Course Overview
This page focuses on the course 21G.311 Introduction to French Culture as it was taught by Professor Catherine Clark in Spring 2014.
This course examines major social and political trends, events, debates and personalities which help place various aspects of contemporary French culture in their historical perspective.
Course Outcomes
Course Goals for Students
Students may take the course in order to
- improve their French language skills
- gain a deeper understanding of contemporary French culture
The class attracts students who
- want to learn more about French society and culture in preparation for a visit or internship
- are interested in learning more about culture, and in studying French culture, to better understand their own
Curriculum Information
Prerequisites
One intermediate subject in French, or permission of the instructor.
Requirements Satisfied
HASS-H 
Offered
This course is generally taught during the fall semester, but is not necessarily offered each year.
Assessment
The students’ grades were based on the following activities:
- 20% Participation
- 20% Responses
- 15% Student presentation
- 25% Research paper
- 20% Final exam
Student Information
Enrollment
About 13 students
Breakdown by Year
Mainly freshmen and sophomores, but varies by year.
Typical Student Background
Students who take the course have, in general, completed at least French IV or AP/IB equivalents. This is usually either the first or second intermediate-level French class they take. It can also work for native speakers with very little experience reading and writing.
Enrollment Cap
24
How Student Time Was Spent
During an average week, students were expected to spend 12 hours on the course, roughly divided as follows:
In Class/Lecture
- Met 2 times per week for 90 minutes per session; 26 sessions total; mandatory attendance.
- Sessions were divided between class discussion of assigned materials, weekly responses, and students’ presentations.
Out of Class
Students prepared readings, oral presentations, weekly papers, and an individual research paper.
