MA in French Language & Literature

The program develops (1) an advanced general knowledge of the history of French literature; (2) a knowledge of selected specialized areas within the field; and (3) a knowledge of the traditions, aims, and methods of research scholarship.

Course Requirements

A minimum of eight semester courses (32 credits) at the 500 level or above, including one seminar each semester. In electing courses, students should bear in mind the aims of the degree program expressed in the description of the comprehensive examination (see below). A maximum of two semester courses (8 credits) in a related field may be taken with the advisor’s approval.

Language Requirement

None, other than the proficiency requirement in French as stated in the admissions prerequisites: Applicants should send an academic paper of not more than ten pages, written in French, with the application. Applicants must submit results of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test; they should hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in French language and literature. Degree candidates are expected to possess a reasonably sound command of written and spoken French. In cases of serious deficiencies, students may be required to take additional courses in language without receiving degree credit. The candidate should include a summary page of all courses and grades taken in the field of French literature to accompany transcripts.

Comprehensive Examination

Candidates qualify for the MA by passing a written comprehensive examination based on the departmental reading list. The contents and times of these examinations are described fully on the application form for admission to the examination, which is distributed, along with the reading list, at the beginning of the first year of registration.

Advising

The program allows the student maximum liberty in the selection of courses while providing safeguards to ensure maximum intellectual growth. An advisor is assigned to each student; together, they share responsibility for the development of an academically sound program. Therefore, the student should consult with the advisor about all aspects of the academic experience.

Courses

French Language & Literature

• CAS LF 500    Phonetics and Diction
• CAS LF 502    The Structure of French: Syntax
• CAS LF 503    The Structure of French: Phonology
• CAS LF 550   Studies in Eighteenth-Century French Literature
• CAS LF 551    Modern French Theatre
• CAS LF 552    French Romanticism
• CAS LF 553    Molière
• CAS LF 554    Émile Zola and Naturalism
• CAS LF 555    The Epistolary Novel
• CAS LF 556    French Cinema and Literature
• CAS LF 558    Colonial Fictions: Modern French Writing and the Colonies
• CAS LF 560    Seventeenth-Century Prose
• CAS LF 561    Proust
• CAS LF 562    The Age of Versailles
• CAS LF 563    French Tragedy of the Seventeenth Century
• CAS LF 564    Medieval Lyric
• CAS LF 565    Medieval Courtly Literature
• CAS LF 568    Topics in Literature and Film
• CAS LF 569    Topics in Francophone Writing
• CAS LF 570    Topics in Twentieth-Century/Twenty-First Century French Literature
• CAS LF 571    Topics in Nineteenth-Century French Literature
• CAS LF 574    Early French Renaissance
• CAS LF 575    Later French Renaissance

Seminars and Directed Studies

• GRS LF 860    Seminar: Topics in French Literature
• GRS LF 951, 952    Directed Study: French Language and Literature