Departmental Information
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Prof. Madeleine Dobie
510 Philosophy
854-9874
mld2027@columbia.edu
Director of the Language Program
Dr. Pascale Hubert-Leibler
519 Philosophy
854-4819
ph2028@columbia.edu
Departmental Administrator
Isabelle Chagnon
515 Philosophy
854-3208
854-2500
ic7@columbia.edu
Departmental Office
515 Philosophy
854-3208
854-2500
Departmental Web Site
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/french/
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Professors
Antoine Compagnon
Souleymane Bachir Diagne
Pierre Force
Sylvère Lotringer
Associate Professors
Peter Connor (Barnard)
Madeleine Dobie
Elisabeth Ladenson
Emmanuelle Saada
Philip Watts
Assistant Professors
Vincent Debaene
Joanna Stalnaker
Visiting Professors
Marc Fumaroli
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Visiting Professors (continued)
Sarah Kay
Gilles Philippe
Visiting Assistant Professors
Daniel Leonard
Eva Martin
Senior Lecturer
Pascale Hubert-Leibler
Lecturer
Vincent Aurora
Heidi Holst-Knudsen
Nicole Rudolph
Sarah Juliette Sasson
Associate in Languages
Samuel Skippon |
Elementary and intermediate French courses are designed to help students develop
an active command of the language. In
W1101 and
W1102 the communicative approach
is the main method of instruction. In addition to practicing all four language
skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—students are introduced
to the cultural features of diverse French-speaking communities. Intermediate courses,
W1201 and
W1202, develop further linguistic competence
through the study of short stories, films, novels and plays. Upon completion of
the four-semester language sequence, students are able to discuss and write in
fairly proficient French on a variety of complex topics. At the third-year level
attention is focused on more sophisticated use of language in grammar and composition
courses and on literary, historical, and philosophical questions in literature
courses. In French
W3333 and
W3334 the whole span of French literature is surveyed and students learn techniques
for analyzing literature of different centuries, styles, and genres. After completion
of these core courses, French majors are encouraged to follow their individual
interests, and a wide range of language, literature, and cultural studies courses
is available to them. Small classes and seminars allow for individual attention
and enable students to work closely with faculty members.
Conversation Courses
Students who want intensive oral practice in French may take one of the 2-credit
conversation courses offered at the intermediate and advanced levels. Conversation
courses generally may not be counted toward completion of the major. The exception
is the special 3 point advanced conversation course offered in the fall semester
which is designed to meet the needs of students planning study abroad at Reid Hall.
Language Laboratory and On-line Materials
Language laboratories located in 116B Lewisohn Hall and in the International Affairs
Building provide opportunities for intensive practice in French pronunciation and
aural comprehension. French courses typically make extensive use of
on-line interactive materials that students can access from their own computer
terminals.
Maison Française
Students interested in French should acquaint themselves early with the Maison
Française, which has libraries of books and videos and which sponsors lectures
and discussions by distinguished French visitors to New York City. It is also the
social center of the French Department, and students may count on a friendly welcome.
With its theater workshop, French film series, book club, café-conversation
and other events, the Maison Française offers an excellent opportunity for
students to perfect their language skills and enhance their knowledge of French
and Francophone culture in a variety of extracurricular activities that take place
in a pleasant, informal environment.
Reid Hall in Paris
Reid Hall, located at
4 rue de Chevreuse, Paris, is administered by Columbia University. It offers semester
and year-long programs of study, as well as summer courses. Advanced students enrolled
at Reid Hall have the opportunity to take courses in the French university system.
Some Reid Hall and French universitycourses may be counted towards a major in other
departments (e.g. History or Art History). For additional information about the
Columbia University in Paris Program at Reid Hall, including summer session courses
consult the Columbia University in Paris Bulletin (available in 203 Lewisohn
Hall), call (212) 854-9666, or send an e-mail to: reidhall@columbia.edu.
It is also available on-line at the Overseas
Program Web site.
For information about the applicability of Reid Hall courses to the major or concentration,
consult the director of undergraduate studies.
The French Major
The undergraduate major in French is intended to give students an in-depth familiarity
with the language, culture, and literature of France and the French-speaking world.
After completion of the four-semester language requirement students take advanced
grammar and composition courses to refine their skills in reading, speaking and
writing French. They also undertake a comprehensive overview of the development
of French literature from the Middle Ages to the present day in a two-semester
survey course. A wide choice of advanced elective courses on French history, philosophy,
cinema, and literature allows students to explore a variety of intellectual interests,
to perfect their critical reading skills, and to master the techniques of close
reading. Cultural studies courses are offered every semester and give students
an opportunity to broaden and contextualize their appreciation of French literature.
The culmination of the undergraduate experience is the one-semester senior seminar,
which encourages students to integrate and synthesize their learning. The optional
senior essay, written under the direction of a faculty member, provides students
with an initiation to scholarly research. The senior essay is a requirement for
departmental honors. It may be written during a student’s stay at Reid Hall.
Because a direct experience of contemporary French society is an essential part
of the program, French majors and concentrators are strongly encouraged to spend
either a semester or a year at Reid Hall-Columbia University in Paris, where
they can take courses that will be credited toward the French major as well as
to other majors including History or Art History. Qualified students may also take
courses directly in the French university system.
Students interested in French history and civilization, and in the literature
and culture of the Francophone world, should consider the major in French and Francophone
Studies, also administered by the French Department.
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