French and Francophone StudiesProf. Chantal Philippon-Daniel
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Subtitled "Contemporary French Society through its Media," this course is thematically organized around individual/national identity, art and current events. It aims to: 1) enhance student understanding of contemporary French culture and thought; 2) cultivate authentic expression in the presentational, interpretive, and interpersonal modes in French; 3) promote cross-cultural understanding; 4) develop critical thinking. Activities include the study, analysis and emulation of model texts as well as discussion and debates about events and social issues as covered by the French news media (television, print, internet sources). Oral tasks comprise video blogs and group presentations on selected topics linked to current events. Written work focuses on reflective journals, genre-based writing and on Web-based collaborative research projects. The specific language functions we will target are: narration; description; offering and soliciting advice and opinions; expressing feelings; critique and analysis; argumentation. On completing this course, students will communicate with more confidence, speaking and writing effectively on a range of contemporary issues. (Recommended for students who are planning to study abroad in France).