Reading, Understanding and Translating Written French for Research
FRENCH 16
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
French 16 offers an introduction to reading and translating academic French texts for students who require a basic knowledge of French for research purposes. The course presents vocabulary and the principal structures of French grammar in a systematic and coherent order. The course begins with simple texts and advertisements, then moves to academic texts with more complex structures, and ends with the translation and analysis of literary works and philosophical texts. Students discuss the complexities of translation, consider what makes a "good translation," and experiment thoughtfully with AI tools. Course assignments are discipline-specific to accommodate students’ research needs.
Course Notes
Conducted in English. Not open to students with a score of 300 or above on the Harvard placement exam or 500 or above on the SAT II French exam, to those with more than one year of undergraduate French, or to auditors. May not be used to fulfill the language requirement and may not be taken Pass/Fail but may be taken Sat/Unsat by graduate students with permission from the course head. This course is taught by members of the Department. Course site: https://locator.tlt.harvard.edu/course/colgsas-111933/2023/spring/16998
Recommended Prep
Some previous study of a Romance language helpful but not necessary. Fluency in English required.
Available for Harvard Cross Registration
