French at Post Leaving Certificate Level or equivalent is offered on the BA (Hons) SE200, a Joint Honours Degree allowing students to develop expertise in two disciplines. French is also available for study in SETU as a Minor element on the BA (Hons) Psychology.
French as a foreign language is the second most frequently taught language in the world after English. French is the only language other than English spoken on five continents and therefore French and English are the only two global languages. French, along with English, is the official working language of the United Nations, UNESCO, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and the European Community, amongst many other international bodies.
The French course at SETU involves the study of the language and the study of French culture and literature. Students therefore take modules in French fiction, poetry and theatre as well as modules relating to contemporary French experience, modules on French history, French politics, and French cinema.
Students will graduate having achieved a very high standard of proficiency in the language [B2 on the CEFR]; allowing an ability to understand a wide range of demanding written French, and the expression of ideas fluently and spontaneously. This level of proficiency will make a graduate of French very employable in a number of businesses and industries as well as equipping the graduate with the necessary skills for further study. Opportunities to work in careers as diverse as tourism, customer support, sales, marketing, translation, as well as in teaching, are opened up by a degree that includes French.
Language classes are small at SETU and this makes for an interesting and effective language learning experience.
Students undertaking French can apply to participate in Study Abroad, adding an additional year to their degree and graduating with a BA (Hons) International if on the Joint Honours Degree or a BA (Hons) International Psychology. All students are supported by a SETU Academic Advisor to ensure the study abroad experience will complement their degree subjects and enrich their professional and personal experiences. Students of French will be guided to choose a host university in a French-speaking country to further develop their fluency in the language and their understanding of society.
Students of French also take other subjects as part of their degree. This exposes students to other disciplines and ways of thinking and there is a strong emphasis in SETU on encouraging dialogue between subject areas. Students are supported in developing study, writing, critical and creative thinking and research skills; these skills form the foundation for future years and are highly valued by employers.
For more information contact [email protected]
| Year 1 |
|---|
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| French Language | French Language |
| Introduction to French Society & Culture | French Literature: Movements & Ideas of the 19th & 20th Centuries |
| Subject 2 Module 1 | Subject 2 Module 3 |
| Subject 2 Module 2 | Subject 2 Module 4 |
| Subject 3 Module 1 | Subject 3 Module 3 |
| Subject 3 Module 2 | Subject 3 Module 4 |
| Year 2 |
|---|
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|---|---|
| French Language | French Language |
| Plays, Playwrights & Cinema in the 20th Century | Writing Past & Place in the 20th and 21st Century French Language Novel |
| Plays, Politics & Philosophy: From Classicism to the Enlightenment | Expressions of Culture, Identity & Society in Modern France |
| Subject 2 Module 5 | Subject 2 Module 8 |
| Subject 2 Module 6 | Subject 2 Module 9 |
| Subject 2 Module 7 | Subject 2 Module 10 |
| Year 3 / Final Year |
|---|
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
|---|---|
| Advanced French Language 1 | Advanced French Language 2** |
| French Poetry: from Symbolism to Surrealism | World Literatures in French |
| Topics in the Politics, Culture and Ideas of Post-War France | Writing the 19th Century, French Society, History & Politics |
| Subject 2 Module 11 | Subject 2 Module 14 |
| Subject 2 Module 12 | Subject 2 Module 15 |
| Subject 2 Module 13 | Subject 2 Module 16 |
*Electives will be decided in advance of academic year; subject to Department guidelines.
**Students on this pathway attain a language competence level of B2 on Common European Framework Reference for Languages.
BA (Hons) international Students can chose to study a four year BA (Hons) international degree which include study abroad for year 3. Students will then return to SETU in year 4.
Opt-in BA (Hons) International: Study Abroad/ Year 3
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| 30 ECTS: Study Abroad | 30 ECTS: Study Abroad |