COURSE NUMBER: FRE 105


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FRE 105

I. TITLE: Introduction to French Culture

II. CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
A survey of the contemporary culture of France with emphasis on the values, behavioral characteristics, social and political systems and achievements of the French-speaking people. Conducted in English.

III. PURPOSE:
To develop an understanding of the history, geography, political and social systems and culture of France. The course also cultivates the “Characteristics of the Murray State Graduate.” It
A. encourages independent thought and expression through effective oral and written communication
Students present a group oral project in which every student must participate in the oral performance and communicate information effectively to the class

Students write a term paper of 5-6 pages in length in which they are also graded on effectiveness of written communication and independent thought based on research.

B. encourages the understanding of the role and application of technology to solve problems of a changing world

Students use the internet for homework assignments to access information on problems created by World Wars I and II, by immigration policies, by the changing way of life as a result of the increasing role of the European Union, etc.

C. teaches critical understanding of France’s historical, literary, philosophical and artistic traditions. Students

1. learn about the history of France;
2. become acquainted with a novel written by a renowned French author;
3. learn the connection between literature, political events, and economic systems;
4. learn about the influence of French philosophical ideas on the establishment of both the United States’ and French governments.
5. learn about the French architectural and artistic heritage.

D. teaches the dynamics of cultural diversity, of competing economic and political systems, and of complex moral and ethical issues:

1. Students compare and contrast the French and American cultures as well as the cultural diversity within France as a result of regional heritage, the “immigrés” from a variety of European, Asian and African countries, and France’s policy on political asylum, etc.
2. Students learn about competing economic and political systems in reading, discussions and lectures about the systems used in France (monarchy, empire, republic, fascism, socialism, capitalism, privatization).
3. The class discusses complex moral and ethical issues in the context of WWII (occupation, resistance, collaboration, etc.) and France’s immigration problems.

E. encourage responsible citizenship and an active role in a democratic society through an understanding of a variety of political choices, the consequences of war, the power of the people’s vote as illustrated in French referendums and legislative elections. and the structure and potential role of the European Union.

IV. COURSE OBJECTIVES:
There are two major goals for this course. The first is to gain a working understanding of the culture of France. Secondly, the study of the culture of the French people will serve as a kind of case study which will help students acquire general approaches to culture and, by doing so, increase their understanding, appreciation, and tolerance of other people of the world. The course
A. introduces students to fundamental concepts and ways of knowing in the discipline of cultural studies

by using France as a case study to investigate the history, geography, political and social systems and thus the values, behavioral characteristics, and achievements of a people.

B. promotes interdisciplinary understanding by clarifying how the study of cultures contributes to an understanding of other societies and one’s own society

1. by having lectures and discussions on art, architecture, music, economics, etc. in France and their function in society
2. by comparing, and contrasting French culture with that of the United States.

C. promotes international perspectives

1. by viewing culture in France and
2. by learning how the French perceive our culture.

V. CONTENT OUTLINE:
This course familiarizes the student with a broad cross section of French culture. Included in the list of topics to be treated will be its geography, historical highlights, cultural and intellectual heritage, and social institutions such as education, politics and government, mass media, and economy.

VI. INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
Students are expected to read all assigned reading materials, to prepare homework assignments on time, and to participate in class discussions. The course will be a combination of lecture, discussion, and student presentations. In discussions students will be expected to make comparisons between French and American culture. Course assignments include an original paper on an aspect of French culture to be researched by the student. An oral presentation will be made by each student. ***Late assignments cannot be accepted late except by prior arrangement. No credit can be given for assignments turned in late.*** Assignments must be ready at the beginning of the class period.

The course
A. promotes student engagement in and responsibility for learning through active learning methodologies:

1. group discussions
. students will regularly form groups of 4-5 students to discuss readings, articles, projects, products, findings from homework assignments, etc.
2. student projects and oral reports, and
3. teamwork
. students will work in teams to plan an oral presentation.
The course will also focus on thematic and issue-oriented approaches, such as history, contemporary versus historical politics in France, problems associated with collaboration, immigration, education, marketing, business etiquette, religious issues, values, and behavioral characteristics of contemporary France.

B. requires a significant amount of reading (textbook, articles on reserve, internet, research material), writing (summary handouts on textbook readings, summary write-ups on articles, a term paper), speaking (student discussions, oral presentations), and critical thinking (analyses of comparative system; viewpoints on religious, moral, and ethical issues; comparisons and contrasts of different cultures, including our own)

C. promotes the use of computer technology to solve the problems of a changing world through

1. homework assignments and term paper research using the World Wide Web and the Internet to access information on the effects of a high death rate in World War I, defeat and occupation in World War II, and policies regarding agriculture, the monetary system and the military now in debate in the European Union.
2. readings of ongoing news items from France available on the Internet.
3. encouragement to use computer presentation programs such as PowerPoint and Compel as part of group oral presentations.

VII. FIELD, CLINICAL, LABORATORY EXPERIENCES:
Periodically, videos will be assigned to be viewed either in the Foreign Language Lab (FH 403) or checked out from the Media Center downstairs in the Waterfield Library.

VIII. RESOURCES:
Students will use major Web sites for English information on France, such as: http://www.diplomatie.fr/france/, http://city.net/countries/france/, http://www.info-france.org, http://www.premier-ministre.gouv.fr/eng/, http://www.iht.com/IHT/BJ/97/index.html, http://www.paris.org, http://www.afp.com/english/links, etc..
Students are encouraged to attend movies in the Cinema International program as well as activities planned by the Foreign Language Club and Alpha Mu Gamma (the honor society for foreign languages). Other resources include videos in the Language Lab (FH 403), and materials from FRANCE Magazine on reserve in Waterfield Library.

IX. GRADING PROCEDURES:
150 pts. Oral Report(s)
100 pts. Research paper (5-7 pages)
150 pts. Quizzes; Active class participation, discussion leading, and homework
400 pts. Written exams. Exams will be in the form of multiple choice, short answer, short essays, and long essays. Tests will
    carry a heavy essay component. Essays are designed to enable the student to demonstrate not only his/her knowledge of the
    material, but also to analyze texts, draw conclusions, make parallels and contrasts, develop logical arguments, and
    extrapolate data and arrive at conjectural knowledge.   A pre-test will be given composed of material that will be learned in
    the course of the semester.
200 pts. Final exam. The final exam includes material learned throughout the course and      will include comprehensive
    analytical essay-type questions.
1000 pts.
There will be no make ups for missed tests or quizzes unless in extreme cases at the discretion   of the instructor.

High academic standards will be maintained through extensive readings from the textbook and articles on reserve in the library, quality research papers, through exams, and continuous critical thinking in every activity and exam.

X. ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Attendance at all class meetings is expected. Absences will affect your grade. Because of the emphasis on class participation and discussion, attendance is crucial. Our activities depend upon the full participation of each class member. Points will be deducted from your participation grade for each class missed. You are allowed to miss up to 2 class meetings for documented illness and family emergencies only. Missing one-fourth of the class meetings for any reason (excused or unexcused) will result in a failing grade.
Unusual genuine documented emergencies or official documented Murray State absences will be evalu-ated case by case by the instructor. An absence is NOT an excuse for being unprepared!

XI. ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY:
It is the responsibility of every student to be informed about the collegiate Academic Integrity policy. Cheating in whatever form constitutes academic dishonesty.

1. Copies of the policy are available in: CIV workbooks, Classroom bulletin boards, Department of Foreign Language Office, Dean of Humanistic Studies Office, College of Humanistic Studies Webpage.
2. Your signature on every assignment, quiz, and exam represents a pledge that you have adhered to this policy.
I expect students to abide by the highest ethical standards.

XII. TEXT AND REFERENCES:
Corbett, James. Through French Windows: An Introduction to France in the Nineties.
Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 1994.
Maupassant, Guy de. Pierre and Jean. New York: Penguin Press (Penguin Classics), 1979.
On Reserve in the Library: A collection of approximately 50 magazine articles on France from FRANCE Magazine, published by the French Embassy in Washington, DC.

XIII. PREREQUISITES: None.

Last updated February 14, 2000. Designed and maintained by Kyosung Koo