French

Why French?

Students taking the French programme have the opportunity to gain valuable foreign language skills and to learn about aspects of life and culture in France and French-speaking regions of the world.

We are one of the closest institutions to mainland Europe and have established exchange links with several French universities. Opportunities are available for making contact with students on the opposite side of the Channel, and using the language in real contexts. Field trips and visits to France are an integral part of the curriculum in each year of the programme. Erasmus exchanges and work experience in France are also possible.

What will I study?

Year 1 modules focus on the development of effective communication skills in the written and spoken mediums: consolidating grammatical knowledge of French, extending vocabulary and improving pronunciation and overall fluency as well as confidence in using the language. Emphasis is placed on linking the study of the language to current issues and general knowledge of social and cultural aspects of the country. In addition, students follow a module devoted to the introduction to translation from and into French. This module also focuses on intercultural studies, and a field-trip to Lille or another major city is included in the syllabus.

In Year 2, the emphasis is on the development of writing and academic skills, competence in oral presentations and general fluency. A joint project is carried out with students from the Université du Littoral-Côte d’Opale in Boulogne and the research part of the exercise takes place in both the UK and France.

The French/English Translation module is optional for combined honours students and students can choose to replace it by the study of another European language. It is mandatory for the students on the English programme offered by the English Department and the Université Catholique de Lille. It provides an introduction to the theory and practice of translation. The module on contemporary French civilisation is based on topical and/or major issues relevant to students of French. These include aspects of contemporary French society, history, literature and culture. Students gain an understanding and appreciation of the current make-up of France.

The emphasis in Year 3 is on the attainment of a high level of accuracy and fluency, preparing students for further studies or use of French in professional contexts. There is field-trip and research activity conducted with the help of students and staff from the Applied Languages Department of the Université du Littoral-Côte d’Opale. The civilisation module covers in-depth study of contemporary French novels, French history and institutions since 1970 and specific aspects of the French cultural scene at the beginning of the 21st century. The academic or work placement (10 weeks minimum for all students) is the basis of a half module in which students have to prepare a reflective diary and report in French on the value and benefits to them of their period spent in France.

There is also a half module specially devoted to the study of ‘Francophonie’ in the world. Students have the opportunity of examining the linguistic, cultural, geopolitical and economic realities of the French-speaking regions of the world.

Additionally, combined honours students may undertake a personal study involving an investigation and critical evaluation of an aspect of the life and culture of France or another French-speaking country. This study is supported by individual tutorials.

What can I do next?

Studying a foreign language is vocationally advantageous in complementing the skills and knowledge acquired by students in their other subject studies. The practical orientation of the French programme offers a distinct advantage to students who wish to pursue a career in professions with a European and/or international dimension, since employers are increasingly recognising the importance of recruiting personnel with good foreign language skills. Access to PGCE programmes with languages is also possible both at secondary and at primary level.

Did you know?

Students are encouraged to spend a (non-mandatory) year abroad during the programme. Students on a combined honours programme must spend a minimum of ten weeks in a French-speaking region during their programme. A portfolio of evidence and extended report on the period of stay abroad are assessed in Year 3 of the programme.

> Department of English and Language Studies Website

What our students say

It’s quite a small university, which means you get to know loads of people. The sports and societies are really well run and such good fun. The ratio of facilities to students is very impressive and the fact that the University is so close to town is brilliant too - just a couple of minutes walk!

Ellen Shuckburgh
Applied Criminology and French