In light of the significant changes taking place in our world and the need for greater international understanding and cooperation, one cannot over-estimate the importance of foreign language study. The courses and laboratory work in foreign languages at Birmingham Southern College are designed to help students attain a degree of written and oral proficiency. Furthermore, in studying a foreign language, students develop an appreciation of another culture, and in doing so, they gain new insights into their own culture as well.

Students are encouraged to complement their coursework in a foreign language with various on- and off-campus experiences: dining with faculty and students at the language tables, attending foreign films, taking part in a service learning trip or other special interest trip during the interim term in a country where their target language is spoken, and participating in an approved foreign study program.

The program for French majors and minors aims at developing the following major objectives: (a) an advanced degree of proficiency in the language which enables the student to communicate effectively with native speakers, (b) a sound understanding of French culture, and (c) a basic knowledge of French literature with emphasis on the study of its masterpieces.

French majors are strongly advised to adopt an appropriate cognate program-as either a minor or double major. Proficiency in French is particularly useful for students planning careers in teaching (university, secondary, and bilingual), international business, foreign service, research and technology, and fine arts.

Students may earn credit in French at Birmingham-Southern through the Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate programs. A score of four or more on either the grammar or the literature AP examination or a score of five or more on the IB examination will satisfy the general education requirement in foreign language at the College and will also earn credit for the student in the appropriate language course. See the section Credit by Examination for a full description of the policy.

Major Requirements

FR 300
FR 315
FR 401 and 402
one unit in FR culture
five elective units in FR at the 270 level or above
FR 499

Minor Requirements

FR 300
FR 315
one unit in FR culture
one unit in FR literature
one elective unit in FR at the 270 level or above

Courses in French

FR 101 Elementary French I (1)

An introduction to the sounds and structure of the language as well as to the culture of French-speaking peoples. Skills emphasized are reading, writing, speaking, and oral comprehension. Prerequisite: Consent Fall.

 

FR 102 Elementary French II (1)

A continuation of FR 101. Prerequisite: FR 101. Spring.

 

FR 201 Fundamentals of French Grammar (1)

A review of the fundamentals of grammar designed primarily for students who have had only one or two years of language on the high school level. Prerequisite: Consent. Fall 2001, Spring 2002, Fall 2002, Fall 2003.

 

FR 220 Intermediate French (1)

A course built on beginning French that thoroughly reviews basic grammar concepts, builds vocabulary, and further develops all four language skills. Prerequisite: FR 102, 201, or consent. Fall, Spring.

 

FR 230 French for Business (1)

A third semester course designed for students interested in developing and applying their language skills in a professional environment. Intended for business and international business majors, this course also gives other students a concrete context in which to build on beginning French: they review basic grammar concepts, build vocabulary, and further develop all four language skills. May be substituted for French 220. Prerequisite: FR 102, 201, or consent. Spring 2002.

 

FR 270 Conversation française (1)

Instruction and practice in oral comprehension and speaking. Conversation is based on realia (newspapers, magazines, videos). The course increases oral proficiency and awareness of modern culture. Prerequisite: FR 220 or consent. Fall.

 

FR 280 Approches de lecture (1)

An introduction to French literature as well as to the skills and methods needed to read literature in the French language. This course provides practice in and application of these skills using a variety of genres. The course increases reading proficiency and prepares students for 400-level literature courses. (Does not satisfy general education requirement in literature.) Prerequisite: FR 220 or consent. Spring.

 

FR 300 French Phonetics and Conversation (1)

A study of French phonetics with extensive conversational training. Prerequisite: FR 270 or consent. Fall 2002.

 

FR 315 Advanced Grammar and Composition (1)

A detailed analysis of grammar and intensive practice in composition. Prerequisite: FR 270, 280, or consent. Fall 2001.

 

FR 325 French Civilization (1)

The study of the development of French civilization as shown in its history, arts, and thought. Emphasis is placed on the interdependence of these aspects during any given period and also on their relationship on a chronological time scale. All lectures, discussions, and readings are in French. Prerequisite: FR 270, 280, or consent. Spring.

 

FR 333 French Across the Curriculum (¼)

Directed readings in the language in conjunction with a course in another discipline. May be taken more than once for credit providing that the disciplinary course is different. Prerequisite: FR 220 or equivalent, and consent. Fall, Spring.

 

FR 360 Quebec: Life and Letters (1)

A study of the culture of French speaking Canada with emphasis on the development of its literature. All lectures, discussions, and readings are in French. Prerequisite: FR 270, 280, or consent. Spring 2002.

 

FR 398 Teaching Experience in French (1)

Prerequisite: Consent.

 

FR 401 Survey of French Literature I (1)

A study of the evolution of French literature from its beginning through the eighteenth century. Prerequisite: FR 280 or consent. Spring 2002.

 

FR 402 Survey of French Literature II (1)

A continuation of FR 401 emphasizing French literature in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Prerequisite: FR 280 or consent. Fall.

 

FR 410 Twentieth-Century Literature (1)

A study of major themes and currents in twentieth century francophone literature. The focus of this course may vary each time it is offered: for example, existentialism, nouveau roman, théâtre de l'absurde, gender in contemporary fiction, francophony. With the permission of the French faculty, students may enroll more than once for credit, provided that the reading list is different. Prerequisite: FR 280 or consent. Spring 2003.

 

FR 420 Nineteenth-Century Literature (1)

Creative writings from Romanticism to Symbolism with attention to the theories of the important genres. Prerequisite: FR 280 or consent.

 

FR 460 Major Authors (1)

A focused study of the life and works of a major francophone author. Future offerings include Baudelaire, Voltaire, Roy, Hébert. Prerequisite: FR 280 or consent.

 

FR 470-471 French Seminar (1)

An in-depth study of a faculty-selected topic in literature, either from France or from other francophone countries. Topics emphasize thematic approaches to the literature of a particular era or genre. Prerequisite: FR 280 or consent.

 

FR 493 Independent Study (1)

Directed work for advanced students. Prerequisite: Consent.

 

FR 498 Teaching Experience in French (1)

Prerequisite: Consent.

 

FR 499 Senior Project in French (1)

An independent research project on a literary or cultural topic pertaining to the French language. A substantial paper that demonstrates an advanced degree of proficiency in the written expression of the language and an oral presentation are required. Prerequisite: Junior standing. Interim.