2019-2020

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
Alexandre Labat, M.A.

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-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-level literature, culture or Linguistics course for LFR-233/234.


Courses

LFR-101 Beginning French I

Develops the ability to understand, speak, read and write in French. Enhances awareness and understanding of the French-speaking world through presentation of authentic material. LFR-101 is for students with no prior experience in French. Laboratory required. LFR-101 offered every spring semester. [3 credits]

LFR-102 Beginning French II

Develops the ability to understand, speak, read and write in French. Enhances awareness and understanding of the French-speaking world through presentation of authentic material. LFR-101 is for students with no prior experience in French. Laboratory required. (LFR-102 offered every fall semester.) [ 3 credits ] 

LFR-103 Intermediate French

Develops the four language skills through a review of grammar and readings based on cultural material. Laboratory required. Fulfills the general education language requirement. Prerequisite: LFR-102 or placement. Offered every spring. [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]

LFR-302 Advanced French Composition and Conversation II

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]

LFR-310 Masterpieces in French Literature I

Introduces students to French literature and thought in their historical and social dimensions through a close study of selected masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 17th century. Special emphasis on the aesthetic and intellectual currents that have shaped French literature. Prerequisite: LFR-258. Fulfills the general education literature requirement. [3 credits]

LFR-311 Masterpieces in French Literature II

Introduces students to French literature and thought in their historical and social dimensions through a close study of selected masterpieces from the 18th century to the present. Special emphasis on the aesthetic and intellectual currents that have shaped French literature. Prerequisite: LFR-258 or permission. Fulfills the general education literature requirement. [3 credits]

LFR-358 French Civilization and Culture

Provides an overview of contemporary French culture. Includes a look at the forces of history and the men and women who have shaped the French culture, and a consideration of the challenges France faces as it looks toward its future. [3 credits] 

LFR-401 Topics in French

Studies a central topic in linguistics, culture or literature. Course may be repeated for credit as topics change. Prerequisite: LFR-302 or permission of instructor. [3 credits]

LFR-427 Short Term Academic Experience in a French-Speaking Country

Visits cities and sites of historical and cultural importance in one French-speaking country. Prior to the tour, students will attend preparatory lectures and complete preliminary readings. Research related to the tour usually will be completed within a month after return. Fulfills the culture and civilization requirement for the French major and minor. [3 credits]

LFR-463 Independent Study

Allows the student to undertake an individual program of study in language, linguistics, literature or civilization under the guidance of a member of the department. [3 credits]