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French

Courses | Employment

Majors/Minors


Paris Chamber of Commerce Certificate
The French division offers the opportunity to earn a Certificate from the Paris Chamber of Commerce after successful completion of French 319.

Major Requirements:

  • Thirty-two semester hours beyond French 111, including French 260, 261, 302 and one advanced literature course.
  • Graduating seniors must take an oral proficiency interview patterned on the ACTFL guidelines unless they have had a similar interview to complete requirements for the School of Education, in which case these results must be filed with the Discipline Director. Seniors should consult with the Discipline Director.
  • A minimum of one half the courses in the major field must be completed at Dominican. Students who study in Nantes, Frances and wish to have these courses count towards the French major must have prior written approval from the Discipline Director.

Minor Requirements:

  • Twenty-four semester hours beyond French 111.
  • A minimum of one half the courses in the minor field must be completed at Dominican. 

Courses

Basic Language Courses

101. ELEMENTARY FRENCH I (4)
This course introduces students to the French language by listening, speaking, reading and writing in French in a cultural context. Through a study of elementary French grammar and vocabulary, students will develop a basic proficiency in all language skills.

102. ELEMENTARY FRENCH II (4)
This course continues to develop the four
language skills.
Prerequisite: French 101 or equivalent

111. INTERMEDIATE FRENCH (4)
This course reinforces and builds upon basic skills in French through grammar review, short readings and compositions, conversational practice and, using videos and audio cassettes, practice in comprehension.
Prerequisite: French 102 or equivalent

Advanced Language Courses

211. COMMUNICATING IN FRENCH (4)
This course continues to develop four skills, with emphasis on written and spoken communications. The reading dimension will make extensive use of contemporary materials.
Prerequisite: French 111 or equivalent

261. FRENCH CULTURE AND CIVILIZATION (3)
A survey of French political, social, economic and cultural history from the Middle Ages to World War II. This course examines how major historic events helped shape French society.
Prerequisite: French 211 or equivalent

264. THE FRANCOPHONE WORLD (3)
This course studies francophone cultures of North America, Africa and the Caribbean. Among the issues addressed are: cultural diversity, identity, history-writing, the transmission of cultural beliefs and the clash of traditional and modern world views. Various genres and media are studied.
Prerequisite: French 211 or consent of instructor
This course will satisfy the multicultural core requirement.

272. ORAL FRENCH (3)
This course develops oral proficiency in French and enhances oral comprehension through a variety of speaking and listening activities. Students will acquire the essential vocabulary needed to communicate in everyday life, will simulate real-life situations, and will discuss various topics of contemporary interest. The course also introduces French phonetics and pays particular attention to pronunciation and intonation.
Prerequisite: French 211 or equivalent

301. ADVANCED DISCUSSION (3)
This course develops increased fluency in the spoken language in a variety of forms through conversations, reports, etc. and through the use of relevant contemporary materials contained in short stories, films, magazines, newspaper articles and videos.
Prerequisite: French 272 or equivalent

302. ADVANCED GRAMMAR AND COMPOSITION (3)
This course develops writing skills with emphasis on the complexities of structure and idiom, composition techniques and grammar review.
Prerequisite: French 211 or equivalent civilization and culture courses

Civilization and Culture Courses 

353. CONTEMPORARY FRANCE THROUGH FILM (3)
This course introduces students to cinematic representations of contemporary French society, in the context of the changing political, social and cultural climate of the last 20 years, with particular attention to the issues of youth, gender and ethnicity. All films are in French with English subtitles.
Prerequisite: Working knowledge of French

360. CONTEMPORARY FRANCE (3)
This course focuses on contemporary French political, social and cultural life and institutions through selected readings, videos, Web sites and music. The course pays particular attention to the last 20 years and includes references to the news to keep students current with various issues and events as they unfold.
Prerequisite: French 261 or 301

367. PARIS, CITY OF LIGHT: FANTASY AND REALITY (3)
A historical and contemporary portrait of the French capital through its representations in literature, painting, architecture, and cinema. The course will explore the political, economic and social importance of the city in French life, as well as the stereotypes, both positive and negative, that continue to surround it.
Prerequisite: French 260 or 261

Professional Courses

319. PROFESSIONAL FRENCH (3)
Advanced study of written and oral French as it applies to the business and other professional careers. This course prepares students for the Paris Chamber of Commerce examination.
Prerequisite: French 302

Literature Courses

260. INTRODUCTION TO FRENCH LITERATURE (3)
The primary objective of this course is to teach students to read critically. Cultural and literary issues in French and Francophone literature will be explored using various texts from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Students will be introduced to French literary terminology and “ explication de texte.”
Prerequisite: French 211 or equivalent
This course will satisfy the literature core area requirement.

366. QUEBEC IN ITS LITERATURE (3)
Analysis and discussion of major literary works, with an emphasis on the manner in which they reflect the cultural reality of this unique North American society and its search for identity and independence.
Prerequisite: French 260 or 264
This course will satisfy the literature core area requirement.

372. 20TH-CENTURY LITERATURE (3)
A variety of works in poetry, drama, and novels from the major authors of the 20th century.
Prerequisite: French 260
This course will satisfy the literature core area requirement.

374. FRANCE IN ITS LITERATURE (3)
Analysis and discussion of representative literary works, with an emphasis on the manner in which they reflect the cultural reality of France.
Prerequisites: French 260 and 261
This course will satisfy the literature core area requirement.

Intensive study of selected topics related to French and Francophone literature.
Prerequisite: French 374 or consent of instructor
This course will satisfy the literature core area requirement.

Other Courses

299. APPLIED FOREIGN LANGUAGE COMPONENT (1)
A project in French directly related to another non-French course in which the student is currently enrolled.
Prerequisites: French 111 or equivalent and approval of the French discipline director and the instructor of the related course
Course may be taken for credit more than once.

399. DIRECTED STUDY (1-4)
This option is to be selected only when absolutely necessary (i.e., the student has already taken all courses offered during that semester or has a scheduling conflict that cannot be resolved otherwise). The student will work closely with the instructor.

450. INDEPENDENT STUDY (1-4)
Senior standing and consent of instructor.

INDEPENDENT RESEARCH OR CREATIVE INVESTIGATION (1-3)
Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced, Senior Thesis Independent Research or Creative Investigation is a course in which students collaborate with faculty mentors on an ongoing faculty research project or conduct an independent project under the guidance of a faculty member. This directed undergraduate research or creative investigation culminates in a conference presentation, journal article or other creative/scholarly project.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor

Employment


Gain understanding and comprehension of the French language and appreciation of French literature. Your understanding of the linguistic structures will increase your fluency and comprehension, while it enhances your understanding of the structure of English. Acquire first-hand knowledge and appreciation of French culture through a study abroad opportunity.

Employment:
  • Positions in global business
  • International relations
  • Diplomacy
  • Intelligence gathering
  • Literature
  • Journalism
  • Law
  • Education
  • Tourism
  • Foreign Service
  • Teaching and research
Employers:
  • Multinational corporations
  • Foreign corporations
  • Government
  • Government agencies
  • Colleges and universities
  • Media
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Tourist industry