Francophone & Mediterranean Studies
www.coloradocollege.edu/academics/dept/french-italian-arabic/
Associate Professors O’RILEY (chair), TALLENT, WADE; Assistant Professors EL-SHERIF, RIGHI
French
THE MAJOR — REQUIREMENTS:
Students who have taken French, Italian, or Spanish in high school must take a computerized placement test before enrolling in a language or literature course in the Francophone and Mediterranean studies department. We strongly recommend that they take the 20-minute test at the Keck Humanities Laboratory upon their arrival at the college.
A student majoring in French has two French major options:
- FRENCH AND FRANCOPHONE STUDIES:
- All required courses: 305, 306, and 431; plus 432 for those students eligible to write a thesis;
- Six literature or culture courses at the 300-level;
- One additional literature or culture course for those students who do not take 432.
TOTAL: 10 units
- ROMANCE LANGUAGES (FRENCH MAJOR; SECOND LANGUAGE FOCUS IN SPANISH OR ITALIAN):
- All required courses: 305, 306, and 431; plus 432 for those students eligible to write a thesis;
- Three literature or culture courses at the 300-level;
- One additional literature or culture course for those students who do not take 432.
Courses for second language focus in SPANISH:
- 305 and two Spanish culture or literature courses.
- Elementary or more advanced Italian, Portuguese or Latin.
Courses for second language focus in ITALIAN:
- 305 and two additional Italian courses from 306, 309, 315, 316, and 320, GS 221.
- Elementary or more advanced Spanish, Portuguese, or Latin. TOTAL: 11–12 units.
The department confers distinction based on senior thesis (432) and department work.
Students who study abroad on programs other than Colorado College’s must take at least two courses beyond 306, in addition to 431 and 432 (if student is eligible), at Colorado College, as well as completing the detailed major requirements described above, to receive a French degree from the college. Only two credits from any unaffiliated program abroad will be accepted into the major. Students who are not eligible for 432 must take an additional upper division course to satisfy the 10-unit French major requirement and the 11–12 unit Romance languages French major requirement.
Transferring students and students who have taken the Advanced Placement (AP) examination should contact the department before taking any language or literature course, since some of the requirements for the major may be waived.
THE FRENCH LANGUAGE MINOR (6 UNITS BEYOND FR 101):
The prerequisite for admission to the minor is 101 (2 units) or equivalent. Students must complete a minimum of six units, including the following: 201, 305, 306 and two courses at the 300 level. Students may count up to two units of French AP credit (i.e., the equivalent of 201) toward the minor. Students who initially place at the 300 level as a result of previous French, must complete four CC French courses at the 300 level. College transfer credit will be accepted, but at least three 300 level French courses must be completed at Colorado College. Only one credit from an unaffiliated program will be accepted into the minor.
PROGRAM ABROAD:
CC Semester in France: Paris/Tours. Blocks 5 & 6 language study at 201 level or above. Block 7 — FR304 (Cultural Context & Oral Practice), Block 8 — FR329 (Paris and the Arts). Prerequisite: FR101 or Equivalent.
French Courses
101 Elementary French
Grammar, with tapes, reading and oral practice.
2 units —
103 Review of Elementary French
Prerequisite: French 101 or equivalent.
.25 unit —
104 Review of Elementary French
Prerequisite: French 101 or equivalent.
.25 unit —
159 French Civilization
This course will retrace the most important aspects of French culture from the 'entre-deux-guerres' period to the present through fiction, film , essays and plays. We will study the cultural life of this period and will explore the German Occupation, the Vichy government ideology, the Shoah, the politics of immigration. Readings will include works from Albert Camus, Jean-Paul Sartre, Marguerite Duras, Patrick Modiano, Eugene Ionesco. Meets the Critical Perspectives: The West in Time requirement. (Not offered 2012-13).
Prerequisite: First Year Experience Course.
2 units
201 Intermediate French
Readings in French literature and civilization: oral work based on texts read; review of grammar. Laboratory.
Prerequisite: French 101 or equivalent.
2 units —
203 Review of Intermediate French
Prerequisite: French 201 or equivalent.
.25 unit —
204 Review of Intermediate French
Prerequisite: French 201 or equivalent.
.25 unit —
208 Great Authors in Translation
For students who do not have time to develop the French skills necessary to take advanced literature courses, but still want to study and become familiar with well-known works from the French and Francophone literary tradition . Emphasis on historical and literary context, identifying major themes, and close readings of key passages. Authors may include: Moliere, Voltaire, Alexandre Dumas, Victor Hugo, Emile Zola, Marguerite Duras, Ousmane Sembene, and Albert Camus.
.5 unit —
211 Intermediate French and Cultural Studies in Francophone Africa
The sub-Saharan African region, specifically the country of Senegal, offers a unique experience to students, from both linguistic and socio-cultural perspectives. The course for Summer Session 2006 will provide students with the unique opportunities to travel in Africa and study language (in this case intermediate French) and culture within the broader international content. It will be based primarily on perspectives on literature, history, geography, social anthropology, politics, ecology and arts and crafts as well as on a formal and total immersion in language learning. The course will be mostly an exploratory learning experience, which includes an introduction to contemporary Africa through historical perspectives: examining the diversity of African cultures and sub-cultures through their indigenous and inherited legacies, particularly the Francophone regions. The course will also investigate the geo-politics of the colonial legacies by analyzing 'the African' definition of the state within the concept of nationhood. Furthermore, the course will expose the participant students to the intricate nature of African cultures, largely through prevailing cultural norms such as notions of caste, class and governmental politics, of the local African religions and the arts, etc. In regards to the ecology, guided field trips will be organized to expose participants to the diverse and rich nature of the Senegalese savanna fauna and flora. (Not offered 2012-13).
2 units
290 Advanced Language Study
Intensive study and review of basic concepts of French grammar in context: sentence structure, syntax, and syntagma. Further development of overall linguistic skills, with the goal of improving writing and speaking skills. Materias include grammar-focused materials on French/Francophone cultures, literary texts, films, and the Internet.
Prerequisite: French 201 or equivalent.
1 unit —
300 Orientation French Program (taught in France
Taught in France. (Not offered 2012-13).
Prerequisite: Must be enrolled in French Semester.
.5 unit
301 Review of French with Emphasis on French/Francophone Civilizations and Cultures
Prerequisite: French 201.
.25 unit —
302 Review of French with Emphasis on French/Francophone Civilizations and Cultures
.25 unit —
304 Cultural Context and Oral Practice
Bridge course between intermediate-level and advanced language courses. Students will develop higher levels of listening comprehension, oral competence, and communicative proficiency and will acquire oral strategies of expression through the study of written and recorded cultural material dealing with a variety of aspects, issues, and realities of the Francophone world. Student activities in the course will include interactive oral presentations of selected web-based materials, of reading and recordings from targeted cultures such as: comic strips, articles, magazines, film clips, songs, etc.
Prerequisite: 201 or equivalent.
1 unit —
305 Cultural Context and Written Expression
Advanced composition and conversation practice through the study of literary and cultural texts of France and the Francophone world. Limited to 15 students.
Prerequisite: French 201 or equivalent.
1 unit —
306 Cultural Context and Critical Analysis
Continues the acquisition of the French language and trains students in the most important methods of critical analysis through readings in different genres.
Prerequisite: 305 or equivalent.
1 unit —
308 Cultures and Civilizations of French-Speaking Regions
The history, art, music, and literature of French-speaking regions (outside of France), such as Quebec, French Africa, French Latin America, and parts of Asia. Taught in French.
Prerequisite: 305 or equivalent.
1 unit —
309 Translation Practice French/English/French
Introduction to theories of translation and a focus on techniques of translating technical, commercial, scientific, and literary texts from English into French and vice versa. Seeks to increase students� international communication skills while building up their cultural competence in French and Francophone worlds. (Not offered 2012-13).
Prerequisite: French 290, French 305, or equivalent.
1 unit
310 Literature & Film
Analysis of several novels and screenplays of different periods in comparison with their film versions in order to examine various modes of interpretation of the two media. Conducted in English. Students wishing to obtain credit for the French major, or the minor, must consult the instructor at the beginning of the course. For majors, novels must be read and papers must be written in French. No prerequisite. (Not offered 2012-13).
1 unit
316 Topics in French Literature and Culture
Study of French authors, genres, literary periods or cultural trends not represented in the regular curriculum. The structure of the course is determined by the topic and the preference of the instructor.
Prerequisite: French 306, or 307, or 308 or consent of instructor.
1 unit —
317 Topics in Francophone Literature and Culture
Study of topics in the literatures and cultures of the Caribbean, the Maghreb, Sub-Saharan Africa, or Quebec. Topics may include the study of various aspects of Francophone societies, such as history, political and economic structures, and their interaction with art and music, film, language, and literature. (Not offered 2012-13).
Prerequisite: French 306, or 307, or 308.
1 unit
318 Theatre and Performance in French
Explores theatre as a literary genre and as a form of communication. Students study texts by major French and Francophone playwrights such as Racine, Moliere and Ionesco and (when possible) adapt thm for a campus performance in French. (Not offered 2012-13).
Prerequisite: French 306, or 307, or 308 or consent of instructor.
1 unit
319 Genres in French Literature: Fiction in Post-Revolutionary France
Will examine the nature and evolution of the novel in French literature after the Revolution through the study of authors from the 19th-century through the present, such as Hugo, Balzac, Flaubert, Zola, Proust, Sartre, Camus, Duras, Robbe-Grillet, Sarraute and Simon. (Not offered 2012-13).
Prerequisite: French 306, or 307, or 308 or consent of instructor.
1 unit
320 Genres in French Literature: Fiction in Pre-Revolutionary France
Will examine the formation and evolution of fiction in French literature through the study of sub-genres such as the epic and the romance, and the novels of authors such as Rabelais, Mme de Lafayette, Voltaire, Diderot, and Rousseau. Attention will be paid to the influence of other genres such as lyric poetry and the essay (Montaigne).
1 unit —
321 Identity and Revolution
Examines the questions of identity and revolution in French and Francophone cultures. Topics may include the French Revolution, anti-colonial struggle, feminist theory, philosophical issues in relation to French/Francophone culture. Questions of individual, collective, and national identity examined through film, literature, new media and other sources.
Prerequisite: French 306, or 307, or 308, or consent of instructor.
1 unit —
323 Themes in Francophone Literature
Study of various themes in the literatures of the Caribbean, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Maghreb, or Quebec. Themes may include the politics of identity, exile, intertextuality, gender, women writers, etc. The structure and content of the course will depend on the theme and preference of the instructor. (Not offered 2012-13).
Prerequisite: French 306, or 307, or 308.
1 unit
324 Topics in Modern French Culture
In-depth study of one aspect of modern French culture, such as philosophy, feminism, the media, forms of popular cultural expression, film, minorities in French society, etc. (Not offered 2012-13).
Prerequisite: French 306, or 307, or 308 or consent of instructor.
1 unit
329 Paris & the Arts
This course will introduce students to various aspects of the Parisian world. May include 20th-century theater, prose and poetry, theater as a genre, film, the manner in which the French understand questions of gender, race and the environment; the intersection of low and high culture; the relationship of popular texts to ideology. Taught in Paris, but not offered every year.
Prerequisite: French 306, or 307, or 308 or consent of instructor.
1 unit —
409 Independent Reading:
Senior majors only.
1 unit —
431 Research Methods
Methods of analysis and theories of literature and culture. Training in research methodology; selection of topic for senior project, portfolio, or senior thesis; research and presentation of work in progress. Required of all majors.
Prerequisite: Required of all Majors.
1 unit —
432 Senior Thesis
An intensive writing course required of all students graduating with a major in French or Romance Languages with emphasis in French. Requirements include intensive directed work on a project of merit. Students with a 3.5 GPA overall and a 3.7 in all French courses will write a thesis, and students with a lower GPA will produce a capstone project. Emphasis in both of these final experiences in the major will be on a project that showcases sufficient and clear proficiency in written French, sustained critical analysis of cultural, literary, or filmic productions, and integrated research in the area of study. Students will also be required to give formal presentations of their research in French to the faculty at the end of the block.
Prerequisite: French 431.
1 unit —
Italian
THE MAJOR — REQUIREMENTS:
Students who have taken French, Italian, or Spanish in high school must take a computerized placement test before enrolling in a language or literature course in the Francophone and Mediterranean studies department. We strongly recommend that they take the 20-minute test at the Keck Humanities Laboratory upon their arrival at the college.
A student majoring in Italian has two major options:
ITALIAN STUDIES:
- All required courses: 305, 306, 431, and 432 for those students eligible to write a thesis, or 431 for those graduating seniors not eligible to write a thesis.
- Two Italian courses from 307, 309, 320. If thesis requirement not met, one additional Italian course.
- Electives: Four courses chosen from at least one, but not more than two, disciplines (art history, cinema, classics, history, international relations, linguistics, music). All courses must be directly relevant to Italian cultures and selected in consultation with advisor. Two electives must be at the 300 level; two of these four courses may be 300-level Italian courses relevant to the major. For complete list of elective courses, see department.
ROMANCE LANGUAGES (ITALIAN MAJOR; SECOND LANGUAGE FOCUS IN FRENCH OR SPANISH):
- All required courses: 305, 306, 431 and 432 for those students eligible to write a thesis, or 431 for those graduating seniors not eligible to write a thesis.
- Three Italian courses from 307, 309, 320, General Studies 221. If thesis requirement not met, one additional Italian course.
Courses for second language focus in FRENCH:
- 305 and two French or Francophone culture or literature courses.
- Elementary or more advanced Spanish, Portuguese, or Latin.
Courses for the second language focus in SPANISH:
- 305 or 312, and two Spanish culture or literature courses.
- Elementary or more advanced French, Portuguese, or Latin.
TOTAL: 11–12 units.
Distinction is awarded based on senior thesis (432) and departmental work.
Students who study abroad on programs other than Colorado College’s should consult both their advisors and the chair of the department for approval of transfer credit. Students must take at least two courses beyond 305, in addition to 431 and 432 (if student is eligible), at Colorado College, as well as completing the detailed major requirements described above, to receive an Italian degree from the college. Only two credits from an unaffiliated program will be accepted into the major. Students who are not eligible for 432 must take an additional upper-division course to satisfy the 11–12 unit Romance languages Italian major requirement.
Transferring students and students who have taken the Advanced Placement (AP) examination should contact the department before taking any language or literature course, since some of the requirements for the major may be waived.
THE MINOR — REQUIREMENTS:
ITALIAN LANGUAGE MINOR (6 UNITS BEYOND IT101):
The prerequisite for admission to the minor is 101 (2 units) or equivalent. Students must complete a minimum of six courses, including the following: 201, 305 and three additional courses from 306, 307, 309, 315, 316, 320, GS221. Students may count up to two units of Italian AP credit (i.e., the equivalent of 201) toward the minor. Students who initially place at the 300-level as a result of previous Italian, must complete four CC Italian courses at the 300 level. College transfer credit will be accepted, but at least three 300-level Italian courses must be completed at Colorado College. Only one credit from an unaffiliated program will be accepted into the minor.
PROGRAM ABROAD:
In addition to courses taught on the Colorado College campus, the French and Italian department sponsors a summer program in Italy.
Italian Courses
101 Elementary Italian
Basic grammatical structures and patterns, with oral drills, tapes, readings, and written exercises.
2 units —
103 Review of Elementary Italian
A lower-level maintenance course for students who plan to continue their study of Italian. Review of grammar with supervised oral practice.
.25 unit —
104 Review of Elementary Italian
A lower-level maintenance course for students who plan to continue their study of Italian. Review of grammar with supervised oral practice. 100-200 Pre-Beginning or Pre-Intermediate Italian. This course is intended for students who want to study Italian at the beginning (100) or second year level (200) but need additional work either because they have never taken a language before (100) or on grammar and speaking (200). Not offered every year.
.25 unit —
201 Intermediate Italian
Immersion in Italian language, culture, and society with a review of fundamentals of Italian lingusitic structures and an expansion of additional patterns. Written and oral compositions.
Prerequisite: Italian 101 or Equivalent.
2 units —
203 Oral Review of Intermediate Italian
A maintenance course for students who have taken Italian 201 and plan to continue their study of Italian. A systematic review of grammar with supervised conversation practice.
.25 unit —
204 Oral Review of Intermediate Italian
A maintenance course for students who have taken Italian 201 and plan to continue their study of Italian. A systematic review of grammar with supervised conversation practice.
.25 unit —
300 Italy Semester: Intensive Grammar Review
This ten-day course serves as an introduction to our Italy Program. Intensive Italian grammar review and orientation in Italy. Students must complete the full semester program in order to receive credit. (Not offered 2012-13).
Prerequisite: 201, consent of Program director & acceptance in the Italy Program.
.5 unit
301 Review of Italian with Emphasis on Italian Civilization
.25 unit —
302 Review of Italian with Emphasis on Italian Civilization & Culture
.25 unit —
304 Cultural Context and Oral Practice
Students develop higher levels of listening comprehension, oral competence, and communicative proficiency and acquire oral strategies of expression through the study of written and recorded cultural materials dealing with a variety of aspects, issues, and realities of the Italian speaking world. (Not offered 2012-13).
Prerequisite: Italian 201 or equivalent.
1 unit
305 Cultural Context and Written Expression
Advanced composition and conversation practice through the study of Italian literary and cultural texts. Limited to 15 students.
Prerequisite: Italian 201 or equivalent.
1 unit —
306 Cultural Context and Critical Analysis
Continues the acquisition of the Italian language and trains students in the most important methods of critical analysis through readings in different genres. (Not offered 2012-13).
Prerequisite: 305 or equivalent.
1 unit
309 Independent Readings in Italian Literature
Textual analysis of important literary works, including at least six authors, two genres and three historical periods. Some authors to be studied are: Dante, Pulci, Leonardo, Goldoni, Manzone, Svevo, Gozzano, Pirandello and Calvino.
1 unit —
315 Readings in Italian: Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque
The nature and evolution of Italian Literature and Culture from 1150 to the 17th century with emphasis on literary form and meaning in poetry, epic and drama. (Not offered 2012-13).
Prerequisite: in Italian.
1 unit
316 Readings in Italian: The Enlightenment to the Postmodern
The nature and evolution of Italian Literature and Culture from the 18th century to the present day with emphasis on literary form and meaning in poetry, the novel, drama and film.
Prerequisite: in Italian.
Also listed as Comparative Literature 220.
1 unit —
320 Topics in Italian Culture
Study of Italian culture, genres, art, film or literature not represented in the regular curriculum. The structure of the course is determined by the topic and the preference of the instructor. In Italian. 1unit - S. Bizzarro, Renga.
Prerequisite: in Italian.
Also listed as Comparative Literature 220 and Film Studies 205.
1 unit —
321 Italian Critical Thought
Explores the intellectual contributions of Italian thinkers to the analysis of societal transformations. Includes a variety of theoretical approaches and thematic, focuses such as: philosophy, Marxism, feminism, psychoanalysis, postcolonial studies, and the history of social movements. Taught in English with work in Italian for interested students.
Also listed as Comparative Literature 351 and Philosophy 314.
1 unit —
431 Research Methods
Methods of analysis and theories of literature and culture. Training in research methodology; selection of topic for senior project, portfolio, or senior thesis; research and presentation of work in progress. Required of all majors.
Prerequisite: Required of Majors. 2 Italian courses above Italian 306 & consent of instructor.
1 unit —
432 Senior Thesis
Intensive writing and supervised revision of senior thesis with oral defense. Thesis open only to students who have satisfied GPA requirements of 3. 5 and 3. 7 from the college and the department, respectively. (Not offered 2012-13).
Prerequisite: Open only to 3.5 college & 3.7 department GPA's.
1 unit
Arabic
Assistant Professor EL-SHERIF (advisor)
THE ARABIC LANGUAGE, LITERATURE, AND CULTURE MINOR (5 UNITS):
Students must complete a minimum of five units, including a minimum of 3 units of Arabic language at the intermediate level or higher covering AR 201, AR 202 and AR 304; and two relevant Arabic literature and culture classes at the 300 level.