2025-2026 Academic Year

Fall 2025

FYSM 100 First-Year Seminar
The First-Year Seminar (FYS) introduces students to Dickinson as a "community of inquiry" by developing habits of mind essential to liberal learning. Through the study of a compelling issue or broad topic chosen by their faculty member, students will: - Critically analyze information and ideas - Examine issues from multiple perspectives - Discuss, debate and defend ideas, including one's own views, with clarity and reason - Develop discernment, facility and ethical responsibility in using information, and - Create clear academic writing The small group seminar format of this course promotes discussion and interaction among students and their professor. In addition, the professor serves as students' initial academic advisor. This course does not duplicate in content any other course in the curriculum and may not be used to fulfill any other graduation requirement.

FREN 202 Living in Francophone World
This course explores the contemporary Francophone world using regional case studies. Students will learn about life in diverse francophone locations through the study of language, culture, geography, history, art and politics. The regions under study reflect faculty strengths and experience as well as Dickinson’s global partners (Toulouse, Rabat, Yaoundé). Students will continue to develop all five communicative competencies (speaking, reading, writing, listening, and intercultural). Assignments and activities harness current technology including social media and audiovisual tools to learn about the lived experiences of francophones across the globe. Experiential learning components will introduce students to local and global francophone communities and study away opportunities. This is the gateway course to the major and minor in French and Francophone Studies. Students who complete FREN 202 or equivalent are eligible to study in Toulouse, France.Prerquisite: FREN 201 or equivalent.

FREN 231 Fr & Francophone Cultural Hist
This course explores the main historical eras and cultural movements that have shaped France and Francophone cultural identities, tracing the origins of the Francophone world, and decentering the traditional narrative of French imperial history. From the Medieval era to the collapse of the French Empire in early 20th century, the course explores the formation of the French nation while examining the rise and justification of colonial and racial ideas in mainland France that led to the creation of the French Empire and the making of the Francophone world. The course consolidates and builds competencies in listening, speaking, reading, and writing to prepare students for an immersive experience in a French-speaking environment. As a Writing-in-the-Discipline course, this class will focus on genres of writing specific to francophone academic practices. This is a required course for the major and minor in French and Francophone Studies.Prerequisite: FREN 202, 225 or equivalent.