French (Minor)

Department of Classical and Modern Foreign Languages Department

Rachel L. Burk, Ph.D., Chair
Thérèse Marie Dougherty, SSND, Ph.D.
Marcela Valencia, Ph.D.

Associate Faculty in French
Joseph Wieczorek, Ph.D

Degrees offered

Minor

Campuses

Main Campus

Bienvenue à notre programme de français! Our program of study integrates exciting interactive technology, small classes, communication-focused coursework and individualized attention. Our students take French from the classroom into the NDMU community and the larger world via study abroad, service learning, language-exchange partners, internships and a partnership with the Alliance Française of Baltimore.

The French Minor requires 21 credit hours (7 courses) beginning at the 200-level. Students who place out of LFN-233 and 234 will take 27 credits (six courses). All Minors, including native speakers, must take LFN-301 and LFN-302. Students who place into the 300-level must complete a minimum of 18 credits (six courses) in order to minor in the language. They may substitute one 300- or 400- level literature, culture or linguistics course for 233/234.

Required Courses for The French Minor

Language Skills:

LFR-233 French for Oral Proficiency (3)
LFR-234 French for Written Proficiency (3)
LFR-301 Advanced French Conversation and Composition I (3)
LFR-302 Advanced French Conversation and Composition II (3)

Introduction to the Discipline:

LFN-201 The World of Language (taught in English) (3)
LFR-258* Readings in French and Francophone Literature (3)

*For native speakers who have successfully completed a literature course in English, LFR-258 should be replaced by one 300-level literature course in French.

Culture and Civilization:

LFR-358 French and Francophone Culture and Civilization (3)

International studies Majors who minor in language are not required to take a culture course. They may complete the Minor with 18 credits (six courses).

Students who place into the 300-level must complete a minimum of 18 credits (six courses) in order to minor in French. They may substitute one 300- or 400- level literature, culture or Linguistics course for LFR-233/234.

Courses

LFN-201 The World of Language

Overviews the history, foundations and linguistic methods, as well as the social and cultural aspects of the discipline. Makes explicit the links among language, communication and culture. Helps students to see language in its larger context and introduces them to the principles of linguistic and cross-cultural analysis. Explores current issues in the field: first and second language acquisition, language development and change, bilingualism, literacy, language and the mind, and language use in society. Taught in English. Required for minors and majors of all languages. Open to non-majors. Fulfills general education requirement in cross-cultural studies. Prerequisite: one foreign language course at the 103-level or equivalent. [3 credits]

LFR-233 French for Oral Proficiency

Offers intensive oral-aural practice, with emphasis on the language used in daily life. Serves those who wish to perfect pronunciation and increase fluency in French through extensive use of multimedia materials. Independent lab work required. Fulfills the general education language requirement. Prerequisite: LFR-103 or placement. [3 credits]

LFR-234 French for Written Proficiency

Helps students learn to express themselves more proficiently in written French. Weekly writing assignments strengthen grammar and spelling skills, build vocabulary and add to the student's understanding of French syntax and sentence structure. Class discussion and group work, all of which take place in French, help improve student's speaking ability. Fulfills the general education language requirement. Prerequisite: LFR-103 or placement. [3 credits]

LFR-258 Readings in Francophone Literature

Introduces students to literary analysis by the reading of selected short works by contemporary Francophone authors. Discussion of geographical, historical and bio-bibliographical information and close analysis and interpretation of the short stories lead to a deeper appreciation of their literary and cultural context. Fulfills the general education literature and cross-cultural studies requirements. Prerequisite: LFR-233/234 or permission of the instructor. [3 credits]

LFR-301 Advanced French Conversation and Composition I

Gives special attention to the idiomatic use of language and to the finer points of French grammar. Based on writings and media sources dealing with present day events and cultural issues. Analysis of structure and style. Fulfills the general education language requirement. Prerequisite: LFR-233/234 or equivalent. Required of all majors and minors. [3 credits]