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French

Facts about French

  • French is a language of diplomacy, business, tourism, arts and culture, science and gastronomy.
  • It is a world language, spoken in Africa, Europe, Canada, the Pacific and Caribbean islands, and East Asia (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia).
  • It is spoken in more than 20 African countries where it is the official language.

Why Study French?

  • It enables you to communicate with people living in Africa and abroad.
  • It helps you to appreciate a new way of life, history and set of values.
  • A French major is now more attractive than ever. Many employers are now choosing liberal arts majors over narrowly trained technical specialists because their superior communication skills give them a distinct advantage in the business and professional worlds.

Courses in French combine well with:

  • Other European Languages
  • Fine Arts
  • Political Science
  • Sociology
  • Philosophy
  • Drama.
  • Music
  • International Relations
  • Translation & Interpretation
  • Media Studies

Undergraduate study

First Year

Basic French Language and Culture

This module is a beginner course in French aligned with the A1 level of the Common European framework for languages. It focuses on basic communication skills in the target language and offers a cultural component, familiarising students with contemporary francophone cultural notions.

Intermediate French Language and Culture

This is a more advanced continuation of the module above.  Cultural texts are introduced in semester 2.

Second Year

French Language and Text Production

This module is aligned with the A2 level of the Common European framework for languages. It offers a revision of French 1 grammar and introduces students to new grammatical structures. The literary component offers a selection of francophone texts.

French Language and Text Production (B)

This course is a continuation of the first semester. By the end of the module, students should have reached A2 competency and be able to critically analyse a literary extract in French.

Third Year

Advanced French Composition and Stylistics

This course is aligned with the B1 level of the Common European Framework for languages. It aims to refine writing and reading skills and to enable students to interpret a wide range of texts representing all aspects of contemporary French usage.

Negotiating Language

This course is a continuation of semester 1(B1 level). Both oral and written language skills are refined in this module. Emphasis is placed on the practical application of French language skills. Different registers and discourses of the language are explored.

French Literature (Reading Course)

This course offers an in-depth exploration of selected canonical texts in French or Francophone literature. Texts are studied in the context of the socio-political and literary background of the period chosen.

Selected Topics in French Literature

This course offers a specialised study in 19th and 20th century French Literature. Independent research on a chosen topic is an integral part of the course.

BA Hons - French
MA - French
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