Winter 2012

WINTER QUARTER 2012
EXPANDED COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

 

 

*Change (made after the publication of the Class Schedule and Registration Guide)

 

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LOWER-DIVISION COURSES
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FRENCH 1. Elementary French (5 Units)
Supervisor: Prof. Eric Russell, erussell@ucdavis.edu

Description: Presentation of the basic grammar and vocabulary of French as well as cultural information about the French-speaking world (textbook chapters 1 to 6); in-class interactive exercises and out-of-class assignments for practice in using the language for listening and reading comprehension, writing, and speaking. French is the exclusive means of communication in class. The course meets five hours per week, with 20-25 students per section. Course materials (other than the textbook and workbook) and daily homework assignments are available through SmartSite.

Prerequisite: No previous study of French is assumed. Students who have never studied French (or who have had fewer than two years of French in high school and do not place into French 2) should enroll in French 1. Students with two or more years of French in high school may only take this course for a Pass/ No Pass grade.

Course Grade: The final grade for the course will be determined by daily preparation and participation (14%), homework (12%), three quizzes (15%), one major composition (10%), three in-class exams (30%), and a final exam (19%).

Textbooks:

• A. Valdman, C. Pons, M.E. Scullen, Chez Nous: Branché sur le monde francophone, 5th Edition (Textbook)
• Chez Nous: Branché sur le monde francophone, 5th Edition (MyFrench Lab - Access Card)

 

FRENCH 2. Elementary French (5 Units)
Supervisor: Prof. Eric Russell, erussell@ucdavis.edu

Description: Presentation of the basic grammar and vocabulary of French as well as cultural information about the French-speaking world (textbook chapters 7 to 11); in-class interactive exercises and out-of-class assignments for practice in using the language for listening and reading comprehension, writing, and speaking. French is the exclusive means of communication in class. The course meets five hours per week, with 20-25 students per section. Course materials (other than the textbook and workbook) and daily homework assignments are available through SmartSite.

Course Grade: The final grade for the course will be determined by daily preparation and participation (14%), homework (10%), three quizzes (15%), one major composition (10%), two in-class exams (25%), a final oral exam (6%), and a final written exam (20%).

Prerequisite: French 1 or Language Placement Exam (Any student, regardless of previous experience studying French, may take this course for a letter or Pass/ No Pass grade.)

Textbooks:

• A. Valdman, C. Pons, M.E. Scullen, Chez Nous: Branché sur le monde francophone, 5th Edition (Textbook)
• Chez Nous: Branché sur le monde francophone, 5th Edition (MyFrench Lab - Access Card)

 

FRENCH 3. Elementary French (5 Units)
Supervisor: Prof. Eric Russell, erussell@ucdavis.edu

Description: Presentation of the basic grammar and vocabulary of French as well as cultural information about the French-speaking world (textbook chapters 12 to 16); in-class interactive exercises and out-of-class assignments for practice in using the language for listening and reading comprehension, writing, and speaking. French is the exclusive means of communication in class. The course meets five hours per week, with 20-25 students per section. Course materials (other than the textbook and workbook) and daily homework assignments are available through SmartSite.

Course Grade: The final grade for the course will be determined by daily preparation and participation (14%), homework (10%), three quizzes (15%), one major composition (10%), two in-class exams (25%), a final oral exam (6%), and a final written exam (20%).

Prerequisite: French 2 or Language Placement Exam (Any student, regardless of previous experience studying French, may take this course for a letter or Pass/ No Pass grade.)

Textbooks:

• E. Amon, J.A. Muyskens, and A.C. Omaggio Hadley, Vis-a-vis: Beginning French, 5th Edition (Textbook)
• E. Amon, J. Muyskens, and A.C. Omaggio Hadley, Vis-a-vis: Beginning French, 5th Edition (ONLINE Workbook/Laboratory Manual - requires an access card)

 

FRENCH 21. Intermediate French (5 Units)
Supervisor: Prof. Julia Simon, jsimon@ucdavis.edu

Description: Presentation and analysis of the cultures of the French-speaking world (Paris, Quebec, Tahiti, Lyon, Northern Africa) and comparison to home culture; review of the basic grammar presented in first-year French; expansion of vocabulary related to city living, history/geography, the arts, food/cooking, and family life (textbook chapters 1 to 5). In-class presentations and activities, as well as out-of-class assignments, are conducted solely in French and focus on the development of listening and reading comprehension, writing, and speaking skills. The course meets four hours per week, plus an additional hour of independent web-based work, with 20-25 students per section. Course materials (other than the textbook and workbook) and daily homework assignments are available through SmartSite.

Course Grade: The final grade for the course will be determined by daily preparation and participation, homework, and one in-class composition per chapter (5 x 13% = 85%), an oral final exam (5%), and a written final exam (10%).

Prerequisite: French 3 or Language Placement Exam (Any student, regardless of previous experience studying French, may take this course for a letter or Pass/ No Pass grade.)

Textbook:

• Jean Marie Schultz and Marie-Paul Tranvouez, Réseau: Communication, Intégration, Intersections (Prentice Hall, 2009)

 

FRENCH 22. Intermediate French (5 Units)
Supervisor: Prof. Julia Simon, jsimon@ucdavis.edu

Description: Presentation and analysis of the cultures of the French-speaking world (Senegal, Martinique, Geneva, Strasbourg, Brussels) and comparison to home culture; review of the basic grammar presented in first-year French; expansion of vocabulary related to commerce, tourism, sports and leisure, politics, and modern technology (textbook chapters 6 to 10). In-class presentations and activities, as well as out-of-class assignments, are conducted solely in French and focus on the development of listening and reading comprehension, writing, and speaking skills. The course meets four hours per week, plus an additional hour of independent web-based work, with 25 students per section. Course materials (other than the textbook and workbook) and daily homework assignments are available through SmartSite.

Course Grade: The final grade for the course will be determined by daily preparation and participation, homework, and one in-class composition per chapter (5 x 13% = 85%), an oral final exam (5%), and a written final exam (10%).

Prerequisite: French 21 or Language Placement Exam (Any student, regardless of previous experience studying French, may take this course for a letter or Pass/ No Pass grade.)

Textbook:

• Jean Marie Schultz and Marie-Paul Tranvouez, Réseau: Communication, Intégration, Intersections (Prentice Hall, 2009)

 

FRENCH 23. Intermediate French (5 Units)
Supervisor: Prof. Julia Simon, jsimon@ucdavis.edu

Description: The goals in this course are to advance your comprehension and use of the French language, with a particular focus on writing skills. Structured reading, analysis, discussion and writing assignments will enable you to increase your vocabulary, improve your oral and aural proficiency, solidify your mastery of grammatical structures, and develop greater ease and sophistication in written and spoken expression.

Prerequisite: French 22 or Language Placement Exam (Any student, regardless of previous experience studying French, may take this course for a letter or Pass/ No Pass grade.)

Text: Materials available through SmartSite.

 

 

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UPPER-DIVISION COURSES
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FRENCH 100. Composition in French (4 Units)

Prof. Melissa Stem, mstem@ucdavis.edu
TR 9:00-10:20, 101 Olson
CRN 53931

Description: The primary goal at this level is to introduce you to the study of literature in French, which consists of two related introductions: to literature written in French and also to the critical study of literature. The first consists of reading a variety of texts written in French in different genres over a vast time span. The second consists of giving you certain tools and enabling you to develop interpretative and analytical skills that you use to understand better the texts we are reading (and others!) and to articulate your ideas about the texts in a clear and persuasive manner. This is where French class becomes literature class (i.e., the focus is on the literature and thus its language, but not the foreignness of the language).

Prerequisite: French 23 or equivalent.

GE Credits (Old): None.
GE Credits (New): Arts & Humanities, Writing, and World Cultures.

Texts:

• Stillman and Gordon, The Ultimate French Review and Practice
• Collins Robert French Unabridged Dictionary
• Additional materials and all literary texts available on SmartSite

 

FRENCH 102. Introduction to French Drama (4 Units)

Prof. Noah Guynn, ndguynn@ucdavis.edu
TR 10:30-11:50, 1120 Hart
CRN 53932

Description: This course will offer an introduction to the study of twentieth-century French drama, specifically focusing on works by Jean-Paul Sartre (Huis clos and La p... respectueuse), Eugene Ionesco (La cantatrice chauve), Samuel Beckett (Oh les beaux jours!), and Marguerite Duras (India Song). We will consider the relationship between theatrical representation and philosophical theories of meaning and being. We will also be interested in theater as a medium for ethical reflection, political action, and ideological critique. Students will be asked to write three papers, and there will be a final exam including ID questions and textual analyses.

Prerequisite: French 100 or equivalent.

GE Credits (Old): Arts & Humanities.
GE Credits (New): Arts & Humanities, Writing, and World Cultures.

Texts:

• (TBA)

 

FRENCH 105. Advanced French Grammar (4 Units)

Prof. Melissa Stem, jsimon@ucdavis.edu 
TR 12:10-1:30, 227 Olson
CRN 53933

Description: Look grammar straight in the eye and master it (after plenty of practice). A course devoted to grammar review, to the resolution of pesky problems, and to solutions to points of confusion. Extensive written practice with various grammatical structures. Daily homework exercises will prepare you for quizzes, exams and a final exam.

Prerequisite: French 23 or equivalent.

GE Credits (Old): None.
GE Credits (New): Writing.

Required Texts:

• Stillman and Gordon, The Ultimate French Review and Practice: 2nd Edition
• Additional grammar exercises available on SmartSite or distributed in class

 

Additional Recommended Course Materials:

• Jacqueline Morton, English Grammar for Students of French
• Le Nouveau Bescherelle. L'art de conjuger. Dictionnaire de verbes français
• Tex's French Grammar: www.laits.utexas.edu/tex/

 

FRENCH 107B. The Making of Modern France (4 Units)

Prof. Julia Simon, jsimon@ucdavis.edu 
MWF 11:00-11:50, 1028 Wickson
CRN 53937

Description: The course will examine the history of state formation and centralization in France from the reign of Louis XIV through the Second Empire. Special attention will be paid to the rise of the nation-state, theories of absolute monarchy, the revolution, and the political formations of the nineteenth century. Through readings of cultural and historical documents we will trace the development of France as a unified nation with a particular identity. We will also discuss artistic and cultural achievements of the period such as the Palais de Versailles and the Haussmannization of Paris.

Work for the course will consist of daily readings from either the textbooks or supplementary readings. Students will be expected to have read the assigned texts before coming to class and be ready to discuss them. Written work for the course will include short quizzes and two in-class exams.

Prerequisite: French 100 or consent of instructor.

GE Credits (Old): Arts & Humanities and Writing.
GE Credits (New): Arts & Humanities, Writing, and World Cultures.

Texts:

• Course Readings available through SmartSite
• Pierre Bezbakh, Petit Larousse De L'Histoire de France

 

 

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GRADUATE COURSES
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FRENCH 204. Topics in Medieval Literature: "Old French Language and Literature" (4 Units)

Prof. Noah Guynn, ndguynn@ucdavis.edu
R 2:10-5:00, 522 Sproul
CRN 53935

Description: This course will offer an introduction to the study of Old French language and literature. Using William Kibler's textbook (MLA), we will master the basic elements of Old French grammar and syntax and develop skills in the linguistic and formal analysis of literary texts. Students will be asked to do regular translation assignments and close readings. Class sessions will be structured as workshops and will require active, informed participation from all students. Other requirements for the course include a take-home midterm exam (translations with dictionaries), an in-class oral presentation, and a 5-page paper. The course will focus on Marie de France's Fresne. Additional readings will be chosen by the instructor, though students are warmly invited to suggest texts pertinent to their research. Reading knowledge of Latin and/or a modern Romance language is required for this course, which will be taught in English.

Prerequisite: Graduate student standing.

Texts:

• (TBA)

 

FRENCH 396. Teaching Assistant Training Practicum (4 Units)

Prof. Eric Russell (Sec. --, CRN ***)
Prof. Julia Simon (Sec. --, CRN ***)

(Note: Contact Falicia Savala at fsavala

@ucdavis.edu for the CRNs.)