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

Research
Events

Events

There is a regular series of events for visiting international scholars and writers.

Accolades and specialisations

The Carnegie Sandwich grant was awarded to Prof Veronique Tadjo to do research on oral traditions and their new interpretations in a West African urban setting.
Dr Alexia Vassilatos is on a research sabbatical to write a series of articles on the novels of Jean-Marie Le Clezio.
Fiona Horne specialises in the teaching of French in South African universities.

Second Year

French Language and Text Production

This module offers a revision of French Grammar and familiarises the student with advanced structural and grammatical problems. It tests this knowledge through practical exercises and translation. In addition, it offers an overview of the literature of the 20th century with literary analysis of selected texts. The course has a component on Francophone culture and civilisation.

French Language and Text Production (B)

This course is a continuation of module 215 and reinforces advanced oral and written language skills through practical exercises and translation. In addition, it reinforces the overview of the literature of the 20th century begun in module 215 and offers more advanced literary analysis of selected texts.

Third Year

Advanced French Composition and Stylistics

The aim of this course is 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

Both oral and written language skills are refined in this module. Emphasis is placed on the practical application of French language skills. The different registers 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. In particular, it will examine French and African writing of the colonial era. Independent research on a chosen topic will be an integral part of the course.

BA Hons - French

MA - French