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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
First Year

Basic French Language and Culture

This module is a computer-aided language course for beginners wishing to gain basic French language skills.

Intermediate French Language and Culture

This is a more advanced continuation of the module above.

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.

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