FRENCH 225 The French Press

This course is designed for students who want to become more familiar with the French media, to keep up with current events and to know more about the differences between the perspectives of French and American news sources with regard to current issues.  The course is also intended to improve students’ reading, writing, and speaking skills in French. 

Students will read a wide variety of newspaper and magazine selections reflecting the wide range of public opinion in France.  Students will also view clips from French television news programs.  Emphasis will be placed on the ideological and stylistic differences among various French news sources as well as differences between the French and American presses with regard to specific issues.

Classes will include formal presentations, informal discussions and in-class debates.

Formal presentations include:

1. presentation and analysis of current events
2. comparative study of a single event as seen by different newspapers and magazines
3. comparative study of a particular topic as seen by French and American presses
4. historical research of the French media’s treatment of a particular topic over time
5. stylistic analysis of an article

In addition to short writing assignments, students will be assigned 2 main projects:

1. Exposé:  Each student will do an in-class exposé on a topic of her choice.
2. Final paper: 5-6 pages, in French (in lieu of a final exam)

Newspapers – Libération, Le Monde,  Le Figaro
Magazines – Le Nouvel Observateur, Le Figaro Magazine, L’Express, Le Point