Academic Catalog
Learning a language opens windows to different cultures and ways of thinking. The French Department at Manhattanville College encourages the study of the French language with the aim of developing the four skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students can choose to major or minor in French, or just improve or brush up on their French-language skills. They can select from an array of courses in language, literature, culture, and cinema of France and the French-speaking world. They can combine their study of French with other disciplines such as International Studies, International Business, Law, Economics, Music, Film, and Art History. The Department currently has an exchange program with the Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier III in Montpellier, France.
Faculty and Professional Interests
Binita Mehta – All levels of French language and literature. Orientalism in French Literature, Literature in French written outside of France, Postcolonial Literatures in French and English, Film.
Adjunct Faculty
Andoveloniaina Rasolofo – French language,Linguistics
Patricia Barbagallo- French language, Business French
A student majoring in French is expected to achieve fluency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking French. S/he is expected to take ten courses (30 credits) at the 2000 and 3000 level, in addition to writing a Senior Evaluation. With approval from the Chair, one course can be taken in another department, provided it deals significantly with French art, music, history, and culture.
The Senior Evaluation is written during the two semesters of the senior year. Students register for Senior Evaluation I (1 credit) during the first semester of the senior year, and, in consultation with their faculty advisor, develop a topic for their thesis, collect primary and secondary resources, and write a detailed outline. Students register for Senior Evaluation II (3 credits) for the second semester of their senior year and are expected to complete their thesis by the end of that semester.
Students minoring in French must take five courses (at least 15 credits) above the introductory level, one of which must be at the 3000-level.
Note: All course work counted toward the major and minor must be taken for a letter grade and must receive a grade of C- or better.
Departmental Honors are conferred upon graduating seniors who have maintained grade point average in French of 3.5 and have received a minimum grade of A- for Senior Evaluation I and II.
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