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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/

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.