Monmouth College

Overview of the French Program:

Students will broaden their knowledge of the language and culture of the French-speaking world, in order to become engaged thinkers who question their own assumptions. Students will be prepared to meet the challenges of this diverse world, think critically, and communicate effectively in the twenty-first century.

FREN 201 Intermediate French (or equivalent)

FREN 210/220* Advanced Composition/Conversation/Proficiency in French

Students must take a proficiency exam following FREN 210/220. Students must also pass a comprehensive examination upon completion of the major before graduation. Study-abroad
is highly recommended.

*Co-requisite courses (must be taken concurrently).

FREN 201 Intermediate French (or equivalent)

FREN 210/220* Advanced Composition/Conversation/Proficiency in French

Students must take a proficiency exam following FREN 210/220.

*Co-requisite courses (must be taken concurrently).

FREN 252 Culture, Folklore, and Historical Background of the French-speaking World

FREN 315 French Writing and Grammar

FREN 321 Explication de texte

FREN 325 Business French

FREN 332 Perspectives in French Literature (Theatre/Prose/Poetry)

FREN 424 Francophone Literature

Students seeking teacher certification in this area should refer to pages 53–60.

FREN 101G. Elementary French I 4 sem hrs

This course focuses on the essential elements of effective communication in the French
language. The student will acquire a basic competence in the four language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing), and learn to appreciate the language as a communication
system for a different culture, including its distinct thought processes and viewpoints.

FREN 102G. Elementary French II 4 sem hrs

Continuation of FREN 101. Practice and acquisition of increasingly complex vocabulary and sentence structure, tenses and moods, leading to greater accuracy in oral and written expression. Prerequisite: FREN 101 or placement.

FREN 201. Intermediate French 4 sem hrs

A one-semester intermediate course designed to enable students to attain a functional level of proficiency in French. The emphasis is on the development of oral-aural skills (speaking and listening). Prerequisite: FREN 102 or placement.

FREN 210. Advanced Composition and Conversation 3 sem hrs

A study of the structure of the French language beyond the intermediate level. Includes continued grammar study and written and oral composition aimed toward accuracy of expression. Prerequisite: FREN 201 or its equivalent. Co-requisite: FREN 220.

FREN 220. Proficiency in French 1 sem hr

This course provides students with a functional level of proficiency in French. Emphasis is placed on developing students’ skills in speaking, writing, listening-comprehension and reading. Prerequisites: FREN 201, its equivalent, or permission of the instructor. Co-requisite: FREN 210.

FREN 252. Culture, Folklore, and Historical Background of the
French-speaking World 3 sem hrs

This course is an introduction to different aspects of contemporary French-speaking world and will explore a number of political issues such as urbanization, women’s rights, occupation and decolonization. French civilization will be understood through history, literature and the arts as a means of better understanding present-day France. Offered in alternate years.

FREN 315. French Writing and Grammar 3 sem hrs

The aim of this course is to provide the grammatical knowledge and necessary grounding students need to comprehend complex readings and to write advanced papers in French. Offered in alternate years.

FREN 321. Explication de texte 3 sem hrs

Students will be introduced to various strategies for analyzing literary and non-literary texts. Students will also study the aesthetics and theory of literary expression. Selected texts range from the eighteenth through the nineteenth century. Offered in alternate years.

FREN 325. Business French 3 sem hrs

The goals of this course are both linguistic and substantive. In addition to learning professional vocabulary, students will study the functioning and characteristics of the French business world. The following topics will be covered: a) business letters, résumé writing, interviews and job searching; b) overview of selected business cases; c) financial institutions; d) trade, etc.

FREN 332. Perspectives in French Literature (Theatre/Prose/Poetry) 3 sem hrs

Organized by genre (theatre, poetry, or prose) and by siècle (century), this course provides an overview of French literature and major literary trends through the study of representative works from various periods. May be repeated for credit under a different topic. Offered in alternate years.

FREN 424. Francophone Literature 3 sem hrs

Reading some of the most compelling literary representations of children growing up in Africa or Antillean milieu, we will focus on themes, motifs, symbols and other literary devices used to articulate their reflections, dilemmas, perplexities and choices. Colonialism, assimilation, identity, and the other versus the self are some of the themes to be explored in this course. Offered in alternate years.