Faculty Profile
Dominique Laurent
Associate Professor of French (1995)
Contact Information
Bosler Hall Room 221
717-245-1299
Bio
Professor Laurent's research examines the image of America in the French press in the XIXth and XXth centuries. He teaches French language and civilization classes (Intermediate French, Communications in French and Francophone Contexts, Introduction to Cultural Analysis) and senior seminars on "The French Press," "France between the Wars," and "America in French Eyes." In addition he has taught First-Year Seminars on "The Great War" and, more recently, on "America in the Eyes of the World". Professor Laurent is currently working on the image of Woodrow Wilson in the French press during the Paris Peace Conference (December 1918-June 1919).
Education
- Licence, Universite Catholique de L'ouest, 1978
- M.A., Vanderbilt University, 1985
- Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University, 1996
2024-2025 Academic Year
Fall 2024
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 101 Elementary French
Complete first-year course. Intensive study of the fundamentals of French grammar, with special attention given to pronunciation and oral expression. Cultural readings in the context of language acquisition.
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 or equivalent.
Spring 2025
FREN 102 Elementary French
Complete first-year course. Intensive study of the fundamentals of French grammar, with special attention given to pronunciation and oral expression. Cultural readings in the context of language acquisition.Prerequisite: 101 or the 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 or equivalent.