This course studies the transformation of childhood and youth since the 18th century in France, as well as the development of sentimentality within the family in a francophone context. Students will examine the personification of children, both as a source of inspiration for artistic creation and a political ideal aimed at protecting future generations, and consider various representations of childhood and youth in literature (e.g., Pagnol, Proust, Sarraute, Lave, Morgievre), movies (e.g., Truffaut), and songs (e.g., Brel, Barbara). This course is taught entirely in French.

The Francophone Project is a resource that was created in order to bring awareness to the various French speaking countries throughout the world. Because culture is so important and often pushed aside in the classroom, we created a website for educators and learners of the French language to use as a way to access information about culture through natives. The website includes individuals from France to Canada, Algeria, The Ivory Coast and more. Through short videos, these individuals share certain aspects about their cultures while reflecting what it means to be Francophone to them. Our hope is that our project will serve to help people learn the French language, to appreciate all Francophone cultures, and to continue learning because it’s benefits go far beyond borders.

21G.301/351 offers an introduction to the French language and culture with an emphasis on the acquisition of vocabulary and grammatical concepts through active communication. The course is conducted entirely in French, and students interact in French with their classmates from the very beginning. They also receive exposure to the language via a variety of authentic sources such as the Internet, audio, video and printed materials which help them develop cultural awareness as well as linguistic proficiency. There is a coordinated language lab program.
This course is taught in rotation by the following instructors: Laura Ceia-Minjares, Cathy Culot, Gilberte Furstenberg, and Johann Sadock.

21G.302/352 is the second part of an introductory course to the French language and culture with an emphasis on the acquisition of vocabulary and grammatical concepts through active communication. The course is conducted entirely in French and students interact in French with their classmates from the very beginning. They also receive exposure to the language via a variety of authentic sources such as the Internet, audio, video and printed materials which help them develop cultural awareness as well as linguistic proficiency. There is a coordinated language lab program.
This course is taught in rotation by the following instructors: Laura Ceia-Minjares, Cathy Culot, Gilberte Furstenberg, and Johann Sadock.

In this activity, students will be looking at maps and practicing giving/understanding directions.

In this activity students will practice giving descriptions and answering guiding questions in order to lead their partner to a specific response. They will also learn about different francophone countries around the world.

In this activity students will practice their listening comprehension skills by listening to popular French music. They will also practice sharing their opinions regarding music and describing the general message of a song.

This course approaches the question of what constitutes Frenchness in today’s era of globalization through issues of memory, belonging, and cultural production. It explores the role of timeless traditions – common technologies, an internationally-spoken language, monuments open to the world, and foods such as wine and cheese – that remain quintessentially French. The course also covers recent scandals about France’s role in the world, such as its colonial identity and Dominique Strauss-Kahn’s New York debacle.
Taught in French.