SYLLABUS

CUL2108-09 FRENCH CINEMA

Sring 2014 term II
Wednesday 6 to 10:15p.m
Office Hours: Monday 3:30- 5:30p.m 7 Wed. 3:30 5:30p.m Sm114
Tel: (650)508.3558
e-mail: hdavis@ndnu.edu
INSTRUCTOR: Dr.Hlne Laroche Davis, MA, Sorbonne, Paris,
France, PhD, Stanford University, California.
Professor of French and Film Studies. Has published books and
numerous articles on French literature and French cinema. Lectures on
the subject nationwide. Has worked with famous French film director
Franois Truffaut. Attends Film Festivals, publishes articles, interviews.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Study of French cinema from birth with
Lumire and Mlies to present. Looking at the Art of cinema , its techniques
and its language. Exploration of French society and culture as it is reflected
in the films. Study of major directors such as Renoir, Pagnol, Truffaut, Berri,
Jeunet, Besson.
Practice of survival French Language.
TEACHING STRATEGIE: Introductory lectures by instructor,
accompanied by films and followed by class discussions.
Class presentations by individuals or team of students on various directors
and aspects of French society. Viewing of feature films in French with
subtitles, class discussions. Papers on major films.
Practice of conversational French language.
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Students will
*understand the evolution of French cinema and develop critical thinking in
analyzing the films and comparing with Hollywood movies. (PLOs 2 & 4)
*experience the art of cinema itself and how it represents French society and
culture , comparing with the U.S (PLOs 3 & 4)

*speak French, enough to survive in France and develop a taste for the
language. (PLOs 1 & 2)
Credit Hours: Hours in class 31.5 : participation, discussions, oral
presentations, viewing films.
Out of class hours 103.5 = 15 hrs per week:
Reading, researching on directors, art movements and technological
developments for discussions and presentations.
Writing papers and reports,
Viewing films.
Preparing the presentation for the class
GRADING: Class participation 25%
Oral presentations 30%
Papers 25%
Final exam 20%
ATTENDANCE POLICY: A student who misses more than one class or its
equivalent (four hours) must withdraw from the class. Even one absence can
significantly impact achievement of learning outcomes and course grades.
The class is conducted in English with a component of French Language
LEARNING and OTHER DISABILITIES: If you have a learning disability
or other circumstance that requires accommodations in this class, you must bring
it to the attention of Program for Academic Support and Services (PASS) to
arrange for possible accommodations (6!"!#"$6%!)&
ACADEMIC HONESTY: Academic honesty is a cornerstone of our values at
'(')& If any *ords or ideas used in an assignment submission do not represent
your original *ords or ideas, you must cite all relevant sources and ma+e clear
the e,tent to *hich such sources *ere used& -ords or ideas that require citation
include, but are not limited to, all hard copy or electronic publications, *hether
copyrighted or not, and all verbal or visual communication *hen the content of
such communication clearly originates from an identifiable source& .onsult the
'(') Student /andboo+ regarding consequences of misrepresenting your
*or+&
TEXTS: FRENCH CINEMA by Rmi Fournier Lanzoni (2004)
On Reserve in the library: A SHORT HISTORY OF THE MOVIES by G.
Mast & B. Kawin
Optional: REPUBLIC OF IMAGES by A.Williams
Best source of films on DVD or video: Netflix.com, or your public library.
Satisfies the GE requirements in CL.
ASSIGNMENT FOR FIRST CLASS :
Read FRENCH CINEMA PP.17-20, 23-52.
CUL2108-09 OUTLINE
Mar.12 Introduction of course. Cinema, a universal language.
Birth of Cinema. Lumire & Mlis (clips)/Path, Gaumont. The Age of
silent cinma & beginning of sound films.
Viewing of FANNY by Marcel Pagnol. Discussion
Language practice
Assignment: Write a paper on FANNY. Read: FRENCH CINEMA: pp.53-
102. Prepare a presentation on MARCEL PAGNOL or JEAN RENOIR.
Suggested viewing for Pagnols life: MY MOTHERS CASTLE by Yves
Robert.
Mar.19 Discussion on reading. Oral presentation by a student or a team.
Viewing of clips of films by Jean Renoir, Marcel Carn, Jean Cocteau, H.G
Clouzot. discussion. Begin viewing GRAND ILLUSION by Renoir
Language practice.
Assignment: Read: FRENCH CINEMA pp.103-157
View GRAND ILLUSION by Renoir. Write a refection paper on it..
A student research on France during WWII. Suggested viewing on that
period: LAST METRO by Truffaut, GOOD BYE CHILDREN by Louis
Malle, HIROSHIMA MON AMOUR by Alain Resnais, LUCIE AUBRAC
by Claude Berri, URANUS by Claude Berri, LA GRANDE VADROUILLE
(Dont Look Were Being Shot) by Grard Oury.
Mar.26 Report on France during WWII Discussion of films viewed
including GRAND ILLUSION.
Instructor presents THE NEW WAVE. Viewing 400 BLOWS by Truffaut.
Discussion.
Language practice
Assignment: Write a paper on 400 BLOWS and the New Wave. Read:
FRENCH CINEMA: pp.157-244
Suggested viewing of a film on childhood in France: SMALL CHANGE,
CROSS MY HEART, PONETTE, MA VIE EN ROSE, THE CLASS, THE
CHORUS.
Research on New Wave directors for oral presentations: Truffaut, Godard,
Malle, Rohmer, Chabrol, Resnais.
Apr.2 Discussion on films viewed and the theme of childhood in France.
Oral presentations on New Wave Directors. Cinema in the 70s & 80s.
Language practice
Assignment: Read: FRENCH CINEMA pp.245-326. Research on Bertrand
Tavernier, Costa-Gavras, Claude Sautet. View JEAN DE FLORETTE by
Berri and MANON OF THE SPRING AT HOME (required)

Apr.9 Discussion of reading and viewing. Presentations.
Viewing of HATE by M. Kasssowitz. Discussion
Language practice
Assignment: Read FRENCH CINEMApp.326-418. Write a paper on the two
films viewed.
View FRENCH TWIST by Josiane Balasko, OVERSEAS by Brigitte Rouan,
THREE MEN AND A CRADLE by Coline serreau.
Choose a woman director from list and research on her.
Apr.16 Diversity in French Cinema.Women directors. Beur directors.
French new young cinema, the comedies.
Viewing of THE DREAMLIFE OF ANGELS by E. Zonca. Discussion
Language practice
Assignment: Prepare synthesis of course for final.
View a comedy: THE VISITORS, THE DINNER GAME, THE CLOSET,
THE HEARTBREAKER,
Apr.23 Discussion of comedies viewed.
Capstone. Present your synthesis.
Final exam. Viewing of INTOUCHABLES and
Party.