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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 211: From Renaissance to Enlightenment and Revolution: Culture, Society, Politics and Intellectual Inquiry in France
French 302, 303: Advanced French
French 304: French Literature: Origins to 1600
French 390B: From Renaissance to Enlightenment and Revolution: Culture, Society, Politics and Intellectual Inquiry in France
French 455: One Author - Proust
French 461: Theatre and the Polemics of Classicism in the 17th Century
French 499: Special Topics
French 499B: Special Topics
French 561: Theatre and the Polemics of Classicism in the 17th Century
French 576: Critical Methodology
French 590 B: Teaching Methodology
French 591: Literary Problems - Middle Ages

Courses in Italian Studies (click on course for details)

Italian 101: Elementary Italian
Italian 201: Intermediate Italian
Italian 301: Advanced Grammar
Italian 327: Advanced Conversation
Italian 341: Contemporary Italian Poetry in Translation
Italian 405: Modern Italian Readings-2
Italian 490: Proseminar in Italian Literature
Italian 505: Modern Italian Readings-2
Italian 590 A: Special Seminar/Conference

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: TBA
Prerequisite for French 101: No prior French, or placement
Prerequisite for French 102: French 101, or placement
Prerequisite for French 103: Frenfch 102, or placement

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: TBA
Prerequisite: Placement (score of 10-30 on 100-level French placement exam)

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).
NOTE: French 202 is not usually offered autumn quarter.

FRENCH 211: FROM RENAISSANCE TO ENLIGHTENMENT AND REVOLUTION: CULTURE, SOCIETY, POLITICS AND INTELLECTUAL INQUIRY IN FRANCE (VLPA)
TTH 12:30-2:20, 5 cr., Geoffrey Turnovsky

This course explores the cultural, social, and political contexts out of which some of the most important, enduring works of French intellectual history emerged. We will focus specifically on the historical conditions in which increasingly critical writings from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment and Revolutionary period were circulated in the framework of absolute monarchy and hierarchical society. What opportunities were presented to those who were drawn to question the arbitrary nature of the political or social orders? And what constraints did they have to work against? In proposing such questions, the course will introduce students to the culture and history of an evolving France leading up to the Revolution of 1789 and into the modern era of the 19th century. Readings will include a mix of primary and secondary works. The course will be conducted in English.

NOTE: Offered with French 390B. French 390B is intended for French majors and may be substituted for French 378.

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)
MW 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 390B: FROM RENAISSANCE TO ENLIGHTENMENT AND REVOLUTION: CULTURE, SOCIETY, POLITICS AND INTELLECTUAL INQUIRY IN FRANCE
TTH 12:30-2:20, 5 cr., Turnovsky

This course explores the cultural, social, and political contexts out of which some of the most important, enduring works of French intellectual history emerged. We will focus specifically on the historical conditions in which increasingly critical writings from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment and Revolutionary period were circulated in the framework of absolute monarchy and hierarchical society. What opportunities were presented to those who were drawn to question the arbitrary nature of the political or social orders? And what constraints did they have to work against? In proposing such questions, the course will introduce students to the culture and history of an evolving France leading up to the Revolution of 1789 and into the modern era of the 19th century. Readings will include a mix of primary and secondary works. The course will be conducted in English.

FRENCH 455: ONE AUTHOR - PROUST
TTH 12:30-2:20, 5 cr., Doug Collins

In depth focus on the works of Proust. Course taught in English.
Prerequisite: FRENCH 303.

FRENCH 461: THEATRE AND THE POLEMICS OF CLASSICISM IN THE 17TH CENTURY (VLPA)
TTH 3:30-5:20, 5 cr., Geoffrey Turnovsky

The course explores the theatre as the predominant institution of the 17th-century cultural sphere, out of which came the most enduring works and visible writers of the age. Nurtured by politics and shaped by the evolutions of Classical-era society, the theatre was, moreover, the venue in which the key intellectual and artistic battles of the period were waged, most significantly those that would define “Classicism.” We will study these theatrical polemics in detail as way to understand Classicism not as a hardened “doctrine” dictating rules, but as an active engagement with a series of critical issues relating to the place of the individual and the writer in the social and political culture of the time; the rising influence of women, “salons” and préciosité in 17th-century society; the dynamics of literary fame and rivalry; the possibility of social critique; and the engagement with tradition and modernity. Authors include Corneille, Moliére, Racine along with contemporary commentators.
Prerequisite: FRENCH 303; FRENCH 304; FRENCH 305; FRENCH 306
Required texts: TBA
NOTE: Offered jointly with French 561.

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

FRENCH 561: THEATRE AND THE POLEMICS OF CLASSICISM IN THE 17TH CENTURY (VLPA)
TTH 3:30-5:20, 5 cr., Geoffrey Turnovsky

The course explores the theatre as the predominant institution of the 17th-century cultural sphere, out of which came the most enduring works and visible writers of the age. Nurtured by politics and shaped by the evolutions of Classical-era society, the theatre was, moreover, the venue in which the key intellectual and artistic battles of the period were waged, most significantly those that would define “Classicism.” We will study these theatrical polemics in detail as way to understand Classicism not as a hardened “doctrine” dictating rules, but as an active engagement with a series of critical issues relating to the place of the individual and the writer in the social and political culture of the time; the rising influence of women, “salons” and préciosité in 17th-century society; the dynamics of literary fame and rivalry; the possibility of social critique; and the engagement with tradition and modernity. Authors include Corneille, Moliére, Racine along with contemporary commentators.
Required texts: TBA
NOTE: Offered jointly with French 461.

FRENCH 576: CRITICAL METHODOLOGY (VLPA)
TTH 3:30-5:20, 5 cr., Doug Collins

Basic scholarly tools of bibliography; historical review of literary doctrine; an introduction to critical methodology.
NOTE: Meets with C LIT 508 and ENGL 508.

FRENCH 590 B: TEACHING METHODOLOGY
TTH 1:30-3:20, 5cr., 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.

FRENCH 591: LITERARY PROBLEMS- MIDDLE AGES: ALL ABOUT LANCELOT
W 2:30-5:20, 5 cr., Denyse Delcourt

Along with Tristan, Lancelot du Lac is certainly one of the most important literary figures of the Middle Ages. The story of his enduring love for King Arthur’s wife, Guinevere, has known countless retellings both in medieval and modern times. Appearing first in Chretien de Troyes’s Le Chevalier de la charrette (1180), Lancelot is the hero of the vast 13th century prose romance known as the Cycle of the Prose Lancelot, or the Lancelot-Grail. Compared to his son Galahad whose moral perfection allows him to see the Grail Lancelot is a more complex figure. Completely devoted to King Arthur as well as totally in love with his king’s wife he is nevertheless considered the epitome of nobility. By trying to understand this apparent contradiction this course will deal, among other problems, with one of the most intriguing cultural manifestations of the Middle Ages: courtly love. Close readings of the medieval romances in which Lancelot plays a central role will be our main focus. Some cinematic representations of Lancelot du Lac will also be discussed in this course.

Class is conducted in French.

Readings:
Le Chevalier de la Charrette. Lancelot du Lac (extracts). La Mort du roi Arthur. Andreas Capellanus, The Art of Courtly Love.

Films:
Robert Bresson, Lancelot du Lac (1974). John Boorman, Excalibur (1981). Jerry Zuchers, The First Knight (1995).

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 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): TBA

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

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)
MW 10:30-11:20, 2 cr., Staff

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 341: CONTEMPORARY ITALIAN POETRY IN TRANSLATION
MW 12:30-2:20, 5 cr., Leporace

Introduction to basic concepts and skills required for Italian-to-English translation. Examines the main aspects of contrastive grammar and stylistics used in translation, providing practical opportunities to incorporate and apply the material. Exposure to a variety of translation fields.
Prerequisite: ITAL 301, which may be taken concurrently.

ITALIAN 405: MODERN ITALIAN READINGS-2
TTH 1:30-3:20, 5 cr., Mazzola

Readings in Italian Novecento, covering the work of major Italian twentieth-century authors.
Prerequisite: ITAL 302

ITALIAN 490: PROSEMINAR IN ITALIAN LITERATURE- CHURCH AND STATE IN ITALY
MW 2:30-4:20, 5 cr., Taradel

The course will be focused on two of the most dramatic and significant periods of the history of the Church and Italy: the process of unification of Italy that in 1870 eventually destroyed the secular power of the Church, and the period of the Fascist regime (1922-1943) that completely redefined the relations between the Vatican and the Italian State. The course will outline and analyze the most important religious, political and cultural aspects of the often conflictual and ambiguous history, that has shaped both Italy and the Catholic Church in the XIX and the XX centuries. (Course conducted in English).
Required texts: David I. Kertzer, Prisoner of the Vatican: The Pope's
Secret Plot to Capture Rome from the New Italian State, Houghton Mifflin,
2004. (And Course pack)

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

ITALIAN 505: EARLY MODERN ITALIAN READINGS-2
TTH 3:30-5:20, 5 cr., Mazzola

Readings in Italian Novecento, covering the work of major Italian twentieth-century authors.

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

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