Spring 2026 French BC3079 section 001

HISTORY OF THE FRENCH LANGUAGE

HISTORY OF THE FRENCH LAN

Call Number 00687
Day & Time
Location
W 4:10pm-6:00pm
To be announced
Points 4
Grading Mode Standard
Approvals Required None
Instructor Laurie Postlewate
Type SEMINAR
Course Description

This seminar examines the history of the French language, both in France and in the many areas of the world in which French is a primary language. In the first part of the semester we engage in a chronological study of how the language emerged from a fusion of late medieval Latin with Germanic dialects to become a strong national institution. The development of the language is contextualized by consideration of the social and political history of France. We also devote two weeks of discussion to the situation of the French language today, with topics such as linguistic legislation, regional languages and dialects today, and gender inclusivity. This diachronic approach is carried over into the second part of the semester in which we concentrate on French in several regions outside of France including the Caribbean, North Africa, Central Africa, and North America.  Here we examine how the language was first introduced, what it represented at different moments in history, the relation of French to other languages, and the situation of French in the region today. Work for the course includes a digital project (digital timeline and map, and website) to document visually the presence of French in the world, across history and in the 21st century.

Web Site Vergil
Department French @Barnard
Enrollment 0 students (16 max) as of 9:05PM Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Subject French
Number BC3079
Section 001
Division Barnard College
Section key 20261FREN3079X001