French

Description of the Major. The study of a foreign language prepares us to live in an ever-shrinking world. But the joy of studying a language and its literature lies in our widening perspective and growing appreciation, not only of the world’s rich and varied cultural heritage, but of people shaped by a civilization different from our own. Historically, the French have had a pivotal influence on diplomacy, politics, and economics as well as on mathematics, the sciences, theology, philosophy, literature, and every form of art.

The great body of French literature, whose importance in every period and genre is comparable only to that of English, allows us to live vicariously the history, philosophy, sociology, and psychology of another nation. The French major develops the capacities for a sensitive and refined use of language and affection and admiration for a people whose cultural achievement is distinguished.

Distinctive Features. The French major combines the experience of living and studying in a foreign country with that of the residential liberal arts college. French majors may choose either fall or spring semester, usually in their junior year, to take a full course of study (14-16 units) at an approved university in a region where French is the native language. Course offerings vary from year to year and from university to university, but always include language, literature, and civilization and culture classes. Westmont students majoring in French may choose one of these universities in France: Université de Paris-Sorbonne, Cours de Civilisation Française de la Sorbonne; Université Paul Valéry-Montpellier, Institut Méditerranéen de Langues de Spécialités; Université d’Aix-en-Provence, Institut d’Etudes Françaises pour Etudiants Etrangers; or a Brethren Colleges Abroad Program at Université de Strasbourg. Students who wish for personal or family reasons to study in French Canada, French Switzerland, French Belgium, or French Africa may petition for approval of a program in one of those regions.

Close student-faculty relationships, small class sizes, a well-equipped language laboratory, and flexibility in the curriculum all contribute to meet students’ needs in studying French.

Due to the role France and the French have played in the world’s culture and civilization, the French major lends itself particularly well to doubling with majors in religious studies, political science, philosophy, economics and business, mathematics, history, art, music, and theatre arts, among others.

Career Choices. A liberal arts and sciences education opens the door to a broad range of vocations. French majors usually develop the skill to express themselves gracefully and the cultural sensitivity to understand others. These competencies enhance their contribution to every profession. Every field needs people prepared to communicate meaningfully with others, especially foreign missions, domestic human-service agencies, education, international business, law, and government services, and the arts.

Requirements for a Major: 38-44 units

A. Language and Literature Track: 38-40 units

French majors must take 38-40 upper-division units in French, including one semester of 14-16 units at an approved university in a region where French is the native language. The minimum prerequisite to study abroad toward the major is four semesters of college French (or equivalent), one four-unit course in upper-division work, and FR 150, Cross-Cultural Studies. It is recommended that students fulfill their general-education, or distribution, requirements with courses that contribute to their understanding of France’s role in world history and civilization, such as European history, international relations, and art and music history.

B. French Studies Track: 42-44 units

Off-Campus Semester: 14-16 units

Upper-division level courses in language, literature, civilization, and culture approved by the major advisor in France, Québec, or French Switzerland.

Requirements for a Minor: 20 units

Lower-Division Course Descriptions

FR 1 Elementary French I (4) Pronunciation, conversation, essentials of grammar and composition. For students who have had no French at all or whose language placement test results indicate French I.

FR 2 Elementary French II (4) Prerequisite: FR 1 or Language Placement Test. A continuation of French 1.

FR 3 Intermediate French I (4) Prerequisite: French 2 or Language Placement Test. Review and reinforcement of pronunciation, grammar and composition. Reading of selected materials for discussion in French and an introduction to French literature and culture.

FR 4 Intermediate French II (4) Prerequisite: FR 3 or Language Placement Test. Continuation of French 3.

(Lower-division courses include weekly drill sessions and laboratory work.)

Upper-Division Course Descriptions

FR 101 Survey of French Literature I: Middle Ages to 1800 (4) Prerequisite: FR 4. An historical overview of French literature through the medieval and renaissance periods, 17th and 18th centuries. All lectures, oral presentations, and class discussions given in French; all papers and examinations written in French.

FR 102 Survey of French Literature II: 1800 to Present (4) Prerequisite: FR 4. An historical overview of French literature through romanticism, realism, symbolism, and modern periods. All lectures, oral presentations, and class discussions given in French; all papers and examinations written in French.

FR 103 French Literature of the 17th Century (4) Prerequisite: FR 4. Masterpieces from the Baroque and classical periods in 17th century drama, poetry and philosophy. Original texts read and discussed in French; all papers and examinations written in French.

FR 104 French Novel of the 19th Century (4) Prerequisite: FR 4. Literary classics of the romantic, realist, and naturalist movements. Original texts read and discussed in French; all papers and examinations written in French.

FR 105 French Literature of the 20th Century (4) Prerequisite: FR 4. Major achievements in novel, poetry, drama, and screenplay. Original texts read and discussed in French; all papers and examinations written in French.

FR 150 Cross-Cultural Studies (4) A course designed to help you get the most out of your study abroad experience by preparing you for it intellectually, culturally, emotionally, and spiritually. Taught each Spring for students planning to study aborad the following academic year.

FR 190 Internship (2,4) Prerequisite: consent of the instructor. Supervised field work in the Santa Barbara area in which the student has the opportunity to use his or her French. Field work may be in schools, businesses, churches, social service agencies, etc. An ongoing personal log and a portfolio of work accomplished as well as regular sessions with the supervisor are required.

FR 195 Seminar (2,4) Advanced study on a single author, genre, or topic. Recent seminar: Medieval Literature.