JCU Undergraduate Bulletin 2005-2007: French Studies

French Studies (FR)

Professor: H. N. Sanko
Associate Professors: M. N. Richards; M. Pereszlenyi Pinter

The program in French studies is offered by the Department of Classical and Modern Languages and Cultures. All courses are taught in French, unless otherwise noted. The mission of the French section is to help students acquire knowledge of the languages, literatures, and cultures of France and Francophone countries. Through beginning, intermediate and advanced language courses, students develop the skills to read, write, speak and understand French. Courses on the literatures and cultures of French-speaking communities in France and in other countries of Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, North and South America, as well as the French possessions in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, instill an appreciation of Francophone cultures in their diversity. Extra-curriculars promote active engagement in cultural and linguistic exchanges. In keeping with the broader liberal arts mission of John Carroll University, the French section seeks to train students in the skills of both critical analysis and written and oral argument, skills that they can use in graduate schools or in their future professional and personal lives. All students are also strongly encouraged to study in a French-speaking country.

Major and Minor Requirements

Major in French: 36 credit hours, at least 24 hours at the 300 level or above in French, the two courses numbered 101-102, 201-202, or 301-302, as determined by placement test, or 401-402.

At least one course (3 cr. hrs.) in each of the following areas:

• Literature or culture before the French Revolution (1789).
• Literature or culture after the French Revolution.
• Francophone literature or culture.
• Language skills course beyond FR 201-202.

A comprehensive examination.

Students beginning at 101 must take all their courses in FR, not in cognate areas.

Students beginning at 201 or 301 may use up to 9 hrs. either in French literature or culture in translation (ML), or in cognate areas (for example, French history, French art history, or French philosophy), or 9 hrs. in a combination of ML and cognate areas, with permission of the French Studies coordinator and chair of Classical and Modern Languages and Cultures.

Students beginning at 201 or 301 may also use one comparative ML literature or culture course in a non-French area, with permission of the French Studies coordinator and department chair.

Minor in French: 21 hours, beginning at any level.

Courses numbered 301-302 are strongly recommended for all majors and minors. "Bridge courses" (those numbered 300 through 310) are also strongly recommended to improve language skills before taking on more advanced language or literature courses.