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University of Washington

Courses in French Studies | Courses in Italian Studies

Courses in French Studies (click on course for details)

French 101: Elementary French
French 102: Elementary French
French 103: Elementary French
French 110: Basic French Review
French 201, 202, 203: Intermediate French
French 302, 303: Advanced French
French 304: French Literature: Origins to 1600
French 305: French Literature: 1600-1789
French 444: French Poetry: From Romanticism to Symbolism
French 455: Special Topices: Celine
French 461: Seventeenth-Century Drama: Moliere
French 470: Filming Identities- Contemporary France
French 499: Special Topics
French 576: Critical Methodology
French 590 A: Special Seminar & Conference
French 590 B: Teaching Methodology

Courses in Italian Studies (click on course for details)

Italian 101: Elementary Italian
Italian 111: Accelerated Elementary Italian
Italian 201: Intermediate Italian
Italian 227: Italian Conversation through Film
Italian 301: Advanced Grammar
Italian 327: Advanced Conversation
Italian 351: Contemporary Italian Culture
Italian 366: Issues of Gender in Italian Cinema
Italian 390: Language Trailer for ITAL 466, Issues of Gender in Italian Cinema
Italian 403: Space & Identity in Early Modern Italy
Italian 466: Issues of Gender in Itailan Cinema
Italian 503: Space & Identity in Early Modern Italy
Italian 590 A: Special Seminar/Conference
Italian 590 B: Parameters of Italian Postmodernism

Course Descriptions

FRENCH 101, 102, 103: ELEMENTARY FRENCH
Daily, multiple sections and hours, 5 cr., Staff

A three-quarter introductory-level sequence. The four skills--listening, speaking, reading and writing--are stressed in a primarily oral-aural method of presentation. The course covers all major elements of French grammar. Conducted in French; language laboratory required in addition to daily class sessions. Offered quarterly.
Required texts: Meyer/Fronk, Vis-à-vis text, workbook/laboratory manual and compact disc, Meyer, Hedwige, Encore des Exercises, (McGraw-Hill).

FRENCH 110: BASIC FRENCH REVIEW
Daily, multiple sections and hours, 5 cr., Staff

Basic French Review combines in one quarter the contents of 101 and 102. This intensive course is designed for students who have studied French for at least two years in high school but who do not feel ready for 102. Highly motivated beginners with background in other languages are also encouraged to take the course. After completing 110, students can enroll directly in French 103.
Required texts: Meyer/Fronk, Vis-à-vis text, workbook/laboratory manual and compact disc, Meyer, Hedwige, Encore des Exercises, (McGraw-Hill).

FRENCH 201, 202, 203: INTERMEDIATE FRENCH (VLPA)
Daily, multiple sections and hours, 5 cr., Staff

A three-quarter systematic review and expansion of French grammar, development of conversational skills (listening and speaking), reading literary and cultural materials, and writing compositions. Conducted in French, the intermediate sequence encourages students to use their language skills more actively and at a more sophisticated level than the elementary sequence. French 202 not offered Autumn quarter.
Prerequisites: 103 for 201; 201 for 202; 202 for 203.
Required texts: Dietikeer, En Bonne Forme text and workbook (audio will be available online).

FRENCH 301, 302, 303: ADVANCED FRENCH (VLPA, W courses)
Multiple sections and hours, 5 cr., Staff

French 301 allows students to review French grammar at an advanced level and to acquire the essentials of French composition, through the study of written and audiovisual authentic cultural material . French 302 is a continuation of French 301. French 303 is geared toward students planning to take literature classes and allows them to complete their studies of the techniques of French composition. These courses are conducted exclusively in French. French 302 not offered Autumn quarter.
Prerequisites: 203 for 301; 302 for 303, 302 for 303, or placement.
Required texts: Hoffman, Travaux pratiques (Prentice-Hall); William F. Edmiston, Annie Duménil, La France contemporaine (Harcourt Brace); Debray, La République expliquée à ma fille (Editions du Seuil), Hoffman, L’Essentiel de la grammaire française (Prentice-Hall)- used in Fr 301 and Fr 302, not Fr 303.

FRENCH 304: SURVEY OF FRENCH LITERATURE: ORIGINS TO 1600 (VLPA)
M,W 10:30-12:20, 5 cr., Delcourt

Students will read and discuss masterpieces of Medieval and Renaissance literature. Medieval texts will be read in modern French translations. The following topics will receive special attention: models of gender and kinship; violence and the social order; the human body in love and death; spirituality and desire. Class will be conducted in French.
Prerequisite: FRENCH 302.
Required Texts: TBA

FRENCH 305: FRENCH LITERATURE: 1600-1789 (VLPA)
TTh 9:30-11:20, 5 cr., Mackenzie

Survey of French literature in the so-called "classical" and "Enlightenment" periods. We will learn the basics of social and political change in France during this time, and read sample texts as products of and as reactions to the processes of history. We will also work on composition skills in French. Discussions, readings, papers all in French, please. I will encourage group work as well as group discussions, and probably establish an online discussion for those who are not comfortable speaking up in class.
Recommended preparation: Willingness to participate orally or in other ways. Know how to listen to others with respect and to disagree with respect. Brushing up some written French skills would be a good idea.
Prequisites: FRENCH 302.
Required texts: TBA

FRENCH 444: FRENCH POETRY: FROM ROMANTICISM TO SYMBOLISM (VLPA)
TTh 2:30-4:20, 5 cr., Ender

This course is devoted to the study of a rich and revolutionary century of French poetic writing, with such names as Lamartine, Desbordes-Valmore, Baudelaire, Gautier, Rimbaud, and Mallarmé. It aims at turning you into skilled and confident interpreters of some of greatest works of the French literary tradition. Working our way up from the foundations, we will start with the principles of French poetic form and then study the rhetorical gestures and the significant breakthroughs that have endowed this poetry with a lasting impact that extends well beyond France.
Prerequisites: FRENCH 303; FRENCH 304; FRENCH 305; FRENCH 306
Required texts: TBA

FRENCH 455: SPECIAL TOPICS- CELINE
MW 3:30-5:20, 5 cr., Doug Collins

The anti-Semitic novel, Sartre suggested, was something of an oxymoron, the freedom that was the basis of the authenticity of the genre being entirely, in this case, corroded by the vicious heteronomy of its thematics. That Céline was an anti-Semite is the official position of the French government that does not allow the sale of the author's anti-Semitic pamphlets of the 1930s. But does Céline not, however obscurely, admit agreement with Sartre--at least in his two masterpieces, *Le Voyage au bout de la nuit,* and *Mort à crédit,* as he here *almost* entirely eliminates the appearance of any racist *content*? Or is it rather the case that his Jew hatred is here something so ubiquitous as to become invisible, suffusing as it does the *language* of the texts. If the Jew was for the author/physician the body that had fatally been separated from itself, the Célinian novel--that seeks its law in language *as* body,in its inalienable functions and flesh--was the condition of restoration of the body to itself. Literature as holocaust?
Required Texts: TBA
Prerequisite: FRENCH 303

FRENCH 461: SEVENTEENTH-CENTURY DRAMA- MOLIERE (VLPA)
MW 12:30-2:20, 5 cr., Collins

A reading of the major and the not-so-major comedies of Molière. Particular attention will be paid to the character of the author's collaborations with Lully, the major composer of the period, without reference to whom the meaning of the plays can become entirely opaque. At every moment there will be attention to the function of the works within the sociological and political context of the early years of the reign of Louis XIV.
Prerequisites: FRENCH 303; FRENCH 304; FRENCH 305; FRENCH 306
Required texts: TBA

FRENCH 470: FILMING IDENTITIES- CONTEMPORARY FRANCE
TTH 9:30-12:20, 5 cr., Swamy

The last few decades of the twentieth century have seen many changes in the very fabric of French Society. As Phil Powrie remarks in French Cinema of the 1990's, the sweeping economic and social changes of this period has had an appreciable impact on the kinds of film that have been produced in the last ten or so years. This course will use Phil Powrie's book to examine the various concerns of French society and its relationship with the emerging "postcolonial" culture(s) as portrayed in different works, all filmed in the 1990s. By focusing on the representation of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity and race in these films, this course will highlight the different processes by which the so-called "French" identity is constructed and can be (and are being) deconstructed.

We will begin with the analysis of Patrick Leconte's film (Ridicule) as a case study for the "heritage" genre, a genre that has enjoyed increasing popularity just when the notion of "Frenchness" is itself being questioned and redefined. We will then consider the effects of colonization in two perspectives by Brigitte Roüan (Outremer) and André Téchiné (Les Roseaux sauvages) in which we will examine the intersection of gender and sexual/political orientation. The films by Josiane Balasko (Gazon Maudit) and Alain Berliner (Ma vie en rose) will launch further discussion about the role of gender and sexual orientation in the identity formation. Mathieu Kassovitz's film (La Haine) along with those of Claire Denis (J'ai pas sommeil) and Cédric Klapisch (Chacun cherche son chat) serve to highlight the manifold impacts and ramifications of immigration on French Society. The latter two highlight the interwoven métis nature of contemporary urban French culture in which experience is not only multicultural but it becomes apparent that social change and flux are very much realities of the nineties. This course will be taught in English. Knowledge of French will be very helpful but not necessary.
Required Texts: Fausto-Sterling, Anne. Sexing the Body; Course packet with various articles.
Prerequisites: FRENCH 303; FRENCH 304; FRENCH 305; FRENCH 306

FRENCH 499: SPECIAL TOPICS
2-5 cr,To be arranged

FRENCH 576 A: CRITICAL METHODOLOGY
TH 2:30-6:20, 5 cr., Louisa Mackenzie

An introductory survey of some of the foundational texts of Western literary practice and theory from the middle ages and early modern periods. Texts will not be limited to "literary theory" per se (aesthetics, philosophy, poetics, etc.), but will include a range of texts influential in political, religious and scientific spheres. Thus, this class might better be categorised under the rubric of "History of Ideas". Authors include Machiavelli, Erasmus, Calvin and Luther, Descartes, Sidney, Bacon, Locke, Rousseau.
Required texts: Course reader.
Course cross-listed with ENGL 508 and C LIT 508.

FRENCH 590 A: SPECIAL SEMINAR & CONFERENCE
T 2:30-5:20, 5 cr., Vinay Swamy

Course description not yet available.
Required Texts: TBA

FRENCH 590 B: TEACHING METHODOLOGY
W 1:30-3:20, 3 cr., Hedwige Meyer

This class is for new Teaching Assistants in French only and is required. We will explore various teaching techniques and learn how to apply them in our classes.
Prerequisite: Must be holding teaching assignment or permission of instructor. No text required.
Note: Students should also sign up to take ROLING 518 w/ Prof. Brandl, sln 8407.

ITALIAN 101: ELEMENTARY ITALIAN
Daily, multiple hours and sections, 5 cr., Staff

The first part of a three-quarter introductory-level sequence. The four skills -- listening, speaking, reading and writing -- are stressed in a primarily oral-aural method of presentation. The course covers all major elements of Italian grammar. Conducted in Italian; language laboratory required in addition to daily class sessions. Offered primarily sequentially, Autumn 101, Winter 102, Spring 103.
Required texts: Branciforte & Grassi, Parliamo Italiano! and Parliamo Italiano! Workbook/Lab Manual/Video Manual (Houghton Mifflin Company).

ITALIAN 111: ACCELERATED ELEMENTARY ITALIAN
Daily, multiple hours and sections, 10 cr., Staff

This course combines the contents of Italian 101 and 102 (see above) into a one-quarter accelerated course for 10 credits. Students may then take Italian 103 in the Winter Quarter to complete the language requirement in Italian.
Required texts: Branciforte & Grassi, Parliamo Italiano! and Parliamo Italiano! Workbook/Lab Manual/Video Manual (Houghton Mifflin Company).

ITALIAN 201: INTERMEDIATE ITALIAN (VLPA)
Daily, multiple times, 5 cr., Staff

The first part of a three-quarter, systematic review of Italian grammar and development of conversational skills (comprehension and speaking) as well as reading literary and cultural materials and writing compositions. Conducted in Italian, the intermediate sequence encourages students to use their language skills more actively and at a more sophisticated level than the elementary sequence.
Prerequisite: 103 or college equivalent or placement
Required texts: (for the ITALIAN 201-202-203 sequence): Lazzarino, Da Capo, Italian Dictionary (MacMillan).

ITALIAN 227: ITALIAN CONVERSATION THROUGH FILM
TH 2:30-3:20, 2 cr., Staff

Italian language conservation course for second-year students of Italian. Clips from Italian films will be used to engage students in coversation.
Prerequisite: 103 or college equivalent or placement

ITALIAN 301: ADVANCED ITALIAN (VLPA, W course)
Multiple secitons, 5 cr., Leporace

The third part of a three-quarter perfection-level sequence of syntax, composition and stylistics.
Offered sequentially Autumn 301, Winter 302, Spring 303.
Prerequisite: 203 or college equivalent or placement
Required texts: TBA

ITALIAN 327: ADVANCED CONVERSATION (VLPA)
M,W 9:30-10:20, 2 cr., Tatta

Focus on developing advanced conversational skills--listening and speaking--to fluency and increasing vocabulary in varying situations. May be taken up to four different times (2 cr. each time, 8 maximum) for credit. Discussions are based on contemporary Italian current event articles, fiction, and essay. Conducted in Italian. Not open to students whose native language is Italian. Offered quarterly. Materials available in class.
Prerequisite: 203 or college equivalent or placement.

ITALIAN 351: CONTEMPORARY ITALIAN CULTURE
MW 11:30-1:20, 5 cr., Mazzola

Italian culture from the 1980s to the present, with discussion of major events of the period and readings from fiction, political manifestos, song lyrics, etc. Emphasis on recent linguistic developments, changed role of women, meaning of multiculturalism in Italy, and the spread of global culture. Conducted in Italian.
Prerequisite: ITAL 203.
Required texts: Course Reader

ITALIAN 366: ISSUES OF GENDER IN ITALIAN CINEMA
T 3:30-5:20; TH 3:30-6:20, 5 cr., Mazzola

This course will focus on how Italian culture and society have influenced the representation of gender in Italian Cinema from 1945 to the present. Throght the screening of various classics by Fellini, Antonioni and Visconti (8 and a half, L avventura, Ossessione, etc.) we will first establish the background from which emerges the ambiguous masculinity of male characters and how femininity exists only as a reflection of the male gaze. Then we will analyze more recent films top verify to what extent there has been an alteration of the traditional roles and how is this represented in contemporary cinema.
Required texts: The Sexual Object. A Screen Reader in Sexuality. Routledge, 1992.
Offered jointly with ITAL 466A and C LIT 315A

ITALIAN 390: LANGUAGE TRAILER FOR ITAL 466, ISSUES OF GENDER IN ITALIAN CINEMA
F 1:30-3:20, 2 cr., Staff

Language trailer section for students enrolled in Italian 466. Only students enrolled in Italian 466 may take Italian 390. Course is taught in Italian.
Prerequisite: Italian 302, concurrent enrollment in ITAL 466A.

ITALIAN 403: EARLY MODERN ITALIAN READINGS II- SPACE & IDENTITY IN EARLY MODERN ITALY
TTH 1:30-3:20, 5 cr., Gaylard

This upper-division survey course focuses on the major cultural movements of the 17th and 18th centuries, in particular Baroque and Enlightenment literature, science, architecture, and the visual arts. In reading and analyzing texts, we will pay particular attention to notions of identity and disguise, and their relation to changing conceptions of public and private spaces. Course material will include work by Tasso, Basile, Campanella, Tassoni, Goldoni, Tiepolo, Borromini, Canaletto, and others. All classwork and assignments will be conducted in Italian. Students should have good Italian reading comprehension skills, and the ability to write in grammatically correct Italian. Typically you should have completed Italian 303 or have very strong third year language skills.
Required texts: TBA

ITALIAN 466: ISSUES OF GENDER IN ITALIAN CINEMA
T 3:30-5:20; TH 3:30-6:20, 5 cr., Mazzola

This course will focus on how Italian culture and society have influenced the representation of gender in Italian Cinema from 1945 to the present. Throght the screening of various classics by Fellini, Antonioni and Visconti (8 and a half, L avventura, Ossessione, etc.) we will first establish the background from which emerges the ambiguous masculinity of male characters and how femininity exists only as a reflection of the male gaze. Then we will analyze more recent films top verify to what extent there has been an alteration of the traditional roles and how is this represented in contemporary cinema.
Prerequisite: ITAL 302, concurrent enrollment in ITAL 390 B.
Required texts: The Sexual Object. A Screen Reader in Sexuality. Routledge, 1992.
Offered jointly with ITAL 366A and C LIT 315A.
Note: Students taking course as Italian 466 must take Italian 390 B--a two-credit attached language trailer section in which films will be discussed in Italian.

ITALIAN 499 A: SPECIAL TOPICS
2-5 cr,To be arranged

ITALIAN 503: EARLY MODERN ITALIAN READINGS II- SPACE & IDENTITY IN EARLY MODERN ITALY
TTH 1:30-3:20, 5 cr., Gaylard

This upper-division survey course focuses on the major cultural movements of the 17th and 18th centuries, in particular Baroque and Enlightenment literature, science, architecture, and the visual arts. In reading and analyzing texts, we will pay particular attention to notions of identity and disguise, and their relation to changing conceptions of public and private spaces. Course material will include work by Tasso, Basile, Campanella, Tassoni, Goldoni, Tiepolo, Borromini, Canaletto, and others. All classwork and assignments will be conducted in Italian. All classwork and assignments will be conducted in Italian.
Required texts: TBA
Prerequisite: ITAL 302

ITALIAN 590 A: SPECIAL SEMINAR/CONFERENCE
1-10 cr, ARR

ITALIAN 590 B: SPECIAL SEMINAR/CONFERENCE
W 2:30-5:20, 5 cr, Sbragia

Parameters of Italian Postmodernism/Parametri del postmoderno italiano. This course will explore the contours of Italian postmodern literature by examining two "canonical" Italian postmodern literary works, Italo Calvino's "Se una notte d'inverno un viaggiatore" and Umberto Eco's "Il nome della rosa," and two texts on the border of postmodern discourse, Carlo Emilio Gadda's "Quer pasticciaccio brutto de via Merulana" and Pier Paolo Pasolini's "Petrolio." Critical and theoretical readings by both authors and critics will also be discussed. Course is conducted in Italian.

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