Course Offerings

A bilingual survey of linguistics conducted in French and English. Combines theory and practice to introduce students to the basic concepts in phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics. Focuses on the study of the human language as a system, the forms and functions of words and sentence elements, the creativity inherent in language systems, and language varieties. Prepares students to further investigate areas such as Historical linguistics, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, language pathologies and first/second language acquisition.

This upper-intermediate French language and cultures course has been designed to strengthen your French language skills through film study, emphasizing content, culture, and communication. Through a curated selection of films in diverse French-speaking contexts (with English subtitles available), you will explore the complex theme of identity across the global Francophone community. Delving into the varied cinematic landscapes of the Caribbean, Africa, Canada, and France, this course provides a dynamic platform for enhancing your knowledge of Francophone societies and cultures. The films tackle different themes such as (but not limited to) regionalism, gender, colonialism, and immigration, offering useful insights into the complexities of Francophone identities and experiences worldwide. In enhancing your French language skills, special emphasis will be put on listening comprehension, as well as oral and written expression. From reviewing advanced vocabulary and grammatical structures to analyzing films and cultures, every aspect of the course aims to deepen your linguistic and cultural competencies. No previous familiarity with film study is assumed or necessary.

Warning on Class Content: In order to pass this class, you must complete all of the readings & assignments and view all of the films. The works we explore in this class reflect contemporary life, including graphic and occasionally disturbing depictions of human bodily functions, violence, and sexuality. Because critical consideration and discussion of these works is required in order to pass this course, students uncomfortable with such content may want to consider an alternative class.

The French for International Affairs course is specifically designed for students willing to improve, reinforce and develop their communication skills in French - vocabulary, structures, debate skills and argumentation techniques - focusing on the field of International Relations. The main objectives of this French language course are to offer students the opportunity to:
• increase their knowledge and information,
• compare different points of view on the same past or current topic,
• express and share their point of view in a structured and convincing way,
• develop their analytical and synthesis skills as well as to reinforce their autonomy in expression.
Students with a special interest in international politics, in international relations, in European, African, Middle Eastern Studies and in environmental issues will benefit greatly from this course.
Prerequisites: FR 2100 or equivalent

This workshop offers an introduction to literary and cultural translation between French and English. Students encounter, through practical exercises, key differences between French and English linguistic and cultural forms, and find ways to resolve and explore these differences in their literary translation and in their creative writing. Practice in translation is supplemented by reflection on translation.