BSc French

Number of credits: 20

Language of delivery: French

Module Content:

• Revision of French grammar;
• Practice of the following text types: résumé, dissertation.
• Reading comprehension;
• Aural comprehension.

Method of Learning and Teaching: Textual and Grammatical Skills classes will consist of lectures, discussions of reading and personal research, interactive workshops and exercises in class as well as in the computer lab.

Assessment method: Exam (90%), oral presentation (10%).

Number of credits: 10

Module content: This module introduces students to translation as a professional activity. They will be familiarised with key theoretical concepts of translation and their application in practice, so as to develop skills in translating. They will learn to produce translations into English that are appropriate for their specified purpose and readers, and learn to explain their own translation decisions.

Assessment method: group work (20%), coursework (40%) and examination (40%).

Number of credits: 20

Language of delivery: French

Module content: The module aims to provide students with an understanding of the principal events and processes which have shaped the course of modern French history, and to demonstrate the ways in which historical traditions have influenced political structures and political debates in contemporary France. The module provides an accessible general introduction to the period through chronologically ordered lectures and seminars. Students are alerted to the enduring significance of the past and of interpretations of the past for contemporary French society, politics and culture. Detailed analyses/presentations of certain key historical events also encourage a thematically ordered approach where particular emphasis is placed upon regime change and political value systems in France. 

Method of Learning and Teaching: One lecture (one hour) every second week and one seminar (one hour) on the alternate weeks, plus private study. The lectures will provide the key elements to understand and further develop each topic through individual research.

The seminars will be dedicated to deepening students’ understanding of issues discussed in lectures and consolidating their familiarisation with the relevant vocabulary in French. Seminars will also encourage the development of each key theme and provide the opportunity to clarify and deepen some aspects of the theme in general discussion.

Assessment method: Exam (100%).

Number of credits: 10

Language of delivery: English and French

Module content: This module provides a general introduction to film studies as an academic discipline for students of French, covering analytical aspects such as mise-en-scène, use of sound and montage as well as the history of film and European cinema. Bi-weekly lectures in English introduce students to film as a medium for both artistic expression and social critique. Bi-weekly seminars allow students to maintain a strong focus on working in their chosen foreign language.

Method of learning and teaching: Bi-weekly lectures and seminars, complemented by self-study portfolio tasks in the target language. Students are provided with glossaries to familiarise them with film studies terminology in both English and the target language. These projects are supervised in French and guidance for independent research is given.   

Method of assessment: portfolio of 3 film analysis tasks in French (30%), essay (70%).

Number of credits: 20

Language of delivery: French

Module content: This course aims to give students a basic knowledge of French culture, starting with an attempt at definition and focusing on contemporary literature and text analysis. Rather than attempt to give a very general introduction to French culture, the course will aim to provide students with the tools to analyse, discuss and enjoy aspects of contemporary culture.

In teaching period one, it will focus mainly on 2 texts, L’Etranger by Albert Camus and La Place by Annie Ernaux. These texts will be complemented by a number of extracts from 20th century novels. The focus of group activities during the term will be text analysis and discussion, with a particular emphasis on the themes of alienation and protest or contestation. The course will provide students with the tools required for text analysis, not only of literary texts but also of texts in general.

Other cultural aspects will be studied, in particular the cinema of ‘La Nouvelle Vague’. Students will be given the tools to analyse cinematographic production, and will be expected to view at least 5 films from the period studied.

Teaching period two will be structured around student led sessions, in small groups. These will meet on a rota basis, every 3 weeks. The groups will be expected to concentrate on one aspect of culture, either literature or cinema. 

Method of Learning and Teaching: There will be a weekly lecture in French followed by an hour of group work, discussion and presentations in French in Term 1. Discussion and presentations will be led by students, often in groups of 2 or 3, on topics and texts distributed the week before to give students maximum time to prepare and to read. In teaching period two, there will be student led structured seminars, in 3 groups, each presenting a chosen aspect of French culture in turn. (Each group will therefore meet once in 3 weeks).

Assessment method: Group presentation (20%), exam (30%) and essay (50%).

Number of credits: 20

Language of delivery: French
 

Module content: Along with a variety of language exercises, the module will focus on your textual comprehension skills and on the analysis of an advertising report (for Joint, Single, and Combined Honours French programmes) or a marketing report (for IBML) in the first TP, and on textual production in the second TP. Here, we concentrate on the production of a report based on a portfolio of press documents relating to specific issues in contemporary French society.

Method of learning and teaching: Classes of two hours in French (lectures, seminars, workshops, group work and presentations) are organised weekly. You will be asked to prepare material for the following session and to submit written analyses for regular feedback. Whilst oral proficiency is not explicitly tested in this module, you are required to participate actively in-group discussion, expressing and justifying your views. Translation exercises are used as a method to further the learning experience.

Assessment method: Exam (80%), grammar test (20%).  

Number of credits: 10

Language of delivery: French

Module content: A number of assessed and practice exercises will structure the course. They will include:

• Exercises in receptive language skills developed through listening and reading exercises. This will entail synthesising audio-visual or written material, reporting back orally on written or audio-visual material.

• Exercises in productive language skills (speaking) developed through individual presentation of press reviews, group presentation based on a video project and debates, as well as role-plays.

Method of learning and teaching: A one-hour weekly class in French. The classes will be structured around the practice of the assessed exercises, which will involve work as a whole class (debates and their preparation; comprehension exercise), in small groups (group project and presentation) or individual contributions (press reviews). Students will be expected to critically evaluate each other’s work, and to give oral feedback to each other. They will be expected to prepare for each class, either by gathering material and acquiring information on a topic (discussion and debate) or by preparing a structured presentation (press review).

Assessment method: class exercises (100%).

Number of credits: 10

Language of delivery: Enlglish and French

Module content: This module aims to develop your awareness of translation problems and your research skills, focusing on the translation process from English to French. Texts for preparation, analysis and translation are distributed weekly, from a range of text types of immediate topical, or contemporary, interest. We take a functionalist approach as our basic framework of analysis.

Methods of learning and teaching: Each one-hour seminar will involve discussion of potential problems in a text that has been analysed and translated at home, with discussion of translation solutions supported by relevant documentary research.

Texts for weekly practice will illustrate a range of text types: journalistic, legal, advertising, semi-specialised reports on scientific and/or technical subjects. During the course the emphasis will shift from production accompanied by text analysis to a greater focus on text production, bringing into play all the criteria studied previously.

Assessment method: take-away paper, translation English into French (100%).

Number of credits: 10

Language of delivery: English and French

Module content: This module aims to develop your awareness of translation problems and your research skills, focusing on the translation process from French to English. Texts for preparation, analysis and translation are distributed weekly, from a range of text types of immediate topical, or contemporary, interest. We take a functionalist approach as our basic framework of analysis. We also encourage the study of comparable texts in the source language and parallel texts in the target language, regardless of topic, so as to refine the language and style of any given translation.

Method of learning and teaching: Each seminar will involve discussion of potential problems in a text, with preliminary analysis and some consideration of translation solutions. Weekly preparation will thus involve analysing a text and preparing a draft translation, using relevant documentary research. Use of IT tools and corpora will be integral to research and discussion. Students will be able to submit revised drafts, following discussion in seminars, for feedback.

All of the above objectives will be developed through in-class discussion. Documentation skills will be developed through guided research using both School Intranet and the Internet.

An additional outcome of interlingual and intercultural comparative analysis will be an enhanced awareness of various styles of written English and of aspects of the source language culture.

Texts for weekly practice will be from a range of the following: journalistic, legal, advertising, semi-specialised reports on scientific and/or technical subjects. During the module the emphasis will be on text production to a high standard of adequacy for purpose, as defined by the translation brief.

Assessment method: Take-away paper, translation of French into English (100%).

Number of credits: 10

Language of delivery: French.

Module content: This module aims at furthering students’ understanding of the origins, evolution and development of French in its social context. It shows how extra-linguistic factors have an impact on the dynamics of variation and change. Lessons are a mixture of lecture, discussion of readings and in-class activities.

Method of learning and teaching: Lectures and interactive seminars (discussions, reading and analysis), consultations, as well as directed work.

Assessment method: Essay (80%), class work (20%).

Number of credits: 10

Language of delivery: French

Module content: This module examines social conflicts and issues that have been critical in the making of contemporary France. It considers how such conflicts and issues have changed with the evolution of French society, from those that defined France in the post-war years (economic modernisation, demographic change, new employment patterns, the ‘rural exodus’ etc) to those that define France today (national identity, immigration, religion, the banlieues, law and order, unemployment, gender etc). The module looks closely at a number of fault lines and fractures in French society and seeks to assess how social ‘conflict’ and ‘consensus’ are negotiated in France today.

Method of learning and teaching: Each two-hour session comprises both lectures in French and seminar/group activities also in French. The lecture programme provides the necessary background that underpins the learning outcomes listed above. Discussion and activities in the seminar hour permit the development of key themes and issues, and provide the opportunity for addressing related questions.  

Assessment method: Exam (100%).

Number of credits: 10

Language of delivery: French
  

Module content: This course, delivered in French, enables students to acquire familiarity with main areas and problems of French politics, and with key concepts used in the analysis of political institutions and political culture. This knowledge forms the conceptual, methodological and analytical basis for many of the politics-related issues students will treat throughout their programmes.

Method of learning and teaching: Lectures: weeks 1-5, 7-10, Seminars: Group Work / Discussions / Presentations: Weeks 2-5, 7-11.

Students are expected to familiarise themselves quickly with the general literature, and then go on to more specialised reading in preparation for seminars and the exam. Week 6 is reserved for Guided Study and Consultation, and in week 11, the 2-hour seminar will help students reflect on the course content and prepare for the exam. 

Assessment method: Exam (100%).

Number of credits: 20

Module content: Building on the year abroad, the module is designed to further improve students’ productive language skills. We focus on a range of current issues and controversies in French politics and society, and classes encourage development of increasingly sophisticated written and oral skills and increased fluency, accuracy and comprehension. These activities are underpinned by ongoing grammar learning.

Method of learning and teaching: The module will comprise one two-hour seminar, taught by the module tutor.

Each two-hour seminar will involve a range of activities using written textual material from a range of sources, using French as the medium of communication. Activities will include practical work with regular feedback on written practice work, pairs and group work. Much research, preparation and analysis will take place independently, through guided practice.

Each 2-hour seminar will also incorporate oral/aural skills, giving students the opportunity to further develop their productive oral and their aural comprehension skills.

The module objectives will be developed through in-class discussion, based on reading and preparation as indicated each week. Documentation skills will be developed through guided research using both the School Intranet and the Internet, in conjunction with other printed resources available in the School and in the main university library.

The seminars will also involve student oral group presentations, as a means of preparation towards assessed written work. Students will have the opportunity to practice and develop their presentation skills in a structured programme throughout the academic year.

Assessment method: Exam (75%), group oral presentation (25%).

Number of credits: 10

Language of delivery: French

Module content: Given the focus on the media and a fast-moving, contemporary agenda, flexibility is built into the weekly schedule so that knowledge and skills are acquired as we progress through the course, whilst retaining a degree of freedom as regards choice of topics to be able to respond to current issues in context as and when they arise. Examination of key themes and concepts, and likewise the development of skills, are integrated across the syllabus, which is organised broadly under the following headings:

Media and society: power and influence; the media as reflection of social, political and economic circumstances; French national identity and culture in the context of global communication; freedom of expression; information as an instrument of democracy or commercial product?

The decline of traditional print: national versus regional titles; dailies, news weeklies and magazines; broadsheets and popular titles; free papers; comparative analysis of publications. The values of pluralism, editorial independence, and quality sources of information and opinion.

Broadcasting and the French voice: from state control to a mixed economy and external threat. The public service mission and the free market – advertising revenue, audience ratings and the licence fee. From public space to private menu. Recent media reforms.

Media regulation and cultural values: protection of the public interest and individual privacy; rights and responsibilities; legislation, regulation and professional ethics; violence, pornography and protection of the vulnerable; equality, diversity and balanced coverage. Exploration of moral dilemmas through case studies.

Convergence of new media in the digital age: from Word to Image and beyond… From professional experts to the citizen journalist and social media.

Methods of learning and teaching:During the early weeks, the lecture format is used to introduce topics, followed by class discussion and group work. A programme of ongoing independent study is required, supplemented by preparatory work agreed from week to week. Progressively, as students expand their reading, research and knowledge, the time devoted to lectures reduces, giving way to group work and seminar presentations. Private study for the module should involve regular reading of the press, TV and Internet viewing, in addition to exploitation of the extensive LIS collection on the French media and materials made available via Blackboard. Group work requires students to draw on knowledge acquired through lectures and independent study, and to apply this in critical analysis of media output.

Suggested areas of study for seminar presentations and essays are provided at the beginning of the course, and a schedule for student presentations agreed by the end of the third week. Individual essay titles and plans must be discussed with the lecturer and approved by the agreed deadline. The last week before the Easter break is devoted to independent consultation with the lecturer in preparation for assessed essay writing. 

Assessment method: presentation (25%), research project (70%), portfolio (5%).

Number of credits: 10

Language of delivery: French 

Module content: This module presents the French language through its use in authentic documents, as opposed to representations in grammars. More specifically, it focuses on how particular linguistic forms lose or develop functions over time. The module is split between presentation of areas of contemporary language variation and change and a group research project.

Method of learning and teaching: Weekly lecture and seminar delivered in French.

Assessment method: Seminar work (40%), report (60%).

Number of credits: 20

Language of delivery: French
 
Module content: This is an independent study module, for which you devise, research and write a dissertation on a topic of your choice, related to France or another Francophone country. The module develops your analytical and evaluative skills as well as your linguistic fluency and accuracy. Independent study is supplemented by small group classes and/or one-to-one consultations with your dissertation supervisor, enabling you to develop your presentational and communication skills.

Method of learning and teaching: Plenary sessions will provide information on the expectations for an LTS dissertation and viva and will present objectives, methodology, and a timetable for the module. These sessions will be supplemented by individual and group meetings between supervisors and students. It is the responsibility of the student to comply with deadlines set by the supervisor.  

Assessment method: 5000-6000 word dissertation and separate 300 word abstract in the target language (70%). 20-minute viva: 3/4 minutes of presentation on the dissertation topic and 15 minutes of questions from two examiners (30%).

Number of credits: 10

Language of delivery: French

Module content: This module analyses the French overseas territories, and critically situates their role and status with respect to France and, more widely, the international system. We analyse the different geopolitical contexts in which the territories operate, and discuss their social, cultural, political, economic and strategic identities and relationships with France.

Method of learning and teaching: A one-hour lecture followed by a one hour seminar each week, where students will be required to present an analysis, based on selected texts or audio-visual material, of one of the topics addressed during the lectures. These presentations will be followed by general discussions involving all the students. There will form part of the assessment for the course. 

Assessment method: Essay (70%), presentation (30%).

Number of credits: 10

Language of delivery: French

Module content: This module examines the Vichy regime of 1940-44, when France was occupied and collaborated with Nazi Germany. It shows how the liberal, democratic, assimilationist model of French Republicanism was abolished by an authoritarian, repressive, ultra-nationalist regime. It explores the historical and political background to Vichy, its policies and personalities, its progressive radicalisation, the tensions between state collaboration and pro-Nazi ‘collaborationism’, and the difficulty of defining Vichy as a political regime. It also considers the aftermath of Vichy and the legacy of this brief regime within the Republican culture of contemporary France.

Method of learning and teaching: The module aims to build subject specific knowledge (historical, political, cultural) as well as developing analytical and textual skills, and to improve proficiency and range in the use of both spoken and written French. Proficiency in spoken French will be developed in seminars, for which students will be required to read, prepare and discuss set texts and other materials, and to participate actively in discussion.

Each two-hour session comprises both a lecture and seminar/group activities. The lecture programme provides essential historical and contextual background as a foundation for the learning outcomes listed above. Seminar work will include analysis of diverse materials, printed, audio-visual and other (historical studies, political writings and documentation, political speeches, propaganda tracts and posters, video documentaries and extracts). The seminars will provide the opportunity for detailed discussion of key themes and issues. Supplementary guidance on reading will also be provided to support coursework and revision for the Examination by which this module is assessed.

Assessment method: Exam (100%).