French

French is one of the world’s most important languages in terms of speaker numbers and its role in science, industry and international diplomacy. The perfection of language skills is at the heart of our degrees. We also actively foster in our students the development of professional skills in French. All our degrees demand a full intellectual engagement with a wide selection of areas in French studies. As a subject group, we have a strong interest in looking at French in and beyond France, with the expectation that students will look at French in the European context, as well as in the Americas, Africa and Asia. We also cover French and Francophone culture in a broad historical context that allows our students to understand the standing of French language and grasp the various questions of identity linked to being a speaker of French outside France. In addition, we cover aspects of French studies from various social, literary, filmic and linguistic aspects, ensuring that we not only teach traditional areas of interest but are committed to ensuring students better understand the questions that people are asking themselves across the French-speaking world, from Port-au-Prince to Paris, from Montreal to Marseille, from Guadeloupe to Geneva.

In the first year, you will study language modules as well as foundation modules. During the second and final year you will take language modules plus six content modules which cover the spectrum of French studies, from the history of the book and Renaissance texts discussing the New World, to Caribbean literature, contemporary French sociolinguistics, and collaboration during the Second World War. You will spend one year in a French-speaking country as an assistant in a school, as a student at a partner Erasmus university or on a work placement. During this year, you will complete an extended essay in French or follow courses at your chosen university. If you combine Major French with a Minor in another language, you may choose to spend half the year abroad in a French-speaking country.