THE AIX CENTER - AIX-EN-PROVENCE, FRANCE: Spring 2009 Courses

All courses are worth 3 credits each, unless otherwise noted. Students are expected to take 5, 3-credit courses per semester. All courses are taught in English unless noted otherwise.

NOTE: Students who have not taken any French before are required to take FRE 101 and FRE 113, plus 3 electives of their choosing.

All courses with a course number that begins with FRE are taught in French.

Click here for the Spring 2009 class timetable

ALL COURSES SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

ARCHAEOLOGY
ARC 310: Ancient Mediterranean Civilizations
General view of the Mediterranean basin and the various civilizations that flourished there from the apparition of men in Africa and the arrival of the first humans in Europe up to the apparition of great empires, Egyptian, Middle-East, Greek, Roman during Antiquity. Historical, economic, cultural (dawn of writing, litterature) and artistic aspects through case studies from the most exemplary archeological sites and masterpieces created by these civilizations. Site visits, in Marseille, Arles and Saint-Remy-de Provence, are an integral part of the archeology course and initiation to the techniques and methods of archeology by the participation in excavation and/or post-excavation work.Program changes may occur due to local archaeology office authorizations.

ART
ART 106: Studio Art - Painting and Drawing (Limited enrollment)
Students enhance their knowledge of drawing skills and color theory in relation to content and form (three credits). Spring semester emphasizes landscape but includes model drawing and painting, museum study and some portraiture. Students may accentuate either painting or drawing during the semester but they are required to do both and attempt to inter-relate the two disciplines. Six contact hours a week. Limited enrollment. An additional $210 fee will be applied to cover the cost of painting supplies.

ART 306: Studio Art - Advanced Painting and Drawing
A course for students with intermediate/advanced skills. Instruction is individualized and adapted to each student's needs and interests. Painting and drawing are taught concurrently and are complementary. Students must interrelate painting and drawing throughout the semester. At the beginning of the semester the professor will evaluate and determine if the student will accentuate either drawing or painting during the semester. Evaluations and three credit hours in either drawing or painting will be assigned accordingly. Six contact hours per week. Limited enrollment. An additional $210 fee will be applied to cover the cost of painting supplies.

ART HISTORY
ART 332: History of Western Art Survey: Renaissance to the 21st Century
Initiation to the language and techniques of art history. A study of painting, sculpture, and architecture from the Renaissance to the present.

ART 361: Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance Art in France
An in-depth study of regional styles of Romanesque art, the emergence of Gothic as a great, innovative style, and a study of painting, sculpture, and architecture of the Renaissance.

ART 382: Cezanne and van Gogh
An in-depth study of the life and work of Paul Cezanne and Vincent van Gogh. Previous course in art history desirable.

BUSINESS/ECONOMICS
BUS 301: Introduction to International Business
The basic principles of international business and management. Emphasis on foreign exchange, risk analysis, comparative management techniques in different countries, interaction between host societies and multinational corporations, and changing government policies affecting business.

BUS 303: International Management
Globalization has arrived as one of the major challenges facing managers of the new millennium. Acting in multicultural environments, international companies develop new managerial tools to benefit from extended markets. This course focuses on marketing goods and services in a global market and managing an intercultural workforce.

ECO 304: Economic Globalization: Growth and Development
Introduction to the economic analysis of development and growth policies, to familiarize students with the practices and theories of economic development. Special attention is paid on the current globalization context and on international relations. Pre-requisite: 1-2 courses in economics (macro- or international economics)

COMMUNICATIONS
COM 312: Speaking of Provence
The course introduces students to representations of Provence, from the Troubadours to Ridley Scott, in history, literature, media, and song. Students will read one short text and experience one media production (film, TV or radio program) per week. Students will be required to attend cultural events outside class during the semester and to write about them.

COM 308 / JOU308: Topics in Contemporary French Media - (Given in French for Advanced level students)
Students will follow major French and international news stories as reported in French newspapers and on radio and TV. The course will focus on internal French politics as the Sarkozy government implements its promised reforms. There will also be close attention to the evolution of the French relation to the European Union. Students will learn to read and think critically about the media, to make informed judgments about the political, economic, social and cultural life of French and the European Union, and to write about current events using the principles of formal French expository writing.

EDUCATION
EDU 301: Comparative European Education (Limited enrollment)
A study of the social, historical, and cultural factors which have influenced the development of educational institutions in Europe. Emphasis on the French and British education systems. Students will participate in a weekly practicum assisting French elementary and high school students with English. Students will be required to keep a journal based on their practical experience. (3 credits). Limited enrollment.

HISTORY
HIS 314 /COM 314: France during the Occupation: 1939 - 1945
This course explores the history, literature and media representations of the occupation of France in World War II. The lectures will provide an overview of institutional history during the period 1939-1945, but the curriculum will concentrate on the responses of the civilian population to the German occupation, including collaboration and resistance. Lectures and all required texts in English.

HIS 325: Provencal History and Civilization - (Given in French for Advanced level students)
An introduction to Provence through a study of its history. Emphasis on those factors which through the centuries have contributed to the creation of a distinct Provencal culture. In addition to political, economic, and social questions, attention is given to art, literature, and folk traditions. Site visits to local museums and historic landmarks. Given in French.

LITERATURE
LIT 326: Society and the Human Condition in Modern European Novels II: Alienation and Marginalization
In the early nineteenth century, following the Age of Enlightenment, the individual becomes the central point of development in European literature. As the century progressed, the exploration of the individual shifted from the portrayal of personal, romantic aspirations to a more realist portrayal of the self's own internal conflicts and the struggle with elements beyond the individual's control. This course will explore the development of this mode in the European novel as it parallels the rise of the middle class, the growth of nationhood, the industrial revolution, the birth of the modern super-state and the march toward global violence.

LIT 372/MUS 372: Literature and the Language of Music II
This class is a continuation of the 1st semester LIT371/MUS371 with a good part of the semester devoted to a close listening to principally German Romantic lieders by Schubert, Schumann, Wolf, Strauss, Schonberg, Webern and Schoeck. Alongside these European literary and musical forms, the class will also study traditional music of the Mediterranean Basin (Greece, Syria, Italy, North Africa and Spain), with an accent on its very odd relation to time, both in its divisions and duration. Historical musicology and criticism will accompany this class in concentrated listening.

FRE 316: Readings in French Literature - (Given in French for Intermediate or Advanced level students)
Readings in French literature and introduction to methods of literary analysis for students with the equivalent of at least two years of college French. The course includes works by poets from the 19th and 20th centuries, including Lamartine, Vigny, Hugo, Baudelaire, Verlaine, Mallarme, Leconte de Lisle, Rimbaud, and Apollinaire, fiction by Maupassant, Proust and Camus, and plays by Hugo and Anouilh.

FRE 380: Women Writers of the late 20th Century - (Given in French for Advanced level students)
Being a woman and a great writer in the second half of the XXth century. Exploring the works of four of the most important women writers of the XXth century: Marguerite Duras, Marguerite Yourcenar, Nathalie Sarraute, Francoise Sagan. We will study live interviews, exploit videos as well as conduct a comprehensive study of one of each writer's most important works with particular emphasis on the feminist / non-feminist theme both within the work itself as well as in the French literary world at large. Given in French.

PHILOSOPHY
PHI 302: Ethics from the Ancient World to the Present
Philosophy 302 varies from semester to semester, choosing topics, philosophers or thematic material in view of finding a meaningful " whole " for concerted discussion, with an emphasis on problems and questions touching on Ethics. Given the course's seminar approach, enrollment is limited. A brief letter of motivation is helpful to insure a place around the table. Reading material spans the period from the Pre-Socratic philosophers down to the present. A detailed syllabus will be available 2-3 months before the semester begins.

POLITICAL SCIENCE
POL 307 / ES 307: The European Union: Integration, Enlargement, Unity
The objective of this course is to provide an understanding of the historical evolution, the institutions and the policies of the European Union. The significance and challenges of European integration will be put into context with an overview of European diplomatic history from the advent of the nation-state to the growing interdependence among member states today. Dealing with such themes as nationalism, state-sovereignty, supranational governance, democratic accountability and enlargement, this course seeks to address the key debates surrounding European integration today.

POL 308/ES 308: Geopolitics in the Mediterranean Basin: A Clash of Civilizations or a Common Identity?
A crossroad of civilizations, the Mediterranean Basin is a zone of exchange as well as confrontation where the Occident meets the Orient. Since the end of WWII this region has been engulfed by conflicts most notably along nationalist, religious and ethnic fault lines. However, because of the strategic and economic importance of this region, its security and stability are of a world-wide interest. The objective of this course is to examine the contemporary geopolitical environment of the Mediterranean Basin in order to have a better understanding of the security issues confronting the region. Focusing especially on the post WWII era the course will direct special attention to de-colonization and the roles of ethnicity, religion, modernity, globalization and their impact on the peoples, politics and security of the region. Fundamental to the course will be an analysis of contemporary conflicts, (Israeli-Arab Wars, French-Algerian War ex-Yugoslavia etc?) and the efforts of reconciliation highlighting the dialog between the Arab world and the Occident. Finally the course will debate the roles of the United States and Europe for democratization, peace and security in the region.

PSYCHOLOGY
PSY 304: Human Development in Cultural Contexts
The comparative context will be that of a European academic approach to Human Development in contrast with a North American one. Thus human development will be studied from a psychodynamic perspective and the course will draw extensively on the theories of such psychoanalytic thinkers as Freud, Melanie Klein, Wilfred Bion and Donald Winnicott, amongst others. Overall the emphasis will be on identity formation and the attainment of a "mind of one's own".

SOCIOLOGY / FRENCH CULTURE
IAU 401: Perspectives on French Social Issues
One credit seminar format. The obvious and subtle differences between French and American societies explored through readings, class discussions, special lectures, and attendance at cultural events. Students keep a journal of their personal growth and evolving cross-cultural understandings.

FRE 331: Contemporary French Civilization - (Given in French for Advanced level students)
Political, cultural, and social issues are viewed in this study of contemporary French civilization. Public health, education, employment, and family life are analyzed and compared with the American experience. Given in French.

THEATRE
FRE 357 / THE 357: Theater and Expression in French (Limited enrollment; Given in French for Intermediate or Advanced level students)
Inspired by methods used in the drama school of Jacques Lecocq, this course offers a dynamic, interactive 'hands on' approach to language acquisition. Through exercises in memorization, pronunciation, diction and a wide variety of creative exercises, this course is conducive to reinforcing the linguistic confidence and competence of participating students. Contemporary authors are the source of the texts used: Eugene Ionesco, Jean Tardieu, Jacques Prevert, Jacques Roubaud, etc. This course is open to students at the 200 level or above who wish to improve their practical use of the French language. Limited enrollment.

FRENCH LANGUAGE
FRE 101: Beginning French I
An intensive practical introduction to French for those who have little or no previous training. Students learn the basic structures and vocabulary of French through a variety of exercises and communicative situations. In real-life acts of communication, students are able to interact within the classroom and then in their daily lives. Students enrolled in FRE101 must be enrolled in FRE113 also.

FRE 102: Beginning French II
An intensive practical study of more advanced components of the French language for those who have the equivalent of one semester of college French. They learn more advanced structures and vocabulary of French through a variety of exercises and communicative situations. In real-life acts of communication, students are able to interact within the classroom and then in their daily lives.

FRE 113: Beginning Conversation and Culture I
This course is intended for students with little or no previous knowledge in French, and is designed to be taken in conjunction with FRE 101. Students begin to acquire a real understanding of oral French through the use of video segments and cassettes. The course takes a conversational approach to contemporary French culture. Students enrolled in FRE113 must be enrolled in FRE101 also.

FRE 114: Beginning Conversation and Culture II
This course is intended for students with the equivalent of one semester of college French, and is designed to be taken in conjunction with FRE 102. Students continue to develop a real understanding of oral French through the use of video segments and cassettes. The course takes a conversational approach to contemporary French culture.

FRE 201: Intermediate French I
This course, intended for students who have completed a year of college level French, is designed to permit to students to continue to develop their competence in reading, writing, speaking and understanding spoken French. There is a strong emphasis in the course on elements of grammar and sentence structure necessary to improve written and spoken French, as well as on reading comprehension, conversational French and pronunciation.

FRE 202: Intermediate French II
This course, intended for students who have completed three semesters of college level French, is designed to permit to students to continue to develop their competence in more advanced elements of reading, writing, speaking and understanding spoken French. As in FRE 201, there is a strong emphasis in the course on elements of grammar and sentence structure necessary to improve written and spoken French, as well as on reading comprehension, conversational French and pronunciation.

FRE 213: Intermediate Conversation and Culture I
In this course designed for students who have completed the equivalent of one year of college French, students will read and discuss texts designed to enrich their understanding of French culture, and will be expected to attend local cultural events. The course is organized around themes including food, leisure activities, politics, popular culture, the media, and holidays. Students will write short papers and make presentations in class. The course is designed as a complement to FRE 201, but can also be taken independently.

FRE 214: Intermediate Conversation and Culture II
In this course, designed for students who have completed the equivalent of three semesters of college French, students will read and discuss texts designed to enrich their understanding of French culture, and will be expected to attend local cultural events. The course is organized around themes including food, leisure activities, politics, popular culture, the media, and holidays. Students will write short papers and make presentations in class. The course is designed as a complement to FRE 202, but can also be taken independently.

FRE 301: Advanced French I
This course, intended for students who have completed the equivalent of two years of college French, includes a systematic review of fundamental grammatical structures with a special study of the use of verb tenses in a given context in order to develop an appreciation for the subtleties of the language. Special attention is given to the development of writing skills and orthography.

FRE 302: Advanced French II
This course, intended for students who have completed the equivalent of five semesters of college French, includes a continued review of more sophisticated grammatical structures with a special emphasis on complex sentences in order to develop an appreciation for the subtleties of the language. Attention is also given to the development of writing skills and orthography.

FRE 313: Advanced Conversation and Culture I
In this course, designed for students with the equivalent of two years of college French, students will have the opportunity to improve their command of oral and written French. They will analyze and discuss newspaper and magazines articles. Students will be expected to attend local cultural events. The course includes a special emphasis on everyday language and on linguistic practice in contemporary society. Students will write short papers and make presentations in class. The course is designed as a complement to FRE 301, but can also be taken independently.

FRE 314: Advanced Conversation and Culture II
In this course, designed for students with the equivalent of five semesters of college French, students will have the opportunity to continue to improve their command of oral and written French. They will analyze and discuss, in addition to newspaper and magazine articles, television and radio programs and advertising through all media. Students will be expected to attend local cultural events. Students will write short papers and make presentations in class. The course is designed as a complement to FRE 302, but can also be taken independently.

FRE 317: Business French
Intensive training in French for business and commercial purposes, emphasizing specialized forms and vocabulary. There will be fieldtrips to local businesses or industries and professional consultants are invited into the class. First and second semesters, if sufficient enrollment permits.

FRE 335: Phonetics
Phonetic theory illustrated by aural practice and pronunciation. Intensive practice in sound reproduction and fine-tuning the ear to new sound combinations. For advanced students. Language laboratory work at the French university. First and second semesters. Limited enrollment.

FRE 412: Translation and Stylistics II
The focus in Translation and Stylistics II is on the translation from English to French and French to English of literary texts, with constant reference to technical and theoretical considerations. Students will expand their understanding of both English and French stylistic issues, as they work with authors representing a wide range of literary styles, including for example Camus, Pagnol, and Yourcenar in French, and Poe, Raymond Carver and J.M. Barrie in English.

OTHER ELECTIVES GIVEN IN FRENCH
COM 308 / JOU308: Topics in Contemporary French Media - (Given in French for Advanced level students)
Students will follow major French and international news stories as reported in French newspapers and on radio and TV. The course will focus on internal French politics as the Sarkozy government implements its promised reforms. There will also be close attention to the evolution of the French relation to the European Union. Students will learn to read and think critically about the media, to make informed judgments about the political, economic, social and cultural life of French and the European Union, and to write about current events using the principles of formal French expository writing.

FRE 316: Readings in French Literature - (Given in French for Intermediate or Advanced level students)
Readings in French literature and introduction to methods of literary analysis for students with the equivalent of at least two years of college French. The course includes works by poets from the 19th and 20th centuries, including Lamartine, Vigny, Hugo, Baudelaire, Verlaine, Mallarme, Leconte de Lisle, Rimbaud, and Apollinaire, fiction by Maupassant, Proust and Camus, and plays by Hugo and Anouilh.

FRE 331: Contemporary French Civilization - (Given in French for Advanced level students)
Political, cultural, and social issues are viewed in this study of contemporary French civilization. Public health, education, employment, and family life are analyzed and compared with the American experience. Given in French.

FRE 357 / THE 357: Theater and Expression in French (Limited enrollment; Given in French for Intermediate or Advanced level students)
Inspired by methods used in the drama school of Jacques Lecocq, this course offers a dynamic, interactive 'hands on' approach to language acquisition. Through exercises in memorization, pronunciation, diction and a wide variety of creative exercises, this course is conducive to reinforcing the linguistic confidence and competence of participating students. Contemporary authors are the source of the texts used: Eugene Ionesco, Jean Tardieu, Jacques Prevert, Jacques Roubaud, etc. This course is open to students at the 200 level or above who wish to improve their practical use of the French language. Limited enrollment.

FRE 380: Women Writers of the late 20th Century - (Given in French for Advanced level students)
Being a woman and a great writer in the second half of the XXth century. Exploring the works of four of the most important women writers of the XXth century: Marguerite Duras, Marguerite Yourcenar, Nathalie Sarraute, Francoise Sagan. We will study live interviews, exploit videos as well as conduct a comprehensive study of one of each writer's most important works with particular emphasis on the feminist / non-feminist theme both within the work itself as well as in the French literary world at large. Given in French.

HIS 325: Provencal History and Civilization - (Given in French for Advanced level students)
An introduction to Provence through a study of its history. Emphasis on those factors which through the centuries have contributed to the creation of a distinct Provencal culture. In addition to political, economic, and social questions, attention is given to art, literature, and folk traditions. Site visits to local museums and historic landmarks. Given in French.

Volunteer Opportunities

Participation in volunteer opportunities in Aix-en-Provence is an excellent way to immerse yourself in your host country's way of life while helping those in need. In effect, this will add another dimension to the study abroad experience through daily exposure and interactions, resulting in a greater understanding of the language, culture, and community of the host country.

If you're interested in volunteering, simply ask the staff at The Aix Center for details after you arrive in Aix. Please note that these volunteer opportunities are not for credit.

The following are the volunteer opportunities in which students can participate. A minimum Intermediate level of French is required to participate.

- English language tutor for schoolchildren ages 9-14
- English language tutor for adults ages 19-28 who are going back to school to try and pass their BAC
- Trimming olive trees on local farms
- Planting trees on Mte. Ste Victoire (Spring semester only because of planting season)
- Volunteering in a soup kitchen (December only)