Postcolonial Counterpoint. Orientalist, France, and the Maghreb

Postcolonial Counterpoint. Orientalist, France, and the Maghreb

A1JvQfb5hvLFarid Laroussi —

Postcolonial Counterpoint is a critical study of Orientalism and the state of Francophone and postcolonial studies, examined through the lens of the historical and cross-cultural relations between France and North Africa.  Thoroughly questioning the inability of Western academia to shake free of universalism and essentialism and come to grips with the Orientalism within postcolonial discourse, Farid Laroussi offers a cultural tour d’horizon which considers André Gide’s writing on Algeria, literature by French authors of Maghrebi descent, and the conversation surrounding secularism and the headscarf in France. A provocative investigation of the place of Muslims and Islam in Francophone culture, Postcolonial Counterpoint asks how we must proceed if postcolonial studies is to make a difference in reconciling history, identity, citizenship, and Islam in the West.

Farid Laroussi, Postcolonial Counterpoint. Orientalist, France, and the Maghreb, University of Toronto Press, 2016.
ISBN: 1442648910

La mesure des mots. Microscopie du Livre I des fables de La Fontaine

Cover_MesuredesMots

Hervé Curat —

Cette analyse textuelle des vingt-deux «fables de La Fontaine» qui font le Livre premier des Fables choisies de 1668 suit l’ordre du recueil, préservant le plan de lecture choisi par le fabuliste. L’étude de chacune longe le texte, mais cède à l’occasion le pas à une vue transversale de faits touchant l’ensemble du poème voire de l’ouvrage. Le sous-titre microscopie et les bases de la méthode viennent de R. Jakobson; elle emprunte aussi à C. Lévi-Strauss. L’analyse porte sur les données langagières: étymologie, lexique, morphologie, phonétique, phraséologie, poétique, ponctuation, stylistique, syntaxe et statistique (collocation, récurrence et fréquence des formes). Elle porte aussi sur la mise en page des fables, sur leurs rapports avec les gravures de F. Chauveau, sur les questions de pragmatique qu’elles posent, les références culturelles, littéraires, historiques et personnelles qu’on y trouve, sur leur pertinence ethnographique et zoologique. L’érudition du fabuliste et le méticuleux travail d’écriture qu’il cachait avec soin sont mis en lumière. Le thème dominant qui ressort du Livre premier est celui de la commensalité contrariée.

 

Hervé Curat, La mesure des mots. Microscopie du Livre I des fables de La Fontaine, Genève: Droz, coll.«Langue et Cultures», 2015.
EAN13: 9782600019668

FREN360

dfsahgdsghdssgfa

FREN370

Introduction à la linguistique française

Ce cours familiarise l’étudiant avec les concepts de base en linguistique et à leur application à l’étude de la langue française. Il vise à décrire la langue française en tant que système, mais aussi à apprécier la variation linguistique dans le monde francophone. Les principaux domaines de la linguistique seront couverts : phonétique, phonologie, morphologie, syntaxe et sociolinguistique. Ce cours permet d’acquérir les connaissances nécessaires à l’étude avancée du français et à la comparaison entre le français et d’autres langues connues par les étudiants.

Language of instruction: French

Prerequisites: Either (a) FREN 223 or (b) all of FREN 352, FREN 401.

Grading Breakdown

4 short tests: 40%
Exercises and participation: 25%
Final exam: 35%

Readings

Le matériel sera disponible sur le site Canvas.

FREN371

Introduction à la théorie et aux méthodes critiques

Qu’est-ce que la littérature ? Pourquoi s’y intéresser ? Comment en parler ?

Ce cours propose de revenir sur les réponses à la fois complexes et variées que les théoriciens de la littérature ont voulu donner à ces questions apparemment simples. À partir d’une sélection d’articles représentatifs de diverses tendances critiques, nous procèderons à un survol des principales approches qui ont marqué l’étude de la littérature depuis la seconde moitié du 19e siècle. Suivant un premier arrêt sur les enjeux de l’histoire littéraire et de la méthode positiviste, nous verrons quelques-unes des approches théoriques issues du formalisme et de la linguistique qui ont contribué au renouveau de la discipline au cours des cinquante dernières années. Nous tenterons de démystifier les principales questions soulevées par le structuralisme, la narratologie, la psychocritique, les théories de la réception, la critique féministe et la critique postcoloniale. Combinant exposés et exercices pratiques, ce cours vise à donner une connaissance essentielle des méthodes et des théories utiles pour poursuivre l’étude de la littérature à un niveau plus avancé. Les étudiants auront l’occasion de mettre en pratique la matière vue en classe et de s’exercer aux différentes étapes de l’élaboration d’un travail de recherche, de la construction de la problématique à la rédaction, en passant par l’enquête bibliographique et l’analyse proprement dite.

Required readings:

Hébert, Anne, Le Torrent.

Maupassant, Guy de, Le Horla et autres nouvelles.

Articles et vidéos complémentaires disponibles sur Canvas

Recommended readings:

Compagnon, Antoine, Le Démon de la théorie, Paris, Seuil, 1998.

Aron, Paul, Saint-Jacques, Denis et Alain Viala, Dictionnaire du littéraire, Paris, PUF, 2002.

Culler, Jonathan, Literary Theory. A Very Short Introduction, Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2011 [1997].

Prerequisite: One of FREN 220 or FREN 221

Language of instruction: French

Course Registration

 

FREN123

Course type: Hybrid

A hybrid course may involve a combination of synchronous activities (done in “real time”) and asynchronous activities (done in one’s own time). The course will be delivered online.

Intermediate French II

French 123 is a continuation of French 122: a refinement of reading, speaking and listening skills with additional emphasis on techniques of writing through diverse activities:

  • an interactive approach to the review of French grammar, stressing communicative competence;
  • an emphasis on expressing one’s opinion on different topics (work and studies, literature, arts and news):
  • a practical application of strategies for essay-writing in French;
  • a study of contemporary literature and other authentic documents (newspapers, blogs, music, etc.) of the French-Speaking world.

The FREN 123 syllabus follows the Common European Framework of Reference guidelines for the B1.2 level.

Three hours a week will be devoted to providing students with tools for dealing with most situations that they would likely encounter in a French speaking region. Students will be able to produce structured and connected texts on topics that are familiar, of personal interest or related to documents read inside and outside of the classroom (literature, news…); to describe experiences, events, dreams, hopes and ambitions; and to give reasons and explanations for opinions, plans and decisions.

Lectures and class discussions are all conducted in French.

Please note this course will be taught using a combination of synchronous and asynchronous teaching and learning techniques.  This means that students will, at times, interact with the instructor and other classmates at the same time (synchronous learning) and, at other times, work through materials and other learning activities independently (asynchronous).  The course is designed in this way to provide greater flexibility to students, particularly those who are currently living in a different time zone and/or have poor internet connectivity.

If you are unsure whether this is the appropriate level of French course for you, click here.

Course website:
The website for this course is available through Canvas.

Required readings:

Entre nous 3, Éditions Maison des langues
2 options:

  • Print Textbook : Entre nous 3, Paris: Éditions Maison des langues, 2016. ISBN: 9788416273249
    If you buy the printed textbook, you can access the audio files on the free version of the Espace Virtuel or on the provided CD or get Premium access with additional resources and online activities (ISBN: 9788417249755)
  • Digital Textbook (online version) with Premium Access : Entre nous 3 .
    If you purchase premium access directly through the Espace Virtuel website, you have the option to purchase an annual subscription for 24.90 EUR or a one-semester subscription for 18.90 EUR.

Espace Virtuel : https://espacevirtuel.emdl.fr/

This textbook is used for both FREN 122 and FREN 123.

Technical Requirements: Students will need a computer or tablet that has the capacity to view and/or download documents from Microsoft Word (including PPT), video and audio capacity, a keyboard, and headphones if necessary.  Some of the exercises students will complete will require them to record their voices.  Students will also need a quiet environment and a strong and stable Internet connection.

Recommended readings:
Suggestion to practice grammar: Grammaire essentielle du français B1, (Paris: Éditions Didier, 2015)
Suggested for both FREN 122 and FREN 123.

Prerequisite:
FREN 122 or assignment based on placement test.

Note:
Successful completion of French 123 and further courses in French language and/or literature.
French 123 cannot be taken concurrently with 122 or 222 without the permission of an undergraduate advisor in French.

The sequence of French language courses FREN101/102, 111/112, 122/123, 224/225 is designed for non native speakers.
The Department of FHIS reserves the right to refuse enrollment to any of its language courses to a student who has, in the view of the Department, a level of competence unsuited to that course. Enrollment at or below the level the student has already attained is not permitted.

Course Registration

FREN122

Course type: Hybrid

A hybrid course may involve a combination of synchronous activities (done in “real time”) and asynchronous activities (done in one’s own time). The course will be delivered online.

Intermediate French I

With an approach that is communicative and collaborative, inductive and interactive, the course develops understanding of the French language and the Francophone world and refines writing and reading, speaking and listening skills through diverse activities:

  • an interactive approach to the review of French grammar, stressing communicative competence;
  • an emphasis on group work and task-based activities;
  • an introduction to essay-writing in French;
  • an emphasis on the expression one’s opinion on different topics (work and studies, leisure activities, social topics, news);
  • a study of contemporary literature and other authentic documents (newspapers, blogs, music, etc.) of the French-Speaking world.

FREN122 syllabus follows the Common European Framework of Reference guideline for B1 level (first half).

Three hours a week will be devoted to providing students with tools for dealing with situations that they are likely to encounter in a French speaking region. Students will be able to understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar subjects in work, school and leisure activities; to produce a simple and cohesive text on familiar subjects or subjects of personal interest and to narrate an event or an experience.

Lectures and class discussions are all conducted in French.

Please note this course will be taught using a combination of synchronous and asynchronous teaching and learning techniques.  This means that students will, at times, interact with the instructor and other classmates at the same time (synchronous learning) and, at other times, work through materials and other learning activities independently (asynchronous).  The course is designed in this way to provide greater flexibility to students, particularly those who are currently living in a different time zone and/or have poor internet connectivity.

If you are unsure whether this is the appropriate level of French course for you, click here.

Course website:
The website for this course is available through Canvas.

Required readings:

Entre nous 3, Éditions Maison des langues
2 options:

  • Print Textbook : Entre nous 3, Paris: Éditions Maison des langues, 2016. ISBN: 9788416273249
    If you buy the printed textbook, you can access the audio files on the free version of the Espace Virtuel or on the provided CD or get Premium access with additional resources and online activities (ISBN: 9788417249755)
  • Digital Textbook (online version) with Premium Access : Entre nous 3 .
    If you purchase premium access directly through the Espace Virtuel website, you have the option to purchase an annual subscription for 24.90 EUR or a one-semester subscription for 18.90 EUR.

Espace Virtuel : https://espacevirtuel.emdl.fr/

This textbook is used for both FREN 122 and FREN 123.

Technical Requirements: Students will need a computer or tablet that has the capacity to view and/or download documents from Microsoft Word (including PPT), video and audio capacity, a keyboard, and headphones if necessary.  Some of the exercises students will complete will require them to record their voices.  Students will also need a quiet environment and a strong and stable Internet connection.

Recommended readings:
Suggestion to practice grammar: Grammaire essentielle du français B1, (Paris: Éditions Didier, 2015)
Suggested for both FREN 122 and FREN 123.

Language of instruction: French

Prerequisite:
One of French 12, FREN 112, or equivalent.

Note:
Successful completion of French 122 leads to French 123 and further courses in French language and/or literature. French 122 cannot be taken concurrently with 123 without the permission of an undergraduate advisor in French.

The sequence of French language courses FREN101/102, 111/112, 122/123, 224/225 is designed for non native speakers.

The Department of FHIS reserves the right to refuse enrollment to any of its language courses to a student who has, in the view of the Department, a level of competence unsuited to that course. Enrollment at or below the level the student has already attained is not permitted.

Course Registration

 

FREN102

Beginners’ French II

A continuation of the A1 level work begun in FREN 101 and its journey into the French language and around the Francophone world. With an approach that is communicative and collaborative, and inductive and interactive, the course develops understanding and the mobilization of knowledge as savoir-faire.

FREN 102 involves three hours per week of classroom work. At the end of the course, students will be able to understand simple communication and to communicate simply about familiar and frequently-encountered topics.

Classes are mostly conducted in French, with some English as needed for explanation.

Language of instruction: English

Recommended prerequisite: FREN 101

Grading Breakdown

Coming soon

Readings

Textbook:

D. Abi Mansour, S. Anthony, P. Fenoglio, K. Papin, A. Soucé, M. Vergues. Odyssée 1 : Livre de l’élève. (Paris: CLÉ International, 2021).

  • E-book version: ISBN 9782090348538
  • Printed version: ISBN 9782090355697

Workbook:

Lena Rio. Odyssée 1 : Cahier d'activités. (Paris: CLÉ International, 2021).

  • E-book version: ISBN 9782090348576
  • Printed version: ISBN 9782090355703

Complementary materials from Odyssée 1:

  • Odyssée 1 audio and video online
  • How to set up your e-books

These materials are used for both FREN 101 and FREN 102. You can use the ISBN numbers to research other suppliers and their prices: https://shop.bookstore.ubc.ca/courselistbuilder.aspx

Determine your entry level
Find out which course level to start at given your previous experience with French.

Celestina según su lenguaje

Celestina segun su lenguajeRaúl Alvarez-Moreno —

Celestina según su lenguaje estudia el lenguaje en Celestina (1499-1502) como elemento primordial y no solo supletorio o subsiguiente de la contienda que tiene lugar en la obra. A causa del recorrido desde lo semántico a lo epistemológico y lo filósofico-moral -ética y política-, ya en el aristotelismo, el estoicismo o el cristianismo, el lenguaje, y en particular las formas de entender el significado en pugna en el texto, se presentan como esenciales para entender las disputas y tensiones que lo articulan a todos los niveles. En estrecha relación con los cambios lingüísticos que tienen lugar en el siglo XV, la adscripción retórica de Celestina y, en concreto, la adopción de estrategias y técnicas escépticas se muestran determinantes en la crítica de los discursos dogmáticos del periodo y su verdad filosófico-intelectual, sin salvarse como indiscutible y necesaria la cristiana que debía reemplazarla. Todo ello contribuiría en gran medida a la ambigüedad y a las distintas lecturas posibles ofrecidas por la obra.

Celestina según su lenguaje studies language in Celestina (1499-1502) as a central factor –not just supplementary or subsequent– of the conflict that takes place in the dramatic work. Due to the Aristotelian, Stoic and Christian projection from Semantics to Epistemology and Moral Philosophy (Ethics and Politics), language and in particular the antagonistic but concomitant ways of conceiving meaning, become essential to understanding the different tensions and disputes embedded in the text. Closely related to the linguistic changes taking place in the fifteenth century, the rhetorical character of Celestina and the adoption of strategies and techniques from traditional Skepticism prove to be crucial in questioning dogmatic discourses and philosophical-intellectual truths at the time. Christian truth, which supposedly should replace the latter, is not spared either as necessary or indisputable. Such processes would greatly contribute to an explanation of the ambiguity and the different readings the play offers to its readers.

Raúl Alvarez-Moreno, Celestina según su lenguaje Madrid: Editorial Pliegos. 2015
ISBN: 978-84-96045-95-8

FREN112

Course type: Hybrid

A hybrid course may involve a combination of synchronous activities (done in “real time”) and asynchronous activities (done in one’s own time). The course will be delivered online.


Course Description - Summer

FREN 112 is the continuation of FREN 111: A low intermediate course for non-specialists, focused on the discovery and appreciation of diverse aspects of francophone culture, based on printed documents, audio-visual material and the Internet. If you are unsure whether this is the appropriate level of French course for you, click here.

Required text:
Course materials will be available on-line.

Prerequisite: FREN 111 or equivalent

Note:
Successful completion of FREN 112 satisfies the Faculty of Arts Language Requirement.
Not available for credit to students with FREN 12.

Course Registration

Course Description - Winter

Elementary French II

A continuation of the A2 level work begun in FREN 111, focused on the understanding of detached sentences and expressions related to everyday life (such as personal and familial information, regular purchases, one’s immediate environment including home, community and workplace).

French grammatical structures such as uses of pronouns, the future tense and hypothetical sentences will be studied with an interactive approach, stressing communicative competence.

This practice will include:

  • communicating in the context of the practical exchange of information on familiar and socially relevant topics.
  • understanding longer spoken messages,
  • reading short texts such as personal letters and newspaper articles,
  • expressing practical ideas and opinions both orally and in writing.
  • learning about diverse cultures of the French-speaking world.

Three hours a week will be devoted to providing students with useful tools for everyday situations they are likely to encounter in a French speaking region.

At the end of the semester, students will be able to understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance, to communicate in routine tasks requiring direct exchange of information on familiar matters, to describe aspects of their background, immediate environment and ordinary needs.

Lectures and class discussions are mostly conducted in French. If you are unsure whether this is the appropriate level of French course for you, click here.

Required Text
Cosmopolite 2, Éditions Hachette

Recommended Text
La grammaire du français A2, Éditions Maison des langues

Prerequisite: One of FREN 11, FREN 111, FREN 102 or equivalent

Note: Not available for credit to students with FREN 12, FREN 112 or equivalent.

The sequence of French language courses FREN101/102, 111/112, 122/123, 224/225 is designed for non native speakers.
The Department of FHIS reserves the right to refuse enrollment to any of its language courses to a student who has, in the view of the Department, a level of competence unsuited to that course. Enrollment at or below the level the student has already attained is not permitted.

Course Registration