Course Syllabus

 

FRENCH-495: Le côté obscur de Paris (indy study pour Lee)

 

INDIANA UNIVERSITY NORTHWEST
Département des langues modernes
Programme de la langue française

Printemps 2026

 

Meeting Days: Mondays and Wednesdays in the Caucci Language Lab (Hawthorn 464)

 

Instructor:

 

Dr. Scooter Pégram

Office: Hawthorn 463 (message for hours and availability). 

Zoom address at all times: https://iu.zoom.us/j/2764538796 

Phone / Voice Mail / FaceTime: 219-980-6532 (office)

e-mail: spegram@iu.edu

French programme webpage: www.facebook.com/IUNFrenchStudies 

 

My name is Dr. Scooter Pégram, but you can call me "Scooter," or "Professor Scooter," or "Doctor Scooter," or even "Doctor/Professor Scoots" if you want. Just do not call me by my last name :) Nice to meet you! You can reach me at any time via a variety of mediums. You can e-mail me (spegram@iu.edu), you can call or text message me anytime, including at night (number will be sent in an Announcement, via WhatsApp only if I am overseas, I will alert you when I am back in North America when you can text me normally). Should you be interested, you can learn about me here, and.....and here as well. 

 

ZOOM ADDRESS FOR MEETINGS (etc): https://iu.zoom.us/j/2764538796 

 

And read this before contracting any of your professors for the first time (before we get to know you): https://medium.com/@lportwoodstacer/how-to-email-your-professor-without-being-annoying-af-cf64ae0e4087 

 

Livres du cours

- Baudelaire, Charles. "Les fleurs du mal" (any edition)

- Baudelaire, Charles. "Le spleen de Paris" (any edition)

- Maupassant, Guy de. "Histoires courtes" (handouts given by professor) 

- Rimbaud, Arthur. "Oeuvres complèts" (any edition)

 

Recommended Texts

- A good bilingual French / English Dictionary or APPS on your smartphone or computer
- Any book that will help you with French verb conjugations, such as 501 French Verbs or other French verb books (which are available at most large bookstores, on smartphones, and online).

 

Course Description

This is a specially-designed unique class that will examine the "Dark Side" of the City of Light. Everyone knows that Paris is the city of love, light, happiness, and discovery. However, the City of Lights has another side as well. Whilst Paris has long been a refuge and home to writers, poets, playwrights, artists, and other intellectuals for centuries, it has also been a mysterious place where many have worked on their art (or writing) in a way that examines a more darker side of life. The focus of this course will concentrate on the Paris that exists at night, or in the shadows, especially during the 19th century, which was a period where the entire city was reconstructed and rebuilt, much to the chagrin of artists and writers. The structure of this course will be literary, whilst encouraging students to engage in vigourous discussion and analysis of the required readings. For those students who are graduating seniors, this class will serve as a pinnacle, or capstone honours-level curriculum final course. 

 

The class will cover a variety of historical and cultural subjects, all dealing with a darker side of Parisian and French life. 

 

Course Description

 

• Students will learn more about the history and culture of one of the world's greatest and most beautiful cities. 
• By the end of the course, students should reach an awareness of the problems and issues underlying Paris during the mid-1880s up to the turn of the century, terminating prior to World War II (and perhaps beyond, if we have time). Through close analysis of a range of texts, the course will develop comparative, writing and interpretative skills en français.
• Students will recognise how language and other forms of expression (e.g. such as symbols, pictures, sounds, etc) function, present a vision, make an argument, express a feeling, or communicate an idea.
• As we read and learn, students will consider how causality, social change, and/or the relationship between individuals and society intersect in complex ways. This was especially prevalent in Paris during the mid-1880s when the city was entirely reconstructed. 
• Students will examine poetic language, structure, and themes through poems, books, articles (and more), placing each piece in its cultural and historical context.
• Finally and most importantly, students will gain confidence in written and spoken French in a variety of meaningful ways. 

Coursework Specifics

Exams and Quizzes

When scheduled, exams and quizzes are time-based, and students are required to complete the exam on or before the due date, within the duration allotted for each tested assessment. 

 

Written Compositions

There will be several written compositions in this course, all shown within the course modules as they are constructed (arranged by subject). Each module will contain at least one discussion question relevant to what is being covered in the current chapter studied, and it must be answered by its scheduled due date. Do not forget to come back and respond to any and all comments left by other students and to respond to at least two other students' posts by the additional due date given within the assignment. The subject matter for each will vary, as will the format and/or design. Readings include both literary and nonliterary texts. A minimum of four books will be assigned, in addition to many poems and other sources. 

 

PLEASE NOTE: Make sure to consult the guidelines for submitting discussion questions, shown here: Performance Rubric-French Compositions and DQs.docx

  

Policy on Late Assignments and Submissions

As a general rule, in an online class late work is not accepted. Students should not expect the instructor to accept any submissions after their scheduled time and due date. This means, students should make sure that all deadlines and due dates are followed appropriately. That said, late work may be accepted as an exceptional circumstance, but this will be at the discretion of the instructor, and students should not assume otherwise.

In short: Please make sure to stay on top of all due dates. In an online class, this is a very important obligation. 

 

Duration of the Course and Responsibilities

 

This is a fifteen-week course. Each week you will be required to participate by completing readings, answering discussion questions, and finishing an assignment. All required work for the class is listed in the modules, and it is your responsibility to participate by keeping up with the assignment and tasks within each module. You are expected to complete all assignments on each module on time, by the listed due date of each particular task. 

 

Some Further Course Specifics:

 

Participation Part I: Your grade regarding “in-class participation” will be based on attendance, your preparedness for the class and your willingness to speak in class. Note that the evaluation is not based on whether or not what you say in class is “perfect” since you will make mistakes, and believe it or not, mistakes are a positive part of the learning process. 

 

Participation, Part II: Excused absences and/or late work will not be granted, other than exceptions as determined by the instructor and programme supervisor. Examples of these very few exceptions include: an incredibly personal illness (and not the flu, etc), the very serious illness of a dependent, the death or funeral of an immediate family member, required attendance at an official university activity, pigs flying, a nuclear explosion, another Great Chicago Fire, a hurricane in Northwest Indiana, an attack of killer locusts or monkeys in Northwest Indiana, the next Black Plague, or a Cubs vs. White Sox World Series Final. To be classified as “excused,” the absence must be documented authoritatively (for example, the very serious illness as denoted above must be documented by a doctor’s note). 

 

Attendance: Attendance in class is required. If you are not in class, you cannot participate, strengthen your speaking skills, or receive immediate feedback. You will be graded via “participation points” forward from day #1, and absences will affect your participation grade as follows: Everyone starts the course with 115% for their participation grade. Your end-of-the-semester participation grade will be lowered by 3.5 points (5%) from the 111% for EACH absence regardless of any excuse. Because you start with 111%, this gives you three absences without any detrimental penalty. If you do not miss any days throughout the semester, you will receive extra credit for your homework and / or other assignments at the end of the course, as determined by the instructor. However, if you are absent 4 times and you began with 111% participation, your participation grade would be lowered to 96.5%. If you are absent 6 times, it would be lowered to 88%, etc. Thus, your final participation grade can have a very serious negative effect on your overall course grade if absences are in excess. Regardless of the reason for an absence, you are expected to complete all missed work.

 

NOTE: Please review the attendance policy as set forth by the university (it is available online or in the Bulletin). As per university and departmental policy, students who miss more than 50% of their class meetings and / or who do not attend their enrolled classes during the first four weeks of the fall or spring semesters are subject to administrative withdrawal from their courses, regardless of their class level, grades, or standing. This withdrawal may affect your financial aid and scholarships in future semesters and your good academic standing with the university at large.

In summary: The professor will make learning a positive, relaxing and stimulating activity, and in return, you will participate in all scheduled class activities.

 

Academic Honesty

Academic honesty is expected of all students. Students are responsible for knowing how to maintain academic honesty and for abstaining from cheating, the appearance of cheating, and permitting or assisting in another’s cheating. Students must especially avoid plagiarism. The Indiana University Code of Student Rights defines plagiarism as “presenting someone else’s work, including the work of other students, as one’s own” (http://studentcode.iu.edu/responsibilities/academic-misconduct.html).

 

Plagiarism will not be tolerated. All students must turn in their papers and exams to Canvas. TurnItIn on Canvas will check the submissions for common sentences that could be signs of plagiarism. Plagiarism on a paper or an exam will result in a score of zero. If you are uncertain about whether your writing crosses the line into plagiarism, please contact your instructor.

 

Academic integrity: As noted in the IU and IUN Bulletin and Catalogue, any student who is dishonest in any academic work and in any way is liable to receive a wide variety of sanctions and / or punishments. Simply put, you are here at university to learn, so please make sure that the work that you do turn in is all your own. For more information, please see: http://www.iu.edu/~code/code/responsibilities/academic

 

Additional Course Policies

 

Right to Accommodation for Individuals with Disabilities

Indiana University is committed to creating a learning environment and academic community that promotes educational opportunities for all individuals, including those with disabilities. Course directors are asked to make reasonable accommodations, upon request by the student or the university, for such disabilities. It is the responsibility of students with documented physical or learning disabilities seeking accommodation to notify their course directors and the relevant campus office that deals with such cases in a timely manner concerning the need for such accommodation. Indiana University will make reasonable accommodations for access to programs, services, and facilities as outlined by applicable state and federal laws.

 

Campus support office:

Student Support Services location: Hawthorn Hall 29, 219-980-6798
Student Support Services online: www.iun.edu/~supportn

 

IU Northwest Attendance and Course Commitment Policy

This course has been approved to enforce the IU Northwest Attendance and Course Commitment Policy and the full text of this policy is available at http://www.iun.edu/registrar/attendance-policies.htm.

 

As a student in this course, you are expected to attend scheduled class meetings and actively participate in all class activities. Students who miss the first week of the semester or who do not attend 50% of the scheduled class meetings before the end of the fourth week of the semester may be subject to administrative withdrawal. Regardless of attendance, students who do not actively participate in this class by not submitting a majority of their assignments by the posted due date are subject to administrative withdrawal. Students who are administratively withdrawn from this class after the fourth week will not be eligible for a tuition refund. Administrative withdrawals may have an impact on the student’s financial aid awards and visa status.

 

IU FLAGS (Student Performance Early Alert System)

This semester I will be using IU’s Early Alert System to provide real-time feedback on your performance in this course. I will be entering data on factors such as your class attendance, participation, and success with coursework, among other things. This information will provide feedback on how you are faring in the course and offer you suggestions on how you might be able to improve your performance. You will be able to access this information in the student center at One.iu. If there is no entry, then no concerns have been reported about your academic performance.

 

SEXUAL MISCONDUCT: IU does not tolerate acts of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment and all forms of sexual violence.  If you have experienced sexual misconduct, or know someone who has, the University can help.  It is important to know that federal regulations and University policy require faculty to promptly report complaints of potential sexual misconduct known to them to their campus Deputy Title IX Co-ordinator(s) to ensure that appropriate measures are taken and resources are made available.  The University will work with you to protect your privacy by sharing information with only those that need to know to ensure the University can respond and assist.  If you are seeking help and would like to speak to someone confidentially, you can make an appointment with a Mental Health Counsellor on campus (contact information available at http://stopsexualviolence.iu.edu/employee/confidential.html).  Find more information about sexual violence, including campus and community resources at http://stopsexualviolence.iu.edu/. 

 

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS OF CLASSROOM BEHAVIOUR: A classroom is analogous to a professional environment. Students are expected to behave professionally so that everyone can engage fully in the educational process. This means that disruptive behaviour during class is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, arguing with the instructor about grades or assignments, arguing with other students, bringing up individual concerns with the instructor in the middle of class, or using language or exhibiting other behaviour that distracts others from engaging fully in the academic enterprise. A student who disrupts the learning environment will be asked to stop the behaviour immediately; if the disruptive behaviour continues, the student will be asked to leave the class session.

 

Everyone needs to read this: https://medium.com/@lportwoodstacer/how-to-email-your-professor-without-being-annoying-af-cf64ae0e4087 

 

If you need help, please do not hesitate to ask! Here is where you can seek it:

 

First, check the day-to-day announcements. If what you need is not there, please ask me! You can find me in my office (Hawthorn 463), by text message or voice (773-717-6487), office phone (219-980-6532), via e-mail (spegram@iun.edu), or on Facebook, or carrier piegon (if you are really savvy). 

 

In addition, Indiana University Northwest has an incredible Counselling Centre that is available for students at NO COST. Find out more here: http://www.iun.edu/counseling-services/ 

 

Academic Success and Achievement Programs:  http://www.iun.edu/academic-success/index.htm

Anderson Library:  http://www.iun.edu/library/

Career Services:  http://www.iun.edu/career-services/

Counseling Services:  http://www.iun.edu/counseling-services/

Financial Information: http://www.iun.edu/financialaid/links/index.htm

Student Advising Center: http://www.iun.edu/student-advising/index.htm  

Student Support Services: http://www.iun.edu/student-support/

Technical Support:  http://www.iun.edu/technology/

Veteran Services:  http://www.iun.edu/veterans/

Writing Center:  http://www.iun.edu/english/writing-center/

Active Participation

Speaking/Writing French is fun, especially in an atmosphere of relaxed communication with fellow students, including an online course. Persistent and active in-class participation helps to develop your oral and written skills, which will in turn help you to remember the course material in a more meaningful manner.  One goal of the course is to help you learn to communicate, using oral and written French. You will be evaluated for participation, so do “speak up” as much as possible, as this will help you acquire French much easier, and moreover, you will be better prepared for the quizzes and exams!

 

Student Responsibilities for Physical and Online Courses

Online courses provide you with a flexible and convenient way to learn, but that does not mean online learning is easier than in a traditional classroom. Online courses such as this one offer the same opportunities for learning and growth, and the chance to challenge yourself as a student. As an online student you will need to be motivated, dedicated and determined with your studies.

 

Communication and Participation

• Be willing to communicate with classmates and your professor (i.e. moi) online.

• Participate in weekly activities. You will need to log into your course at least two to three times per week to view announcements, answer the questions, and complete the weekly written assignments.

• Complete the writing assignments, and discussion questions by the due dates to allow your professor (i.e. moi) adequate time to review your work and provide feedback.

• Contact your instructor with course related questions well in advance of due dates as needed so I can help when and if needed.

 

Time Management

Time management is the most important factor in completing any coursework, especially for online courses. Successful online students have to be very organised in their studies and take responsibility for their own learning. It is VERY IMPORTANT to keep up with the work listed on the modules, and to make sure that your responsibilities are met and the discussion questions and writing assignments are completed and submitted on time.

To do this best, you should determine what time of day you can best focus on your studies. It is very helpful to have a set schedule for studying. If you get into a routine of sitting down at the same time each night or for the same hour each morning, you can ensure that you stay on top of your work and will not fall behind. Routine is key.

 

Balancing Personal Obligations

Many students choose to take online courses because of the convenience. You may be working full-time or have other obligations this semester.

Balancing school and other important aspects of your life can become a juggling act.

The greatest strength of online courses is that you can study around your schedule. It is up to you to find time for your coursework and to make the most of it. When you study, you should try to avoid distractions, such as phone calls or television.

 

Study Environment

A well-lit place that is free from distractions is recommended. If you cannot escape in-home interruptions, you can work on the IU-Northwest campus. Schedule your designated study time when you can be in a distraction-free environment and your chances for success will increase.

 

Active and Daily Participation

It is important to take an active part in your online education. Just because you do not see your classmates or instructors face to face does not mean that you cannot interact with them. Online courses are designed to include group discussions and online chats, and students are encouraged to debate with one another and comment on each other’s posts. 

 

Netiquette is a set of rules for behaving properly online. Something about cyberspace makes it easy for people to forget that they are interacting with other real people. The following bullet points cover some basics to communicating online:

• Be sensitive to the fact that there will be cultural and linguistic backgrounds, as well as different political and religious beliefs, plus just differences in general.

• Use good taste when composing your responses in Discussion Forums. Swearing and profanity is also part of being sensitive to your classmates and MUST be avoided. Also consider that slang can be misunderstood or misinterpreted.

• Do not use ALL CAPITAL letters when composing your responses as this is considered “shouting” on the Internet and is regarded as impolite or aggressive. It can also be stressful on the eye when trying to read your message.

• Be respectful of your others’ views and opinions. Avoid “flaming” (publicly attacking or insulting) them as this can cause hurt feelings and decrease the chances of getting all different types of points of view.

• Be careful when using acronyms. If you use an acronym it is best to spell out its meaning first, then put the acronym in parentheses afterward, for example: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). After that you can use the acronym freely throughout your message.

• Use good grammar and spelling, and avoid using text messaging shortcuts.

 

You can also consult Indiana University's rules on Netiquette by following this link.

More information about class participation can be found here: Class Participation

 

Confused? Lost? Ask me questions!!

Do not be afraid to ask me questions. As an online student there are several ways to get the answers you are seeking. You can always message me for clarification (e-mail, text, Canvas, carrier pigeon), just be sure you ask early enough that you can get a response well before any pending deadlines or due dates. You can also turn to your classmates for help. Post questions to the discussion board to benefit from other students’ knowledge and insights.

I will always be happy to assist you in whatever way that I can.

 

Get out of it what you put in to it!

The more effort you put forth in your online courses to comprehend the material the more likely you are to succeed after the course is finished. Extra effort during the course will lead to a better, more lasting experience. Online courses have a lot to offer students who dedicate the time and focus to getting the most out of their courses.

Expectations of Good Classroom Behaviour

A classroom is analogous to a professional environment. Students are expected to behave professionally so that everyone can engage fully in the educational process. This means that disruptive behaviour during class is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, arguing with the instructor about grades or assignments, arguing with other students, bringing up individual concerns with the instructor in the middle of class, or using language or exhibiting other behaviour that distracts others from engaging fully in the academic enterprise. A student who disrupts the learning environment will be asked to stop the behaviour immediately; if the disruptive behaviour continues, the student will be asked to leave the class session.

 
Course Evaluation

Examens/ Quizzes  30%

Discussions en classe 20%

Explications de texte 40%

Travail final 10%

 

Plan du cours

 

Semaine #1

 

Arrière-plan, présentation de Paris au 19e siècle;

Lecture: "La mare au diable" (George Sand)

 

Semaine #2

 

Lecture: "La mare au diable" (George Sand)

 

Semaine #3

 

Terminer "La mare au diable"; Explication de texte #1 / Quiz #1;

Introduction à Charles Baudelaire;

Lectures choisies de la collection "Les fleurs du mal" (Charles Baudelaire)

 

Semaine #4

 

Lectures choisies de la collection "Les fleurs du mal" (Charles Baudelaire)

 

Semaine #5

 

Lectures choisies de la collection "Les fleurs du mal" (Charles Baudelaire)

 

Semaine #6

 

Lectures choisies de la collection "Les fleurs du mal" (Charles Baudelaire)

 

Explication de texte #2 / Quiz #2

 

Semaine #7

 

Paris en transition;

"Le spleen de Paris" (Charles Baudelaire)

 

Semaine #8

 

"Le spleen de Paris" (Charles Baudelaire)

 

Quiz #2; Examen du mi-semestre

 

***C'est la semaine du "Spring break"***

 

Semaine #9

 

"Le spleen de Paris" (Charles Baudelaire)

Explication de texte #3

 

Semaine #10

 

Introduction aux "poètes maudits"

La poésie d'Arthur Rimbaud

 

Semaine #11

 

La poésie d'Arthur Rimbaud

 

Semaine #12

 

La poésie d'Arthur Rimbaud

Les poètes maudits (Paul Verlaine et Stéphane Mallarmé)

Explication de texte #4 / Quiz #3

 

Semaine #13

 

Introduction à la courte-histoire; Les écrits et les histoires de Guy de Maupassant

 

Semaine #14

 

Les écrits et les histoires de Guy de Maupassant

Explication de texte #5

 

Semaine #15

 

Les écrits et les histoires de Guy de Maupassant

 

Semaine finale

 

Résumé, explications de texte finales, Examen final