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Recent Courses:

EXTD 310: Ethics and Difference
A course on the idea of difference in historical perspective; focuses on ethical aspects of claiming/identifying difference. Study of difference in texts by the Philosophers of the Enlightenment, journals or personal papers of voyagers and colonial administrators, fiction, reflections on method by anthropologists, twentieth-century critical/philosophical work, and medical ethics. Emphasizes critical thought and expression. Focuses on methods for close reading/study to generate and develop research questions. Individual assignments based on students’ interests/disciplines. Possible themes of difference include gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, class, disability, and differential power in individual or group relationships.
Prerequisite: Open to seniors; juniors by permission of the instructor.
Distribution: Religion, Ethics, and Moral Philosophy
Semester: Spring Unit: 1.0

FREN 331 Desire, Sexuality, and Love in African Francophone Cinema
An exploration of interpersonal relationships within traditional or transgressive couples in African Francophone Cinema. Consideration of various cultural and social backgrounds will frame our discussion of such controversial issues as cliterodectomy, polygamy, homosexuality, and incest.
Prerequisite: Two 200-level units, one of which must be 210 (if taken Fall 2004 or later), or 211 or above.
Distribution: Language and Literature or Arts, Music, Theatre, Film, Video
Semester: Spring
Unit: 1.0

FREN 330 French and Francophone Studies
NOT OFFERED IN 2007-08. The course examines various texts from the post-independent Francophone world to understand pressing concerns in different postcolonial regions. Close attention will be paid to narrative techniques while studying questions concerning the relationship with the metropolis and the functioning of language(s). Includes a brief introduction to the history of Francophone literature. Texts by Driss Chraïbi, Maryse Condé, Axel Gauvin, Assia Djebar.
Prerequisite: Two 200-level units, one of which must be 210 (if taken Fall 2004 or later), or 211 or above.
Distribution: Language and Literature
Semester: N/O
Unit: 1.0

FREN 218 Négritude, Independences, Women's Issues: Francophone Literature in Context
This course seeks to understand the key concerns of writers during the Négritude movement in order to address important questions that became crucial during the ensuing period of the various independence movements. We will discuss issues which arose at this time and continue to be of interest concerning the role of women in these movements and thereafter in the newly independent nation. The impact of colonialism and independence on different indigenous societal institutions, polygamy in particular, will be central to the later readings.
Prerequisite: At least one unit of 206, 207, 208, 209 or above, an SAT II score of 690-800, an AP score of 5, or an equivalent departmental placement score.
Distribution: Language and Literature
Semester: Fall
Unit: 1.0

FREN 211 Studies in Language
Comprehensive review of French grammar, enrichment of vocabulary, and introduction to French techniques of literary analysis, composition and the organization of ideas.
Prerequisite: At least one unit of 206, 207, 208, or 209, an SAT II score of 690-800, an AP score of 5, or an equivalent departmental placement score.
Distribution: Language and Literature
Semester: Fall, Spring
Unit: 1.0

FREN 201-202 French Language, Literatures and Cultures
Reading, writing and speaking skills are developed through analysis and discussions of short stories, plays, poems, films and newspaper articles from France and the Francophone world. Three periods. Each semester earns one unit of credit; however, both semesters must be completed satisfactorily to receive credit for either course. Students beginning with 202 must take one of the following courses: 205, 206, 207, 208, or 209 in order to complete the requirement. The 201-202 sequence must be completed within three semesters.
Prerequisite: 102 or 103, SAT II score of 500-590, or an equivalent departmental placement score, or an AP score of 1 or 2 or permission of the instructor.
Distribution: Language and Literature
Semester: Fall, Spring
Unit: 1.0