Summer 2024

Reading and Composition (R&C)

English Composition in Connection with the Reading of Literature
FRENCH R1B

Summer 2024
Class No: 14468
Online instruction
M, TU, W, TH
Instructor: Cameron Flynn
12:00PM-1:59PM

This course is designed to fulfill the second half of the Reading and Composition requirement. The primary goal of this course is to develop students' reading and writing skills through a series of assignments that will provide them with the opportunity to formulate observations made in class discussions into coherent argumentative essays. Emphasis will be placed on the refinement of effective sentence, paragraph, and thesis formation, keeping in mind the notion of writing as a process. Other goals in this course are a familiarization with French literature and the specific questions that are relevant to this field. In addition, students will be introduced to different methods of literary and linguistic analysis in their nonliterary readings.

This course focuses on the prison in literary texts from across the French-speaking world, including stories set in France, Switzerland, Quebec, Haiti, and Algeria. We will read novels by authors who were themselves incarcerated as well as texts that depict carceral experiences. We will study the ways that fiction and autobiography blend when writing from prison and how incarcerated authors both represent and resist the material conditions of their incarceration. In addition, we will consider works that use the prison as a theme or as a metaphor to explore broader social questions such as racial and gender hierarchies and (neo)colonialism.

Prerequisite: Previously passed an RA course with a letter grade of C- or better. OR Score a 4 on the Advanced Placement Exam in English Literature and Composition. OR Score a 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Exam in English Language and Composition. OR Score of 5, 6, or 7 on the International Baccalaureate Higher Level Examination in English. OR By permission of the instructor. No experience in Foreign Languages required.

Upper-Division Courses 

Advanced Reading and Writing Workshop (Summer Session D 6 weeks)
FRENCH 102

Summer 2024
Class No: 14671
Web-Based Instruction
M, TU, W, TH
Instructor: Vesna Rodic
10:00 am - 11:59 am

An exploration of the ways words and images structure thought, communication and interactions of the subject and society. Development of reading and writing skills leading to correct and effective expression in French.

Literary Themes, Genres, and Structures (Summer Session D 6 weeks)
FRENCH 121A

Summer 2024
Class No: 14504
Dwinelle 105
M, TU, W, TH
Instructor: Ariel Shannon Hixon
10:00 am - 11:59 am

Paris unique, Paris multiple : La valeur symbolique de Paris dans la littérature et le cinéma du XVIIIème siècle au présent La première image de Paris demeure, à nos jours, celle d’une destination touristique. Cependant, sa primauté en termes de destination de choix repose sur son histoire, son patrimoine, sa richesse culturelle, son architecture, son romantisme, sa place dans l’imaginaire collectif. Cette dernière est d’une ambiguïté particulière. Bien que Paris bénéficie d’une place privilégiée dans l’imaginaire collectif depuis bien longtemps, l’image en question n’est guère restée la même.

Bâtie sur les ruines de Lutèce, Paris s’octroie d’office une lignée illustre et une historicité établie. En ce qui concerne notre enquête, dans ce cours, nous reprendrons le fil au cours du XVIIIème siècle, lorsque Paris représente déjà, et de façon éclatante, le centre urbain développé, siège du royaume, en contraste avec la tradition et la pauvreté de la campagne. De centre urbain et moderne la métropole viendra à représenter d’abord le royaume, puis la nation, et enfin le siège de l’empire colonial. C’est sur ces modulations récentes, du XVIIIème siècle à aujourd’hui, que nous nous pencherons en particulier, à travers les textes de Voltaire, Guy de Maupassant, Albert Camus, et Leïla Sebbar entre autres, pour examiner Paris en tant que dépositaire des valeurs et critiques de chaque époque.

Quel rôle est attribué à la ville ? Quelle fonction joue-t-elle dans ces textes ? Quelle valeur symbolique lui est-il attribuée ? Nous nous interrogerons sur ces questions à travers la lecture critique d’œuvres littéraires, poétiques et cinématographiques, tout en cherchant à les replacer dans leur contexte historique.

French Studies in International Context (Summer Session B 10 weeks)
FRENCH 141

Summer 2024
Class No: 15718
Off Campus
Instructor: Daniel R Hoffmann

An examination of a theme, issue, or concept from French literary, intellectual, or cultural history in its interrelation with non-French texts and contexts. Writing assignments and readings in English for nonmajors; writing assignments and French readings in French for French majors and minors. Class discussions in English. Topics vary from year to year.

Please note: this course is taken abroad and is offered through the Berkeley Summer Abroad program. For questions or information about participating, please go to summerabroad.berkeley.edu or email summerabroad@berkeley.edu.

Field Studies (Summer Session 12W 12 weeks)
FRENCH 197

Summer 2024
Class No: 12322
In-Person Instruction
Instructor: Daniel R Hoffmann

Supervised field programs involving experiences in schools and school-related activities. Regular individual meetings with faculty sponsor and written reports required.

FRENCH 199
FRENCH 199 : Supervised Independent Study and Research for Advanced Undergraduates (Summer Session C 8 weeks)

Summer 2024
Class No: 11882
In-Person Instruction

Enrollment restricted according to College regulations. Individual instruction only in areas not covered by courses.