Requirements and Curriculum
Note: This information reflects the requirements and curriculum printed in the 2007-08 course catalog.
Requirements
Required for a major
Thirty-two hours, starting at 201 or above, including 344, 345 or 347, and 346 or 348; 460 or 464; correlative writing requirement (344 and 346 or 348); language immersion experience; a senior project (unless this is completed in another major); an oral proficiency examination in French. Students interested in teaching should see the education department for secondary education minor requirements.
Recommended supporting courses for students majoring in French: Two semesters of another modern or a classical language; linguistics courses, such as 131, 241, 242, 245 or 247.
Required for a minor
No fewer than 18 hours, including 345 or 347, and one literature course above 300; language immersion experience; an oral proficiency examination in French.
Required for a second teaching area
Twenty-four hours including 16 hours above 202; language immersion experience; an oral proficiency examination in French. This is an Iowa licensure designation. Please consult website of the state in which you are planning to teach.
Language immersion experience
For majors, a minimum of one semester of study in a country where French is an official language. For minors, at least one January term of study in such a country, although a semester is strongly recommended. Those preparing to teach must spend at least one semester of study in such a country. Program selection must be approved by the department for all majors and minors prior to departure. After having fulfilled the study-abroad requirement, all majors who are enrolled in on-campus courses for at least one semester are required to complete a 4-hour course in French. All majors and minors are strongly urged to help maintain and advance their language skills by completing courses in the language during their final semesters at Luther.
Language Learning Center
The Modern Languages and Literatures department has a Language Learning Center in Main Building. Language students have access to computerized language learning materials, and to video study rooms where they may view prerecorded foreign language video cassettes or watch live international TV received by four satellite dishes. The Language Learning Center also provides language students with valuable work-study experiences related to their interest in languages.
Curriculum
101, 102 Elementary French I, II 4, 4 hours
A practical approach to the French language, in which the student begins speaking French from the first day and completes the year with a basic ability to speak, write, read, and understand French. Prerequisite for 102: 101 or equivalent.
139, 239, 339, 439 Special Topics Credit arr.
185 First-year Seminar 4 hours
A variety of seminars for first-year students offered each January term.
201, 202 Intermediate French 4, 4 hours
Review of structures through drills designed to develop skills, combined with individual practice in the language learning center. Graded readings chosen for their insights into French social and intellectual traits. Prerequisite: 102 or equivalent as indicated by the placement test.
342 Introduction to French Culture 4 hours
A study of French political and social institutions and their impact on daily life from its early history to the present, emphasizing the change from a centralized administration to the more recent development of community autonomy. Prerequisite: 202, or consent of instructor. Offered on a rotating basis. (HB, Intcl)
344 Advanced Grammar and Composition 4 hours
An in-depth review of French grammar with systematic work in French composition. The course is intended to help students develop strategies for the production of effective written French. More complex grammatical, syntactic and stylistic structures, as well as more sophisticated vocabulary and expressions are introduced and practiced through a variety of activities: syntactic, structural and grammatical analysis of texts, study of common problem words for non-native French speakers, short translation and stylistic exercises, and guided writing projects in different genres. Prerequisite: 202, or consent of instructor. (HE, W)
345 Conversation and Phonetics 4 hours
A course for advanced students wishing to increase their fluency through daily conversation on topics of current interest. A systematic review of problems in French pronunciation is included. Offered on a rotating basis. Prerequisite: 202, or consent of instructor. (S)
346 Introduction to French Literature I 4 hours
Historical survey of French literature from the earliest texts to the end of the 17th century. Emphasis on the development of literary forms, including the epic, drama, lyrical poetry and narrative literature. Fundamental concepts of analysis and criticism are presented. Attention will be paid to increasing the student’s fluency in writing. Offered alternate years. Prerequisite: 344 or consent of instructor. (HEPT, W)
347 Introduction to Commercial French 4 hours
An introduction to business in a French context, including business vocabulary, commercial correspondence, economic geography, and the role of government in business transactions. Specific topics will be addressed on a rotating basis. Offered on a rotating basis. Prerequisite: 202, or consent of instructor. (HB, Intcl)
348 Introduction to French Literature II 4 hours
Historical survey of French literature from the 18th century to the present and general introduction to the principal literary forms—prose, poetry, and drama—as illustrated by some of the best known authors in the French-speaking world. Fundamental concepts of analysis and criticism are presented. Attention will be paid to increasing the student’s fluency in writing. Offered alternate years. Prerequisite: French 344 or consent of instructor. (HEPT, W)
395 Independent Study 1, 2 or 4 hours
460 Topics in French Literature and Culture 4 hours
Study in depth of a particular topic as seen through primary texts. The focus will vary each year, and may include topics such as women writers, social criticism, and film. Offered alternate years. Prerequisite: French 344 or 346 or 348. (HEPT)
464 Francophone Literatures and Cultures 4 hours
A survey of the literature and/or the culture and history of a Francophone country, or the study of a literary or cultural theme in several Francophone countries. Focus will vary, depending on the literary or cultural nature of the topic as well as on the number of Francophone countries studied. Offered on a rotating basis. Prerequisite: 344 or 346. (HEPT, Intel)
485 Seminar Credit arr.
490 Senior Project 1, 2, or 4 hours
The senior project requirement gives students an opportunity of participate in independent study, to read relevant literature in their chosen area, to develop methods of research and analysis appropriate to their selected topic, and to construct a sustained argument in the language of their major. To enrich their work, students will be encouraged to reflect on and use their study-abroad and firsthand cultural experiences as a means of contextualizing their projects. The research paper is written in French and is presented orally as well. If students have another major in addition to French, they are not required to complte a senior project in both majors.
493 Senior Honors Project 4 hours
A year-long independent research project. Applications are completed on the “Honors Program” form available at the registrar’s office, requiring the signatures of a faculty supervisor, the department head, the honors program director, and the registrar. Interdisciplinary projects require the signatures of two faculty supervisors. The project must be completed by the due date for senior projects. The completed project is evaluated by a review committee consisting of the faculty supervisor, another faculty member from the major department, and a faculty member from outside the major department. All projects must be presented publicly. Only projects awarded an “A-” or “A” qualify for “department honors” designation. The honors project fulfills the all-college senior project requirement.
For French courses in translation, see foreign culture.