Modern Language / EXETER French Program
Introduction
The courses in modern language aim to develop all the basic skills - aural comprehension,
speaking, reading, and witing - and to provide students with an understanding and appreciation
of a culture other than their own. The forein language being studied is used in the classroom
from the berining. Stidents acquire a working knowledge of essential grammatical structures and
learn to speak and understand the language ; at the higher levels, they develop their ability to
read, analyze, and dicuss literary works, contemporaly texts, and fims.
Entering students may wish to continue studing a language begun at their previous schools.
Placement will be done by evaluating previous experience in the language and may include a
test and/ or interview. On the other hand, many students begin a new foreign language at this
point in their education. Because daily assignment in all calsses are limited to a fixed time
scheme, no language entails more work than another, and the range of grades whith students
receive is the same in all languages offered by the department. Consequenly, students should
choose the language that interests them the most.
The study of Chinise, French, German, Japanese or Spanish may be begun in any year. A two-
term accelerated sequence beginning in the winter term may be offered in French, German, and
Russian ; these courses cover the work of the first year in two-term. The accelerated two-term
sequence in litalian and the three-term sequence in Arabic are for Senior only. College-level
accelerated courses offered in German and Russian cover the material of two years in one.
They are especially appropriate for incoming Uppers and Senior Who seek a solid preparation in
a foreingn language before going to college.
As the technology plays a greater role at the Academy, the Modern Language Dapartment has
integrated computer based material into its curricula. Several language classes make use of
mutimedia sofware developed by faculty members in the department ; other classes use
commercially produced programs that supplement the department's teaching approach. E-mail
and computerized assignments are a reguar part of the learning experience in the department's
computer laboratory.
All students are encouraged to consider the study of more than one foreign language while at
Exeter. Senior who have exhausted all the offrings in a particular language may petition the
department for a fied course after having secured the willingness og an instructor to serve as
teacher of the course. The department reserves the right to approve or reject any field course
proposal. Staffing constrains may override the worthiness of a paricular proposal. Written
permission from the department chair is required to register for a fied course.
Program
FRE110 / 120 / 130 : Elementary French
This sequence of three courses introduces students to spoken and written French.
Considerable oral pratice and frequent written exercises lead students to familiarity with the
grammer. Reading is discussed in class, broadening vocabulary and perfecting oral ability.
Texts include Contes dramatiques, Un billet pour le commissaire, and other short leadings.
FRE121 / 122 : Accelerated Elementary French
This course cover the basic skills and grammar of the elementary course at a faster pace. It is
for students who would like to start a second or third foreign language before college,
recommended particulary to Uppers and Seniors. Offered : Winter and Spring Terms.
FRE TR1 : Transition French 1
For Student who have had one or two years of French in junior high school and/ or one year in
high school, this course rapidly reviews pronunciation and basic grammar and accelerates
students in the speaking, reading and writing programs. The course normally promotes to
French TR2 or French 210 in Winter term. Offered : Fall Term.
FRE TR2 : Transition French 2
This course completes the review of basic structures and broadens the speaking, reading, and
writing programs. This course normally promotes to French 210 or 220 in the spring term.
Offered : Winter Term.
FRE 210 / 220 / 230 : Intermediate French
This sequence continues the study of spoken and written French begun in French 110/ 120/
130. The fundamental forms and structures and reviewed. The study of grammar is
complemented by a program of modern readings : Maigret et le clochard, by Simenon, L'oeil du
loup by Pénac, and Le Petit Prince, by Saint-Exupéry.
FRE 310 / 320 : Advanced French
This sequence provides a systematic review of French. Exercises are supplemented with
extensive written work. Vocaburary and grammatical structures are developed through reading,
discussion, and writing about literary works by such authors as Anouilh, Camus, Roblès, and
Roch Carrier.
Note : This following two courses may be taken in any order after the completion of French 320
and both prepare student for the SAT II test.
FRE 341 : Contes de diversité : Francophone short stories
This course is designed to immerse students in the rich genre of the conte, with a thematic
focus on self-affirmation in a variety of cultural contexts. French and Francophone authors will
include writers from France, Africa, the Caribbean and Quebec. Prerequisite : French 320.
FRE 349 : Advenced Linguistic Skill I
This Course is designed to increase vocabulary and develop linguistic skills while studying
topics presented in different media and genres. Materials may include essays, short stories,
radio programs, films, newspapers, magazine articles, and comic strips. This course, along
with French 449, provides a special review for the AP French Language Exam.
Note : The fellowing courses may be taken in any order after the completion of at least one 300-
level course above 320 or with departmental permission. Prerequisite : French 320.
FRE 405 : Setting the stage : French Theater
This course examines a variety of plays from Molière to Sartre, focusing on character interaction
against the backdrop of play wright and the period. Possible authors might also include Racine,
Giraudoux, Beckett or Lonesco. Offered : Fall Trem.
FRE 406 : From folly to reason
Giants, miser, hypochondriacs, lovesick poets, eternal optimists - these are but a few of the
characters that abound in this literature course that begins with Rablais' Gargantua and ends
with Voltaire's Candide. Offered : Witer Term.
FRE 407 : Great Novels
Fot those students who want to spend a term with great French fiction as a mirror of its era ;
possible great choices might include Hugo's Les misèrables, Camus' La peste, Falubert's
Madame Bovary, Duras' Moderato Cantabile. Offered : Spring Trem.
FRE 441 : French Humanism
This course studies selected works by great French witers of the past and present, such as
Fablais, Montaigne, Molière, Voltaire, Gide, Sartre, and Camus, whose reaffirmation and
defense of human dignity, or questioning of it, give them lasting significance. Offered : Fall Term.
FRE 444 : Comtemporary France
Thise course studies current affaires in France, Feature films, magazines, newspapers, songs,
video newsreels, etc. are the basics for an examination of what is going on in contemporary
France. Students choose topics of personal interest for oral and written reports. Offered : Fall
Trem.
FRE 446 : Studies in French cinema
The readings, discussions, and writing in this course will center on a series of French films
chosen for their cultural, historical, and artistic value. Students will read scenarios, source
material, or summaries of the films and will discuss and write about characterization, plot,
themes, geographical and cultural aspects. Offered : Spring Term.
FRE 447 : Rebels and Revolt
This course explores some of the major movements of the modern era, among which may be
existentialism, the literature of the absurd, and the end of colonialism. Writers like Camus,
Sartre, Berkett and Oyono might be included in the reading. Offered :winter and spring Trem.
FRE 449 : Advanced linguistic skills II
In this course students expand their cultural understanding through a variety of media, among
which might be short stories, newspapers, TV and film, while incleasing their vocabulary and
accuracy of grammatical structures. Specific attention is given to the types of skills tested by the
French Language Advanced Placement Exam in May. Offered : Winter Term.
* En savoir plus ou souhaiter prendre rendez-vous,
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