Spring 2023

Éva Pósfay teaches on French classics, francophone Switzerland, diasporic literature, contemporary Paris, and transnationalism. She has published on 17th c. French women writers (Lafayette, Montpensier) and cross-cultural studies. Born in Venezuela of Hungarian parents and a so-called “global nomad,” she has directed several study abroad programs in Paris and Pau, France, and has been active in the cross-cultural studies program. Her current research focuses on multilingualism, border identities, the French chanson, the history of Geneva, and intercultural theory and practice. From 2007-2011 she served as Associate Dean of the College and, more recently, as the mentor for Carleton’s 15th group of Posse Scholars.

Learning Goals

• To achieve greater proficiency in both spoken and written French
• To develop an increased cultural understanding of both France, both Paris and its regions
• To view oneself and the world from a different perspective through linguistic and cultural immersion

Prerequisites

French 204 or above by Spring Term 2023. The director reserves the right to require additional study in French before departure.

Course of Study

18 Credits

Students enroll in three of the four courses for a total of 18 credits. (All students enroll in French 259 or 359.) All courses count toward the major and minor in French and Francophone Studies. French 254 counts toward the Art History major (post-1800 requirement).

FREN 208: Contemporary France: Cultures, Politics, Society (6 Credits)

This course seeks to deepen students’ knowledge of contemporary French culture through a pluridisciplinary approach, using multimedia (books, newspaper and magazine articles, videos, etc.) to generate discussion. It will also promote the practice of both oral and written French through exercises, debates, and oral presentations. Prerequisite: French 204 or equivalent.

Instructor: French local faculty

FREN 254: French Art in Context (6 Credits)

Home of some of the finest and best known museums in the world, Paris has long been recognized as a center for artistic activity. Students will have the opportunity to study art from various periods on site, including Impressionism, Expressionism, and Surrealism. In-class lectures and discussions will be complemented by guided visits to the unparalleled collections of the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, the Centre Pompidou, local art galleries, and other appropriate destinations. Special attention will be paid to the program theme. Prerequisite: French 204 or the equivalent.

Instructor: French local faculty

FREN 255: Islam in France: Historical Approaches and Current Debates (6 Credits)

In this course, students will explore the historical, cultural, social, and religious traces of Islam as they have been woven over time into the modern fabric of French society. Through images drawn from film, photography, television, and museum displays, they will discover the important role this cultural contact zone has played in the French experience. The course will take advantage of the resources of the city of Paris and will include excursions to museums as well as cultural and religious centers. Prerequisite: French 204 or the equivalent.

Instructor: French local faculty

FREN 259/359: Hybrid Paris (6 Credits)

Through literature, cultural texts, and experiential learning in the city, this course will explore the development of both the “Frenchness” and the hybridity that constitute contemporary Paris. Immigrant cultures, notably North African, will also be highlighted. Plays, music, and visits to cultural sites will complement the readings.

Prerequisite: French 204 or the equivalent for FREN 259;

Prerequisite: French 230 or beyond or instructor permission for FREN 359.

Instructor: Éva Pósfay

Housing

Students will stay with carefully selected French families and discover Paris while immersing themselves in French life and language.

Excursions

The program will explore key aspects of the historical, cultural, and artistic foundations of Paris, through both study and experiential learning in the city. The role of France’s colonial legacy in contemporary Paris will also be explored and students will travel to Provence for a week.