College Bulletin 2024-2025
Modern Languages and Literatures: French and Francophone Studies
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Courses
Faculty
JEAN-VINCENT BLANCHARD, Professor and Section Head
ALEXANDRA GUEYDAN-TUREK, Associate Professor3
CARINA YERVASI, Associate Professor and Section Head
MARSHALL SMITH, Assistant Professor
CHRISTOPHER ROBISON, Visiting Assistant Professor
ANNE-SOPHIE JUBIN, Lecturer
ARNAUD COURGEY, Visiting Lecturer
3 Absent on leave, 2024-2025.
In French and Francophone Studies, you will learn French and acquire global competence in the Francophone world. You are introduced to modern France and a variety of French-speaking countries such as Algeria, Belgium, Haiti, and Senegal. You can develop an in-depth critical and comparative understanding of the textual, filmic, and cultural productions of each of these regions. Our courses also pay careful attention to the major historical, social, and political developments that have shaped France, and its former colonies, thus providing an opportunity to understand the forces underlying these various cultures, literatures, and films. You will also expand your knowledge of the diversity of French-speaking countries. In our program, you can explore interests as diverse as critical theory, film studies, gender studies, postcolonial studies, or the Islamic world, and work directly with primary sources in their original language.
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The Academic Program
French and Francophone Studies is offered as a major or minor in the Course Program and as a major or minor in Honors. The prerequisite to take upper-level courses (numbered 20 and higher) for both course and honors students is FREN 014 or FREN 015 , the equivalent, or evidence of special competence.
All French and Francophone Studies majors and minors, including students preparing a secondary school certificate, should complete a study abroad program in a French-speaking country. Students who are not authorized to study aborad should contact the head of the section to find an equivalent experience. Middlebury Students may earn 1 credit for courses equivalent to FREN 014 upon taking a course (FREN 015 or higher) in the semester immediately upon return to campus. This credit may not count toward the major.
Majors and minors in the Course and Honors Programs are expected to be proficient in spoken and written French, and to do the larger part of their work in French, i.e., discussions and papers in courses and seminars and all oral and written examinations, including oral defense of the senior paper and Honors examinations.
Learning Goals
The French and Francophone Studies Program seamlessly articulates the acquisition of French linguistic skills with cultural and literary knowledge and sensitivity throughout our 4-year curriculum. We provide students with global competence in the Francophone world through an innovative curriculum that combines national and transnational Francophone literatures, cultures and histories, with an emphasis on modern and contemporary periods. Students build a cross-cultural understanding with the goal of participating in an increasingly interconnected world.
Starting with our French language courses (Fr 1 through 14), students are introduced to modern France and a variety of French-speaking countries such as Algeria, Belgium, Haiti and Senegal. In our advanced courses (Fr 40 and above), students develop an in-depth, critical and comparative understanding of the textual, filmic, and cultural productions of each of these regions. We aim to:
(A) Make students proficient in the four fundamental language competencies (listening, reading, speaking and writing), as well as develop a fifth, cultural competency, through explorations of culture and society in France and the Francophone World. This is a substantial element in achieving global competence as described above.
Fr 1 through Fr 14: In the intensive French language sequence (Fr 1 through 14), students develop an advanced proficiency in the five competencies delineated above. For further details on the language sequence, how it relates to internationally recognized standards, and proficiency as it relates to study abroad, contact the French section head.
Fr 15 W and Fr 16: These written and aural/oral competencies are further refined. Students develop a sensibility to literary, filmic, cultural, and socio-political questions in modern French and Francophone societies. They learn to produce coherent, logical and persuasive arguments from a variety of texts and films, and learn to adopt different formats for that purpose (explication de texte, rédaction, research paper, and opEd).
Fr 40 and above: Students demonstrate an extensive and intentional grappling with the topic of the course. They are further introduced to comparative methodologies and scholarly criticism, and learn to consistently articulate their reflection in persuasive ways and support their opinions through evidence.
Seminars Fr 100 and above: Students master critical thinking and demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the course topic through student-led discussions and research papers.
Capstone Fr 91 W: Majors and minors demonstrate an appropriate knowledge of the mechanics of scholarly research (develop a valid research question and a rigorous and coherent argument, craft an abstract, investigate secondary sources, develop a bibliographical apparatus). The goal of this competency includes the writing in French of an original, independent research paper of 15-20 pages (Minor) or 20-30 pages (Major) on a topic chosen in discussion with the senior colloquium professor.
(B) Expand student’s knowledge of the diversity of French-speaking cultures by:
1. Developing an appreciation of literary value and filmic expression.
2. Developing an appreciation of how French and Francophone writers and artists continue a rich tradition, which has brought the world some of its most influential literary, philosophical, critical, and cinematographic works.
(C) Sharpen knowledge and understanding of the major historical, social, and political developments that have shaped France and other Francophone countries, thus providing an opportunity to understand the forces underlying these various cultures, literatures, and films.
Requirements
- Complete eight advanced courses or seminars numbered 014 or above for a minimum of 8 credits. Note that AP and IB credits will not count toward the major. FREN 016 can only count once to fulfill the major’s requirement. French and Francophone Studies also offers courses in French literature in translation, but no more than one such course may count to satisfy the requirements in the major.
- Off-campus study is required for all majors. Students who participate in preapproved programs may only count 3 credits toward their major. See the “Study Abroad” section for rules on transfer of credit. Students who cannot participate in study abroad should contact the head of section to find an equivalent experience. This exception may be done by doing extra coursework, finding an appropriate domestic study away program, or attending Middlebury Summer Language Program in Vermont.
- Take Senior Colloquium (FREN 091 ) in the senior year. This includes the writing of an original, independent research paper of about 30 pages on a topic chosen in discussion with the senior colloquium professor and your adviser or one other professor in the program. The defense of the paper with the entire French and Francophone faculty takes place at the end of the spring semester.
To graduate with a major in French and Francophone Studies, students must have a grade average of C or better within the discipline, have studied in a French-speaking country (unless an exception has been approved), and have completed our culminating exercise (FREN 091 ), described above.
Acceptance Criteria
To be accepted as a course major, students must have taken French 014 or the equivalent and passed with a C or better and must have earned grades no less than a C in the discipline.
Requirements
- Complete 5 credits in courses or seminars numbered 014 or above. Three of these credits must be completed on the Swarthmore campus (See #2 below). Note that AP and IB credits will not count toward the minor. FREN 016 can only count once to fulfill the minor’s requirement. French and Francophone Studies also offers courses in French literature in translation, but no more than one such course may count to satisfy the requirements in the minor.
- Minors are strongly encouraged to complete at least a four-five week intensive language summer program or six-week summer program of study in a French-speaking country. Only students who participate in preapproved programs may count 1 credit toward their minor. See the “Study Abroad“ section for rules on transfer of credit.
- Complete Senior Colloquium (FREN 091 ) in the senior year, which includes the writing of an original, independent research paper of about 20 pages on a topic chosen in discussion with the senior colloquium professor and your adviser or one other professor in the program.
To graduate with a minor in French and Francophone studies, you must have a grade average of C or better within the discipline, studied in French-speaking country (unless an exception has been approved), and have completed FREN 091 Senior Colloquium.
Acceptance Criteria
To be accepted as a course minor, you must have taken French 014 or the equivalent and passed with a C or better and must have earned grades no less than a C in the discipline.
Requirements
Majors in the Honors Program are expected to complete the requirements of majors in course, including taking Senior Colloquium (FREN 091) in the senior year.
- Complete eight advanced courses or seminars numbered 014 or above for a minimum of 8 credits. Note that AP and IB credits will not count toward the honors major. FREN 016 can only count once to fulfill the Honors major’s requirement.
- Study abroad in a francophone country, for one semester is required for all honors majors (unless an exception has been approved). See the ”Study Abroad“ section for rules on transfer of credit.
- Complete one advanced course with a Francophone component.
- Complete Senior Colloquium (FREN 091 ) in the senior year. This includes the writing of an original, independent research paper of about 30 pages on a topic chosen in discussion with the senior colloquium professor and your adviser or one other professor in the program. The defense of the paper with the entire French and Francophone faculty takes place at the end of the spring semester.
Complete at least one advanced course (above FREN 015 ) before taking a seminar.
Work on three preparations, two of which must be done through seminars while the third may be a seminar, a two-credit thesis, or an approved paired course preparation.
French and Francophone Studies also offers courses in French literature in translation but no more than one such course may count to satisfy the requirements in the honors major.
The Honors Exam for Majors and Preparations
Majors in the Honors Program must do three preparations (consisting of six units of credit). As noted above, two of the preparations should be done through seminars chosen from the list of seminars below. The third preparation may be a seminar, a two-credit thesis, or an approved paired course preparation.
Mode of Examination:
A three-hour written examination, and a one-half hour oral examination, both in French, will be required for each preparation.
Acceptance Criteria
Candidates are expected to have a “B” average in course work both in the department and at the College, have taken FREN 014 or the equivalent, and have demonstrated interest in and aptitude for the study of literature, film or culture in the original language.
Requirements
Minors in the Honors Program are expected to complete the requirements of minors in course, including taking Senior Colloquium (FREN 091) in the senior year.
- Complete 5 credits in courses or seminars numbered 014 or above. Three of these credits must be completed on the Swarthmore campus. Note that AP and IB credits will not count toward the Honors minor. FREN 016 can only count once to fulfill the Honors minor’s requirement. French and Francophone Studies also offers courses in French literature in translation but no more than one such course may count to satisfy the requirements in the honors minor.
- Complete at least a four-five week of intensive language summer program or six-week (non-intensive) summer program of study in a French-speaking country. It is strongly recommended that honors minors spend at least one semester abroad. See the “Study Abroad“ section for rules on transfer of credit.
- Complete Senior Colloquium (FREN 091 ) in the senior year, which includes the writing of an original, independent research paper of about 20 pages on a topic chosen in discussion with the senior colloquium professor and your adviser or one other professor in the program.
- Complete at least one advanced course (above FREN 015 ) before taking a seminar.
- Work on one two-credit seminar preparation or an approved paired course preparation.
The Honors Exam for Minors and Preparations
Minors must complete a single, two-credit seminar preparation (consisting of two units of credit) or an approved paired course preparation.
Mode of Examination
A three-hour written examination, and a one-half hour oral examination, both in French, will be required for the preparation.
Acceptance Criteria
Candidates are expected to have a “B” average in course work both in the department and at the College, have taken FREN 014 or the equivalent, and have demonstrated interest in and aptitude for the study of literature or culture in the original language.
Special Major in Linguistics and Languages
The special course major in linguistics and languages consists of at least twelve credits: six credits in linguistics and three credits in each of two languages. The languages can be ancient or modern. Students may also pursue Honors Special Major in Linguistics and Languages. Please contact Linguistics .
1. Complete three credits numbered 014 or above
2. Two of the three credits must be completed on the Swarthmore Campus. Note that AP and IB credits will not count toward the credit requirement and FREN 016 can only be counted once.
Thesis / Culminating Exercise
The culminating exercise for all majors and minors and Honors majors and minors in French and Francophone studies consists of completing FREN 091 Senior Colloquium in which you will write an independent research thesis of about 20-30 pages on a topic chosen in discussion with the senior colloquium professor and your adviser or one other professor in the program and and defend it in front of a panel of French and Francophone Studies faculty members.
Application Process Notes for the Major or the Minor
To apply for a major or minor in French and Francophone Studies, speak with the chair or one of your professors in French and Francophone Studies to discuss your options and then follow the process described by the Dean’s and Registrar’s Offices for your Sophmore Plan.
If after applying you are deferred, you may apply again in the spring by addressing the reasons for your deferral.
Study Abroad
Study abroad programs are vital to the French and Francophone program and it works closely with the Global Engagement Office (GEO) for approved programs in the Frencophone countries and credit transfer. Majors may count up to 3 credits toward their French major. Minors may count 2 of these credits toward their French minor. Any student who wishes to receive more than 1 credit from study abroad must take a 1- or 2- credit advanced course in French and Francophone Studies numbered 40 or higher in the semester in which they return to campus. Students should contact a French faculty member to obtain the current list of preapproved programs. Students wishing to seek credit from other disciplines must consult the rules in the appropriate credit-granting department. There are also other options to study abroad available to students who have completed course work above the equivalent of fourth semester.
Any student attending a preapproved program in a non-francophone country, and planning to enroll in a French course there, may petition for 1 credit upon their return to campus. To earn this credit, students must take a 1-credit French course in the semester immediately following their return to campus.
Preapproved Summer Programs
Any student may study in a preapproved summer program that is at least 6 weeks long and earn 1 credit in MLL (French). Only Minors in French and Francophone studies may have this credit count towards the completion of their course requirements.
Research and Service-Learning Opportunities
Both independent research and service-learning student-teaching are important ways to continue using your language and critical analysis skills.
Summer Opportunities
Students are encouraged to apply for summer funding from Academic Division Opportunities and use the summer to travel to Francophone countries, develop their language skills, and explore research for their senior thesis papers. Please speak with French and Francophone studies faculty to find out about options for doing this summer work.
Teacher Certification
Students may choose to use French and Francophone studies as a specialization in a teacher certification program or for a special major in educational studies. Although students may develop their own course of study, they must complete FREN 015, or the equivalent, and study abroad for at least one semester in a French-speaking country (unless an exception has been approved).
Life After Swarthmore
Opportunities for a major/minor in French and Francophone studies after graduation are varied. Our curriculum provides students with valuable skills in cultural analysis, communication in another language, and the ability to understand and adapt to cross-cultural situations. Many majors and minors in French and Francophone studies continue their research with Fulbright awards, go to graduate school, law school, medical school, and follow diverse career paths in teaching, journalism, business, and NGOs. Recent French and Francophone alumni who are Fulbright recipients are continuing their studies in France, Africa, and the Middle East; those who have gone to graduate school are studying French, library science, comparative literature, ethnomusicology, history, educational policy, public policy, and public health. Many alumni are in the arts, education, journalism, medicine, law, business, and international affairs, among other fields.
French and Francophone Studies Courses
The following courses are taught in French and Francophone Studies, some offered in French, some in English. Please see the cours full descriptions for more details. For courses with French and Francophone content taught in English, see the section on Modern Languages and Literatures: Literatures in Translation .
French Courses and Seminars Not Currently Offered
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