French Studies

The department of French Studies is in the School of Languages and Cultures (SLC).

Program structure and content
Units of study in the department of French Studies are concerned with French language, linguistics, literature, cinema, culture and society, including many Francophone cultures outside France. All units in the department deal with authentic French language material and foreground the indissociability of language and culture. Most classes are conducted in French. The modular structure of the units allows great flexibility of choice for students, who may be taking the subject as a major or who may be taking it as an adjunct to other studies.

The first year units focus on practical language acquisition by developing speaking, reading, writing and comprehension skills, as well as an understanding of French culture and civilisation.

In later years, in addition to practical language classes, students are able to improve their language and cultural knowledge by specialising in one or more of four strands:

1. French linguistics and applied linguistics
2. French literature and cinema
3. French society and culture
4. Francophone studies

The department will advise students who may have completed units that are no longer listed as to their equivalences in terms of the units shown in this handbook.

The department offers two language streams: one for students who already have knowledge of the language (Advanced French) and another for beginners (Introductory French in the first year; French in later years). In the first year only, a stream (Intermediate French) has been designed for students whose competence falls between these two levels.

Placement of students in the three first year levels is usually as follows:

• FRNC1611/FRNC1612: complete beginners; or less than two years of French; or less than 65 per cent in Beginners HSC French
• FRNC1621/FRNC1622: less than 80 per cent in French Continuers; or more than 65 per cent in Beginners French
• FRNC1631/FRNC1632: French Extension or more than 80 per cent in Continuers HSC French

Students should be aware that a 'gap' year between the HSC exam and University entry does not normally affect the placement. Students should therefore ensure that their language skills remain active during this year.

Students who do not fall easily into one of the categories above, including advanced and native speakers of French, should contact the coordinators of the relevant units so that their level can be assessed.

Requirements for a major
Students who already have a knowledge of the French language and are in the French Advanced stream, as well as those who are in the beginners/intermediate stream, can complete a major in French Studies. The requirements are 36 credit points to be taken from senior units of study:

• Students who completed the first year Introductory Stream should include FRNC2622 or equivalent.
• Students who completed the first year Intermediate Stream should include FRNC2622 or equivalent.
• Students in the Advanced Stream should include FRNC3631 or equivalent.

Foreign language requirement for major
Apart from the French language component necessarily attained in units of study required for the major, no further language is required.

Crosslisting policy
Up to 6 credit points from approved cross-listable units of study may be cross-listed towards a French major. Please check the cross-listing schedule located on the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences website.

Sample pathways:
Introductory stream
For students intending to specialise in French Studies who enter at Introductory level, a typical program of units (12 in first year, and 36 or more credit points in later years) would be as follows:

• First Year: FRNC1611 and FRNC1612 Junior French Introductory 1 and 2.
• Second Year: FRNC2611 and FRNCH2612 Senior French Intermediate 1 and 2. FRNC2614 and FRNC2615 French Reading 1 and 2.
• Third Year: FRNC2621 and FRNC2622 Senior French Intermediate 3 and 4.

Intermediate stream
For students intending to specialise in French Studies and who enter at Intermediate level, a typical program of units (12 credit points in first year, and 36 or more credit points in later years) would be as follows:

• First Year: FRNC1621 and FRNC1622 Junior French Intermediate 3 and 4.
• Second and Third Year: Students in this stream will generally follow the pattern of the Introductory French stream in their choice of senior units.

Advanced stream
For students intending to specialise in French Studies and who enter at advanced level, a typical program of units (12 credit points in first year, and 36 or more credit points in later years) would be as follows:

• First Year: FRNC1631 and FRNC1632 Junior French Advanced 5 and 6.
• Second Year: FRNC3621 and FRNC3622 Senior French Language Advanced 5 and 6 together with 6 or more credit points from units within the four strands mentioned above.
• Third Year: FRNC3631 Senior French Advanced 7 together with 12 or more credit points from units within the four strands mentioned above.

Honours (see chapter 5 for more information)
All students may qualify for fourth year honours, regardless of the language level at which they commenced in the department.

The requirement for entry to fourth year honours is a credit average or better in the major (36 senior credit points) plus 12 credit points including FRNC3631 Senior French Language (or equivalent) and FRNC2666 Research Methods in French Studies.

Contact/further information
Department website: sydney.edu.au/arts/french
Chair of Department: Dr Alice Caffarel;