Chair: Albert Sonnenfeld, Ph.D.*
Professors: George H. Bauer, Ph.D., Chevalier de l'Ordre des Palmes Academiques; Peggy Kamuf, Ph.D. (Comparative Literature); Mario Saltarelli, Ph.D. (Spanish and Portuguese); Albert Sonnenfeld, Ph.D., Officier dans l'Ordre des Palmes Academiques, Officier dans l'Ordre des Arts et Lettres* (Comparative Literature); Nancy J. Vickers, Ph.D.* (Comparative Literature)
Associate Professors: Arthur E. Babcock, Ph.D.; Marie-Florine Bruneau, Ph.D.; Margaret Rosenthal, Ph.D.; Peter T. Starr, Ph.D. (Comparative Literature)
Director, French Language Program: Carol Hofmann, Ph.D.
Director, Italian Language Program: Francesca Italiano, Ph.D.
Emeritus Professors: Arthur J. Knodel, Ph.D., Chevalier de l'Ordre des Palmes Academiques; Franca Schettino, Ph.D., Chevaliere nell'Ordine Al Merito della Repubblica Italiana
Emeritus Associate Professor: Michelle Buchanan, Ph.D.
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
The Department of French and Italian offers courses taught in French and in Italian in interrelated subject areas: literature may be studied chronologically, set against its historical and intellectual background; other courses approach texts generically, emphasizing the development of the various literary forms of expression. There is parallel course work in literary criticism (theoretical and applied), and studies in French and Italian culture and society: gender studies, women writers, current events, cinema.
Additional components of the French program are currents of French philosophical and political thought and mentalities (the hidden patterns of French life seen through contemporary documents, culinary traditions, folklore). Such courses may be broad in coverage or be designed as more sharply focused seminars with topics changing from year to year.
To satisfy diverse student needs the department also offers courses on French and Italian literature and culture with readings and class work in English.
Courses are kept small to allow for maximum interaction between students and professors.
Produced by the USC Division of Student Affairs, Office of University Publications, May 1, 1995