French and Italian Program
The professors in the French and Italian Program combine excellence in teaching with active research, allowing students the opportunity to expand their language skills while also deepening their knowledge of the cultures and literatures of the places where these languages are spoken. Program offerings range from elementary and intermediate language courses to advanced courses in culture, literature, and film of all periods. Many students take advantage of the opportunity to study abroad and then return to the program to continue to develop their knowledge and skills.
Courses in French are offered on a broad panorama of topics, including topics such as Québec literature and culture, French literature of the Holocaust, the turn-of-the-century “Belle Epoque,” French and Francophone cinema, medieval literature and culture, and writers of French-speaking Africa and the Caribbean. Vermont’s French-Canadian heritage and proximity to French-speaking Québec give students special opportunities to put learning into practice.
Courses in Italian include topics such as Dante, contemporary Italian food culture, Italian cinema, and the representation of marginal figures in early and contemporary Italy.
French Courses
FREN 1010. Topics In: First-Year Seminar. 3 Credits.
Intensive first-year seminar focused on specific themes and/or disciplinary perspectives. Emphasis on developing critical reading and writing skills, substantive revision, information literacy, and analytical thinking. First-year seminars are frequently organized to meet one of the disciplinary Catamount Core requirements. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Catamount Core: WIL1.
FREN 1020. Topics In: LASP Seminar. 3 Credits.
Intensive course in a broad disciplinary area (humanities, social sciences, arts, or natural sciences). Part of an integrated first-year experience in which students take 2-4 classes exploring aesthetic, humanistic, social, linguistic, environmental, or scientific issues. May repeat for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Co-requisite: Enrollment in the appropriate Liberal Arts Scholars Program. Catamount Core: WIL1.
FREN 1100. Elementary French I. 4 Credits.
Fundamentals of French composition, comprehension, pronunciation, speaking, reading, and writing in a cultural context. Classes are conducted in French and students engage in active use of the language. No prior knowledge expected. Cannot be taken for credit after FREN 1200. Catamount Core: GC2.
FREN 1200. Elementary French II. 4 Credits.
Further development of French composition, comprehension, pronunciation, speaking, reading, and writing in a cultural context. Classes are conducted in French and students engage in active use of the language. Cannot be taken for credit after FREN 2100. Prerequisite: FREN 1100 or equivalent. Catamount Core: GC2, OC.
FREN 1990. Special Topics. 1-18 Credits.
See Schedule of Courses for specific titles.
FREN 2100. Intermediate French I. 3 Credits.
Review of grammar, moving toward increased proficiency in composition, listening comprehension, pronunciation, speaking, reading, and writing. Emphasis on cultural context. Compositions, oral practice, reading. Students may take 1 French course numbered between 2100 and 2109 for credit. Cannot be taken for credit after FREN 2200. Prerequisite: FREN 1200 or equivalent. Catamount Core: GC2.
FREN 2108. TR Intermediate French I. 3 Credits.
Credit for the equivalent of Intermediate French I taken at another institution and accepted for transfer credit at UVM. May count for the track 2 minor with approval of a minor advisor in French. Students may take 1 FREN course numbered between 2100 and 2109 for credit. Cannot be taken for credit after FREN 2200. Prerequisite: FREN 1200 or equivalent. Catamount Core: GC2.
FREN 2109. AP Intermediate French I. 3 Credits.
Credit awarded for achieving a certain score on the French Language Advanced Placement (AP) Examination. The necessary score may vary from year to year; consult Transfer Affairs for appropriate specifics. Students may take 1 FREN course numbered between 2100 and 2109 for credit. Prerequisite: FREN 1200 or equivalent. Catamount Core: GC2.
FREN 2200. Intermediate French II. 3 Credits.
Continues building on skills from FREN 2100. Cultural context, grammar review, moving toward increased proficiency in listening comprehension, pronunciation, speaking, reading, and writing. More extensive and sophisticated readings and compositions than in FREN 2100. Students may take 1 French course numbered between 2200 and 2209 for credit. Cannot be taken for credit after FREN 3110. Prerequisite: FREN 2100 or equivalent. Catamount Core: GC2, OC.
FREN 2208. TR Intermediate French II. 3 Credits.
Credit for the equivalent of Intermediate French II taken at another institution and accepted for transfer credit at UVM. May count for the track 2 minor with approval of a minor advisor in French. Students may take 1 FREN course numbered between 2100 and 2109 for credit. Cannot be taken for credit after FREN 3110. Prerequisite: FREN 2100 or equivalent. Catamount Core: GC2, OC.
FREN 2209. AP Intermediate French II. 3 Credits.
Credit awarded for achieving a certain score on the French Language Advanced Placement (AP) Examination. The necessary score may vary from year to year; consult Transfer Affairs for appropriate specifics. Students may take 1 French course numbered between 2100 and 2109 for credit. Prerequisite: FREN 2100 or equivalent. Catamount Core: GC2, OC.
FREN 2990. Special Topics. 1-18 Credits.
See Schedule of Courses for specific titles.
FREN 3100. Topics in Language. 3 Credits.
Advanced study in French language. May repeat for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Prerequisite: FREN 3110 or Instructor permission.
FREN 3110. Writing Workshop. 3 Credits.
Improvement of functional skills: writing, listening, and speaking. Development of techniques to explain, elaborate, support opinions, convince, and persuade in both writing and speaking. Prerequisite: FREN 2200 or equivalent; or Instructor permission. Catamount Core: GC2, WIL2.
FREN 3115. Focus on Oral Expression. 3 Credits.
Guided practice of oral-aural skills through vocabulary and pronunciation exercises, readings, and oral presentations. Writing exercises reinforce oral work. Prerequisite: FREN 2200 or equivalent; or Instructor permission. Catamount Core: GC2, OC.
FREN 3120. French Grammar in Review. 3 Credits.
Grammar review and practice using a communicative approach to reinforce oral expression skills. Prerequisite: FREN 2200 or equivalent.
FREN 3400. Topics in Culture. 3 Credits.
Topics in the cultures of France and/or the French-speaking world, including Africa, the Caribbean, and/or Quebec. May be repeated for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Prerequisite: FREN 3110. Catamount Core: GC2.
FREN 3410. Contemporary France. 3 Credits.
Study of selected aspects of France today. Improvement of language skills; emphasis on reading, writing, and analysis of a variety of materials, including literature, journalism, and images. Pre/co-requisite: FREN 3110. Catamount Core: GC2.
FREN 3550. Topics in Culture & Literature. 3 Credits.
Advanced study in French culture and literature. May repeat for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Prerequisite: FREN 3610 or FREN 3620.
FREN 3610. French Lit in Context I. 3 Credits.
A study of significant texts in the history of French literature from the Middle Ages through the 18th century, in their historical and cultural contexts. Prerequisite: FREN 3110. Catamount Core: AH2.
FREN 3620. French Lit in Context II. 3 Credits.
A study of significant texts in the history of French literature from the French Revolution to the present, in their historical and cultural contexts. Prerequisite: FREN 3110. Catamount Core: AH2.
FREN 3990. Special Topics. 1-18 Credits.
Advanced courses or seminars on topics beyond the scope of existing departmental offerings. See Schedule of Courses for specific titles.
FREN 3991. Internship. 1-18 Credits.
On-site supervised work experience combined with a structured academic learning plan directed by a faculty member or a faculty-staff team in which a faculty member is the instructor of record, for which academic credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion.
FREN 3993. Independent Study. 1-18 Credits.
A course which is tailored to fit the interests of a specific student, which occurs outside the traditional classroom/laboratory setting under the supervision of a faculty member, for which credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion. Permission of Chair required.
FREN 3994. Teaching Assistantship. 1-3 Credits.
Undergraduate student service as a teaching assistant, usually in an introductory-level course in the discipline, for which credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion.
FREN 3995. Undergraduate Research. 1-18 Credits.
Undergraduate student work on individual or small team research projects under the supervision of a faculty member, for which credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion. Permission of Chair required.
FREN 4100. Topics in Language. 3 Credits.
Varied topics devoted to a special area such as translation, creative writing, or French for the professions (medicine, business, journalism, law). May repeat for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Prerequisite: FREN 3610 or FREN 3620.
FREN 4400. Topics in Culture. 3 Credits.
In-depth study of a major aspect of French culture. May repeat for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Prerequisite: FREN 3610 or FREN 3620.
FREN 4480. Quebec Culture. 3 Credits.
Sociocultural study of the Francophone culture of Canada. Prerequisite: FREN 3610 or FREN 3620.
FREN 4500. Topics in Cinema. 3 Credits.
Study of French cinema and cinematographic aesthetics. May repeat for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Prerequisite: FREN 3610 or FREN 3620.
FREN 4550. Topics in Culture & Literature. 3 Credits.
Advanced study of French culture and literature. May repeat for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Prerequisite: FREN 3610 or FREN 3620.
FREN 4600. Topics in Literature. 3 Credits.
Selected topics dealing with poetry and/or narrative related either to an historical period or a literary movement. May repeat for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Prerequisite: FREN 3610 or FREN 3620.
FREN 4610. Early French Women Writers. 3 Credits.
Exploration of how women from the Middle Ages through the Revolution spoke of love, education, the place of women, the power of writing and more. Prerequisites: FREN 3610 or FREN 3620.
FREN 4620. La Belle Epoque. 3 Credits.
The aesthetic and moral dilemmas of the allegedly decadent period in turn-of-the-century French literature, focusing especially on the changing representation of the artist and intellectual. Prerequisite: FREN 3610 or FREN 3620.
FREN 4630. 20-C Lit - Society and Writers. 3 Credits.
A study of twentieth-century French authors who shaped contemporary French culture by challenging traditional ethics and modes of thought. Representative authors include Beauvoir, Camus, and Sartre. Prerequisites: FREN 3610 or FREN 3620.
FREN 4640. Multiethnic France: 20-21C Lt. 3 Credits.
A study of contemporary French and Francophone African authors and filmmakers, with emphasis on the representation of colonialism, post-colonial France, and identity construction. Representative authors may include Begag, Beyala, and Sebbar. Prerequisite: FREN 3610 or FREN 3620. Catamount Core: D2.
FREN 4650. Francophone Crossings. 3 Credits.
Study of works in French that demonstrate multiple cultural influences. Topics may include: exile writings, cultural/linguistic mixing, colonialism and independence movements, human rights, immigration. Prerequisites: FREN 3610 or FREN 3620.
FREN 4680. Quebec Literature. 3 Credits.
A study of contemporary (1960-1985) major works of fiction, poetry, and drama. Authors studied include Anne Hebert, Michel Tremblay, Jacques Godbout, Gaston Miron. Prerequisites: FREN 3610 or FREN 3620.
FREN 4990. Special Topics. 1-18 Credits.
Advanced courses or seminars on topics beyond the scope of existing departmental offerings. See Schedule of Courses for specific titles.
FREN 4991. Internship. 1-18 Credits.
On-site supervised work experience combined with a structured academic learning plan directed by a faculty member or a faculty-staff team in which a faculty member is the instructor of record, for which academic credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion.
FREN 4993. Independent Study. 1-18 Credits.
A course which is tailored to fit the interests of a specific student, which occurs outside the traditional classroom/laboratory setting under the supervision of a faculty member, for which credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion. Permission of Chair required.
FREN 4994. Teaching Assistantship. 1-3 Credits.
Undergraduate student service as a teaching assistant, usually in an introductory-level course in the discipline, for which credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion.
FREN 4995. Undergraduate Research. 1-18 Credits.
Undergraduate student work on individual or small team research projects under the supervision of a faculty member, for which credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion. Permission of Chair required.
FREN 4996. Honors. 1-6 Credits.
College honors thesis or other department/program honors, under the supervision of a faculty member. Offered at department discretion.
Italian Courses
ITAL 1010. Topics In: First-Year Seminar. 3 Credits.
Intensive first-year seminar focused on specific themes and/or disciplinary perspectives. Emphasis on developing critical reading and writing skills, substantive revision, information literacy, and analytical thinking. First-year seminars are frequently organized to meet one of the disciplinary Catamount Core requirements. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Catamount Core: WIL1.
ITAL 1020. Topics In: LASP Seminar. 3 Credits.
Intensive course in a broad disciplinary area (humanities, social sciences, arts, or natural sciences). Part of an integrated first-year experience in which students take 2-4 classes exploring aesthetic, humanistic, social, linguistic, environmental, or scientific issues. May repeat for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Co-requisite: Enrollment in the appropriate Liberal Arts Scholars Program. Catamount Core: WIL1.
ITAL 1100. Elementary Italian I. 4 Credits.
Fundamentals of Italian composition, comprehension, pronunciation, speaking, reading, and writing in a cultural context. Classes are conducted in Italian and students engage in active use of the language. No prior knowledge expected. Cannot be taken for credit after ITAL 1200. Catamount Core: GC2.
ITAL 1200. Elementary Italian II. 4 Credits.
Continuation of ITAL 1100. Fundamentals of Italian composition, comprehension, pronunciation, speaking, reading, and writing in a cultural context. Classes are conducted in Italian and students engage in active use of the language. Cannot be taken for credit after ITAL 2100. Prerequisite: ITAL 1100 or equivalent. Catamount Core: GC2, OC.
ITAL 1990. Special Topics. 1-18 Credits.
See Schedule of Courses for specific titles.
ITAL 2100. Intermediate Italian I. 3 Credits.
Review of grammar, moving toward increased proficiency in composition, comprehension, pronunciation, speaking, reading, and writing. Emphasis on cultural context. Compositions, oral practice, reading. Students may take 1 ITAL course numbered between 2100 and 2109 for credit. Cannot be taken for credit after ITAL 2200. Prerequisite: ITAL 1200 or equivalent. Catamount Core: GC2.
ITAL 2108. TR Intermediate Italian I. 3 Credits.
Credit for the equivalent of Intermediate Italian I taken at another institution and accepted for transfer credit at UVM. May count for the Italian Studies minor with approval of a minor advisor. Students may take 1 ITAL course numbered between 2100 and 2109 for credit. Cannot be taken for credit after ITAL 2200. Prerequisite: ITAL 1200 or equivalent. Catamount Core: GC2.
ITAL 2109. AP Intermediate Italian I. 3 Credits.
Credit awarded for achieving a certain score on the Italian Language Advanced Placement (AP) Examination. The necessary score may vary from year to year; consult Transfer Affairs for appropriate specifics. Students may take 1 ITAL course numbered between 2100 and 2109 for credit. Prerequisite: ITAL 1200 or equivalent. Catamount Core: GC2.
ITAL 2200. Intermediate Italian II. 3 Credits.
Continuation of ITAL 2100. Grammar review, moving toward increased proficiency in composition, comprehension, pronunciation, speaking, reading, and writing. Emphasis on cultural context. More extensive and sophisticated readings and compositions than in ITAL 2100. Students may take 1 ITAL course numbered between 2200 and 2209 for credit. Cannot be taken for credit after ITAL 3110. Prerequisite: ITAL 2100 or equivalent. Catamount Core: GC2, OC.
ITAL 2208. TR Intermediate Italian II. 3 Credits.
Credit for the equivalent of Intermediate Italian II taken at another institution and accepted for transfer credit at UVM. May count for the Italian Studies minor with approval of a minor advisor. Students may take 1 ITAL course numbered between 2200 and 2209 for credit. Cannot be taken for credit after ITAL 3110. Prerequisite: ITAL 2100 or equivalent. Catamount Core: GC2, OC.
ITAL 2209. AP Intermediate Italian II. 3 Credits.
Credit awarded for achieving a certain score on the Italian Language Advanced Placement (AP) Examination. The necessary score may vary from year to year; consult Transfer Affairs for appropriate specifics. Students may take 1 ITAL course numbered between 2200 and 2209 for credit. Prerequisite: ITAL 2100 or equivalent. Catamount Core: GC2, OC.
ITAL 2990. Special Topics. 1-18 Credits.
See Schedule of Courses for specific titles.
ITAL 3110. Reading and Writing Workshop. 3 Credits.
Improvement of reading and writing skills through the analysis and discussion of increasingly complex texts -- literary, filmic, cultural. Prerequisite: ITAL 2200 or equivalent.
ITAL 3500. Topics in Cinema. 3 Credits.
Topics in the history of Italian cinema and its role as a window on Italian culture. Emphasis on improving linguistic fluency. May repeat for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Prerequisite: ITAL 2200 or equivalent.
ITAL 3520. Early Italian Lit in Context. 3 Credits.
An introduction to Italian literature from its beginnings through the early modern period. Authors may include Dante, Boccaccio, Machiavelli. Emphasis on improving linguistic fluency. Prerequisite: ITAL 2200 or equivalent. Catamount Core: AH2.
ITAL 3550. Topics in Culture & Literature. 3 Credits.
Topics exploring the cultural realities of Italy, from politics to pop music, food to fashion. Emphasis on improving linguistic fluency. May repeat for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Prerequisite: ITAL 2200 or equivalent. Catamount Core: GC2.
ITAL 3560. Cultures of Women in Italy. 3 Credits.
A study of Italian women writers, journalists, artists, and film directors. Emphasis on reading and discussion. Prerequisite: ITAL 2200 or equivalent.
ITAL 3565. Italian Fairy Tales. 3 Credits.
A study of Italian fairy tales from the origins of this genre in sixteenth-century Venice to contemporary narratives. Emphasis on reading and discussion. Prerequisite: ITAL 2200 or equivalent. Catamount Core: AH2.
ITAL 3580. Italian Food Culture. 3 Credits.
An exploration of the multiple connections between food and culture in Italy from the Middle Ages to the present day through literature, cookbooks, politics, history, religion, and more. Emphasis on reading and discussion. Prerequisite: ITAL 2200 or equivalent. Catamount Core: GC2.
ITAL 3990. Special Topics. 1-18 Credits.
See Schedule of Courses for specific titles.
ITAL 3991. Internship. 1-18 Credits.
On-site supervised work experience combined with a structured academic learning plan directed by a faculty member or a faculty-staff team in which a faculty member is the instructor of record, for which academic credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion.
ITAL 3993. Independent Study. 1-18 Credits.
A course which is tailored to fit the interests of a specific student, which occurs outside the traditional classroom/laboratory setting under the supervision of a faculty member, for which credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion.
ITAL 3994. Teaching Assistantship. 1-3 Credits.
Undergraduate student service as a teaching assistant, usually in an introductory level course in the discipline, for which credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion.
ITAL 3995. Undergraduate Research. 1-18 Credits.
Undergraduate student work on individual or small team research projects under the supervision of a faculty member, for which credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion.
ITAL 4990. Special Topics. 1-18 Credits.
See Schedule of Courses for specific titles.
ITAL 4994. Teaching Assistantship. 1-3 Credits.
Undergraduate student service as a teaching assistant, usually in an introductory level course in the discipline, for which credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion.
ITAL 4996. Honors. 1-6 Credits.
College honors thesis or other department/program honors, under the supervision of a faculty member. Offered at department discretion.