AP Credit:
Incoming students who receive a score of “4” or “5” on the AP French Examination have fulfilled the prerequisite for the minor.
A maximum of two courses taken at other institutions or as part of our intensive summer language partner program with CAVILAM can count toward the minor in French or French Studies.Suggested Course Sequence
BA in French/German/Spanish – Sample Schedule
Freshman Year (8 courses, 32 Credits)
FR/GER/SPAN 201-202 (8)
Seminar for Freshmen (4)
ENG 101-102 (8)
MATH 130 or equivalent (4)
SCI 123 (4)
Social Science requirement (4)]
Sophomore Year (8 courses, 32 Credits)
FR 205/GER 304/SPAN 290 or 300 (4)
FR 301 or 302/GER 302/SPAN 301 (4)
FR Elective/GER 412/SPAN 302 (4)
History/Humanities requirement (4)
Science requirement (with lab) (4)
Cultural Diversity A or B (4)
Ethics Requirement (4)
Free Elective or Minor (4)
Junior Year (8 courses, 32 Credits)
FR 309/GER 310/SPAN Elective (4)
FR 310/GER Elective/SPAN Elective (4)
FR/GER/SPAN Elective (4)
Cultural Diversity A or B (4)
Literature requirement (4)
Free Elective or Minor (4)
Free Elective or Minor (4)
Free Elective or Minor (4)
One course fulfilling Expanded Classroom Requirement OR Study Abroad (full year or spring semester)
Senior Year (8 courses, 32 Credits)
FR/GER/SPAN Elective (4)
FR/GER/SPAN Elective OR FR/GER/SPAN 502: Honors Thesis (fall semester) (4)
Free Elective or Minor (4)
Free Elective or Minor (4)
Free Elective (4)
Free Elective (4)
Free Elective (4)
Free Elective (4)
Honors
In order to be considered for honors in French, German, humanities, or Spanish, a student must satisfy the following criteria:- Students interested in honors should consult with the department chair during the spring semester of the junior year. Qualifying students must have a 3.2 overall GPA as well as a 3.5 GPA in French, German, humanities, or Spanish courses.
- Honors candidates should register for French, German, humanities (art history, music history, or general humanities), or SPAN 502 in the fall semester of the senior year. Under the guidance of a faculty member, they will use this course to complete a research paper. This paper will be evaluated by all professors in the student’s field of study. If the evaluation is positive, the student will make an oral presentation of the paper in the spring.
French Courses
-
FR-101 Elementary French I
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Emphasis on developing reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Audio-visual and textual materials based on French cultural themes. Weekly laboratory sessions required.
Term:
Offered Fall Term
Type:
BA FOREIGN
-
FR-102 Elementary French II
Prerequisites:
Instructors consent
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Continuation of skills development from 101. Offered every spring semester.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
Type:
BA FOREIGN
-
FR-201 Intermediate French I
Prerequisites:
Instructors consent
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This writing-intensive course examines short readings, films, and print media in the development of language skills. Regular language laboratory sessions required.
Term:
Offered Fall Term
Type:
BA FOREIGN
-
FR-202 Intermediate French II
Prerequisites:
Take FR-201 or Instructors consent
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Continuation of skills development from 201.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
Type:
BA FOREIGN
-
FR-205 The Francophone World
Prerequisites:
FR 202 or Instructors consent
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This course explores the francophone world through the media of literature and film. Selected works of francophone literature will be linked to writing exercises and conversation activities.
Term:
Alternates Fall & Spring
Type:
Cultural Diversity Opt B,BA FOREIGN
-
FR-216 Masterpieces of French and Francophone Literature in English Translation
Credits:
4.00
Description:
A study in English or representative works by major authors from the middle ages to the present. Genres: drama, fiction, and poetry. Regions: Africa, Western Europe, North America and the Caribbean, and Vietnam.
Term:
Alternates Fall & Spring
Type:
Cultural Diversity Opt B,Humanities Literature Requirement
-
FR-305 Advanced Conversation and Composition And Grammar
Prerequisites:
FR 202 or Instructors consent.
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This course encourages the student to perfect conversational and writing skills in French. Authentic language and formal writing skills are detailed in this course. The development of oral proficiency is stressed with a focus on listening comprehension, reading and writing. This class is open to heritage speakers as well as those who have participated or are planning on participating in the CAVILAM, CCFS-Sorbonne, or Suffolk-Dakar Programs.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
Type:
BA FOREIGN
-
FR-306 Advanced Conversation and Composition
Prerequisites:
FR-202;
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This course enhances students conversational and writing skills in French. Authentic language and formal writing skills are detailed. The development of oral proficiency is stressed with a focus on listening comprehension, reading and writing. Advanced French grammar is stressed with a focus on written grammatical exercises. This class is open to heritage speakers as well as those who have participated or are planning on participating in the CAVILAM, CCFS-Sorbonne Programs.
Term:
Alternates Fall & Spring
Type:
BA FOREIGN
-
FR-309 Survey of French Literature I
Prerequisites:
FR 202 or Instructors permission
Credits:
4.00
Description:
A study of French literature from medieval times to the 18th century.
Term:
Offered Fall Term
Type:
Humanities Literature Requirement,BA FOREIGN
-
FR-310 Survey of French Literature II
Prerequisites:
FR-202 or instructors permission
Credits:
4.00
Description:
An analysis of the classic texts of French literature from nineteenth, twentieth and twenty-first centuries as they relate to important events in the art, culture, and history of France.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
Type:
Humanities Literature Requirement,BA FOREIGN
-
FR-314 Marie Antoinette, Fashion Revolutionary
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Marie-Antoinette refused to wear the clothing given to her by Robespierre for her beheading. Instead she donned a muslin chemise and a bonnet that she had kept hidden in her bedding for the occasion. Was she making a final fashion statement, or is this a final act of defiance by refusing to give up control? In this class we address questions like these and examine the discourse of fashion, visual culture and image in pre-revolutionary France. We will also analyze the relationship of dressing to image and the body politic of eighteenth-century France. The class is taught in English, and is cross-listed with the Gender and Womens Studies Program. This class can be counted toward the French or French Studies major or minor.
Term:
Occasional
-
FR-315 Mots Doux: Love, Lust and Literature
Prerequisites:
Take FR-205 or Instructors consent
Credits:
4.00
Description:
The aim of this course is to introduce students to the basic trends of French literature in the context of a general thematic. While giving critical attention to the theme of love and its manifestations in representative works, this exploration also provides a base from which the student can access the evolution of French Literature. We will situate each work we study in its proper historical context while paying close attention to the evolution of literary genres and parallel trends in the formal study of literary discourse. In this class we will address various thematics that accompany a traditional survey of literature course such as, critical discourse, aesthetic representation, literary movements, genre, constructions of sexual identities, sexual politics and representations of ethnicity, class and culture.
Term:
Occasional
Type:
BA FOREIGN
-
FR-316 Masterpieces of Theatre
Prerequisites:
Take FR-205 and FR-305 or instructors consent
Credits:
4.00
Description:
The aim of this course is to introduce students to major plays written in French from the seventeenth to the twenty-first centuries, with a focus on both the works themselves and the socio-historical contexts in which they were written. Students will read, analyze, and produce scenes from the plays as well as produce, direct and perform select scenes at the end of the semester. Authors studied may include Moliere, Marivaux, Beckett, Ionesco, Sartre, Camus, Genet, Anouilh, Sarraute, Reza, and Schwarz-Bart. Normally offered every two years
Type:
BA FOREIGN
-
FR-317 Drifting Far From Home: The Representation of Travel in Fr
Prerequisites:
FR-205 and FR-305 or instructors consent
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This course examines literature written in the French language that focuses on the experience of travel. Primary texts will span from the nineteenth century to the twenty-first century, while secondary sources will explore the theoretical underpinnings of the concept of travel. Students will be encouraged to read the literature in light of theoretical considerations formulated to better understand the experience of travel and its literary and critical uses.
Type:
BA FOREIGN
-
FR-318 Face in the Mirror: Writing & Reflecting The Self in French
Prerequisites:
FR-205 and FR-305 or Instructors consent
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This course examines literature written in the French language focusing on memoir, essays and autobiography. Authors such as Montaigne, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Alphonse de Lamartine, Andre Gide, Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, Marguerite Duras, Simone de Beauvoir, Linda Le, Daniel Maximin, Assia Djebar, Maryse Conde and Annie Ernaux may be included. Our readings will be informed by a range of literary theory which will inform our discussion on the differences between autobiography and autofiction and the question of truth and the fallibility of memory.
Type:
BA FOREIGN
-
FR-401 Special Topics in French and Francophone Studies
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This seminar examines a range of topics in French and Francophone Studies. It provides individualized guidance and promotes advanced-level research in the special topic area.
Term:
Occasional
Type:
BA FOREIGN
-
FR-421 Sejour Linguistique en France
Prerequisites:
FR 201-202 or permission of instructor
Credits:
4.00- 8.00
Description:
This course is an immersion program in Vichy, France through our partnership with CAVILAM. Students are housed with families, participate in excursions, and take classes that are conducted entirely in French. This is an excellent opportunity to improve ones proficiency in French, to learn more about French Studies, and to live in a French-speaking country.
Term:
Summer
Type:
Expanded Classroom Requirement,BA FOREIGN
-
FR-422 Sejour Linguistique au CCFS-Sorbonne
Prerequisites:
FR 201 and FR 202 or Instructors Consent. Can take course for 1 term for 16 credits or 2 terms for 32 credits.
Credits:
4.00-16.00
Description:
This course is an immersion program in Paris, France through our partnership with CCFS-Sorbonne. Students are housed with families, participate in excursions, and take classes that are conducted entirely in French. This is an excellent opportunity to improve ones proficiency in French, to learn more about French Studies, and to live in a French-speaking country.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Type:
Expanded Classroom Requirement,BA FOREIGN
-
FR-502 Honors Senior Thesis in French
Prerequisites:
Senior Standing and permission of Dept. Chair.
Credits:
4.00
Description:
A major research project completed under the supervision of a regular faculty member offered every fall semester. Prerequisites: Senior standing & permission of the department chair.
Term:
Offered Fall Term
Type:
BA FOREIGN
-
FR-510 Independent Study
Prerequisites:
An independent study form must be submitted to the CAS Deans Office.
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Students meet with a department member to pursue advanced studies in areas of particular interest to them.
Term:
Occasional
Type:
BA FOREIGN
-
FR-T212 Business French Tutorial
Prerequisites:
FR-201 and FR-202 or instructors permission
Credits:
1.00
Description:
INSTRUCTORS CONSENT Tutorial studies of the terminology, organization and practice of business in the French-speaking world.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
