You will find this program unlike others you have seen at other universities. There are no beginning language classes, nor is there any study of literature for its own sake. We have two main French professors, one of whom is an expert on the European Union, French economics and business and cinema as it relates to French history and politics. The other is an expert on Francophone literature and cultural issues, especially Francophone Africa.
You will find courses related to your graduate studies such as Security and Democracy in Africa, US-French relations and the issue of , and special “Monterey Model” courses (taught in more than one language and coming together in international meeting simulations) on issues such as Challenges of Globalization and Issues in the EU. Special courses may also be offered for the Teaching of French when numbers of students mandate it.
FS310 Intermediate Grammar through Social Issues in Contemporary France I Focuses on major issues confronting contemporary French society. Readings from the French press and TV programs from supplement the textbook. A special attention will be given to grammar concepts that are still problematic to the majority of students. Emphasis on the five skills: cultural awareness, listening, speaking, reading and writing.
FS320 Advanced Grammar through Social Issues in Contemporary France – II (Spring 2008)Continues the study of major issues in today, with focus on social and political structures. Reading from the contemporary press focus on technological advances, economic trends, political parties, immigration, the job market, unemployment, and the impact of the European Union.
FS330 French for Oral Communication Focuses on native French speech and how to reproduce it effectively. Authentic materials on audio and video tapes exposes students to the gamut of French speaking styles. Provides practice in both formal and informal public speaking.
FS383 Reclaiming Culture and Power: a Survery of Francophone Africa Explores the cultural and political influence of former colonizers— and —on Africa. The struggle to gain independence through the deconstruction of the myth of European superiority. Post-independence: rejection / adaptation of European political systems and cultures.
FS440 French History and Politics through CinemaStudies eight broad topics through cinema: The 1789 Revolution and its aftermath, World War I, Vichy and Collaboration, Algerian war, feminism and gender politics since the 1970, the social and economic crisis since the 1970s, multiculturalism, the role of Islam and immigrant youth in contemporary . Advanced conversation class.
FS 445 France: Political History WWI - Present
FS480 French Business Language and PoliciesFocuses on social-Colbertisme, i.e. the social and economic features of the French system, the relationship between the government and the private sector and social-democracy as the French model of capitalistic development. Studies the impact of the European Union, the single currency and globalization on the French economy and society. Designed for intermediate to advanced speakers.
FS482 Francophone Africa and its LiteratureLiterature masterpieces as a mean to approach socio-political issues in French-speaking Africa and their historical backgrounds. Languages and religions, the status of the African woman, cultural identity. The evolution—if any—of the role of the writer from colonialism to independent Africa. Designed for advanced speakers.
FS483 Security and Democracy in Africa (Spring 2008)Focuses on Africa’s wide spread failed democratic experience: the western models of democracy. Poverty, state stability, relationships between neighbors, brain drain, place of Africa in international forums. Internal cooperation through the African Union (AU), regional partnerships, NEPAD, ECOWAS, COMESA, CEN-SAD, SADC, ECCAS, UMA. Designed for advanced speakers.
FS489 European Union Politics and Policies Surveys the historical development of the EU from 6 member-states to 25, from the ECSC to the Constitution. Presents an overview of European institutions and inner decision-making system. Analyzes two or three important common policies, such as the Common Agricultural Policy, the European Monetary Union or the Common Foreign and Security Policy. Designed for advanced speakers.
FS491 French Environmental Policy in a Comparative PerspectiveThe French section of a comparative environmental course taught in several languages (up to five). Studies the French environmental policy making system, nuclear energy, agriculture and soil/water pollution and the role of the European Union and international agreements in national policy making. The plenary sessions with other languages and TI interpretation consist of presentations, role playing and negotiations on various national perspectives. Designed for advanced speakers.
FS493 Tranatlantic Relations & Iraq Crisis (Spring 2008)Surveys the crisis from the standpoint of the relationship between the and the European Union. Offers a historical overview of Western intervention in the Middle East since the fall of the Ottoman Empire and the geopolitics of oil. Analyzes the EU and national reactions to the crisis, the motivations for each country, and the interplay of domestic, European and transatlantic politics in the attitude toward the crisis. Analyzes the emerging European security and Defense Identity, and the divergent agendas between the and Europe regarding , the Middle East, the war on terror, international institutions and the Atlantic alliance.
