French and Francophone Studies

About the major

French is spoken by over 300 million people, and is an official language in 29 countries (la Francophonie), the United Nations and the European Union. It is also the language of many major literary, philosophical and political works. French Studies provides access to this rich culture and history.

Our graduates work in fields as diverse as international relations and trade, journalism, information technology, teaching, law, medicine, the arts and a range of international organisations.

Whatever your prior knowledge of French, the department provides pathways to a French major. You can enrol in our Introductory, Intermediate or Advanced pathway. You will study French language and the history, societies, literatures and cultures of France and la Francophonie. In addition, you can spend a semester or a year on exchange in France, Switzerland or Canada.

Most teaching in the Department is in French, with content, class activities and assessment all adapted to your language level in each year of study. Our teaching is strongly focused on student participation and interaction, so that you develop autonomy as learners of French and as independent thinkers.

Requirements for the major

A major in French and Francophone Studies requires 48 credit points from the Unit of Study table including:

The Introductory pathway
2 language units at level 1000; 2 language units at level 2000 + 1 culture unit at level 2000; 2 language units at 3000 level + 1 Interdisciplinary Project unit at 3000 level

(i) 12 credit points of 1000-level language units
(ii) 12 credit points of 2000-level language units
(iii) 6 credit points of 2000-level culture units
(iv) 12 credit points of 3000-level language units
(v) 6 credit points of 3000-level Interdisciplinary Project units

The Intermediate pathway
0 units at level 1000; 2 language units at level 2000 + 1 culture unit at level 2000; 4 language units at level 3000 + 1 Interdisciplinary Project unit at 3000 level

(i) 12 credit points of 2000-level language units
(ii) 6 credit points of 2000-level culture units
(iv) 24 credit points of 3000-level language units
(v) 6 credit points from 3000-level Interdisciplinary Project units.


The Advanced pathway
0 units at level 1000; 2 culture units at level 2000; 4 language units at level 3000 + 1 culture unit at level 3000 + 1 Interdisciplinary Project unit at 3000 level

(i) 24 credit points of 3000-level language units
(ii) 12 credit points of 2000-level culture units
(iii) 6 credit points of 3000-level culture units
(iv) 6 credit points from 3000 level Interdisciplinary Project units.

Requirements for the minor

A minor in French and Francophone Studies requires 36 credit points from the Unit of Study table including:

The Introductory pathway
(i) 12 credit points of 1000-level language units
(ii) 12 credit points of 2000-level language units
(iii) 6 credit points of 2000-level culture units
(iv) 6 credit points of 3000-level language units

The Intermediate pathway
(i) 12 credit points of 2000-level language units
(ii) 18 credit points of 3000-level language units
(iii) 6 credit points of 2000-level culture units

The Advanced pathway
(i) 24 credit points of 3000-level language units
(ii) 6 credit points of 2000-level culture units
(iii) 6 credit points of 3000-level culture units

Pathways to the major (with CEFR levels), showing language units, for students enrolled in, or after, 2018

Please note: the CEFR levels are minimum attainment levels at end of semester.

More information on the CEFR at https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages/

IMPORTANT NOTE: This table only lists the compulsory language units of study in each Major. You will need additional cultural units of study to complete your Major.

First Year

Depending on the level of pathway (Introductory, Intermediate or Advanced), first-year units in French and Francophone Studies will introduce or further develop students’ speaking, writing, listening and reading skills in French language. All first-year language units use a wide variety of authentic materials that foster both linguistic competence and cultural understanding in different Francophone environments. All units prepare students for in-depth study of French language and Francophone culture in second year and beyond.

Second Year

Students in all pathways (Introductory, Intermediate and Advanced) undertake both language and cultural units in second year. Building on the foundational knowledge acquired in first year, second-year language units further develop and consolidate speaking, writing, reading and listening skills, and culture units offer students the opportunity to develop research skills through a diverse range of topics including Francophone film, literature, media and sociolinguistics. Student learning is increasingly autonomous, and students are encouraged to plan an exchange semester at a French-speaking university through participation in the Department’s exchange program.

Third Year

Third-year students undertake advanced language units and project-driven culture units, in which they are given the opportunity to engage critically with cultural and social issues in contemporary Francophone societies. Students are encouraged to examine complex problems in the French-speaking world, and begin to solve such problems creatively and effectively, developing their research skills to a high level. Students who major in French will thus be well placed to progress to honours and postgraduate study.

Honours

If you commenced your degree prior to 2018: Admission to Honours requires a major in French and Francophone Studies with an average of 70 percent or above.

If you commenced your degree in 2018 or 2019: Admission to Honours is via the Bachelor of Advanced Studies and requires the completion of a major in French and Francophone Studies with an average of 70 percent or above. You will need to ensure you have completed all other requirements of the Bachelor of Arts, including Open Learning Environment (OLE) units and a second major, prior to commencing Honours.

Students may qualify for Honours regardless of the language level at which they commenced.

It is strongly recommended that all intending Honours students complete at least one semester exchange in a French-speaking country.

Advanced Coursework

The requirements for advanced coursework in French and Francophone Studies are described in the degree resolutions for the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Advanced Studies.

24 credit points of advanced study will be included in the table for 2020.

Contact and further information

Department website: sydney.edu.au/arts/french

The departmental website offers a list of Academic Coordinators.

Placement of incoming students

Introductory pathway
If you have never done French or have studied French for three years or less at junior high school (up to year 10) you should enrol in FRNC1601 Introductory French 1.

Intermediate pathway
If you have completed HSC Beginners, or IB Ab Initio Grade 4-6, or have obtained less than 80% in HSC Continuers you should enrol in FRNC2001 Intermediate French 1.

Advanced pathway
If you have obtained >80% in HSC Continuers or have done both French Continuers + Extension or International Baccalaureate Standard or Higher Level, you should enrol in FRNC3001 Advanced French 1.

Please note: A ‘gap’ year after Year 12 does not normally affect placement.

If you completed French at a high school outside of NSW/Australia, please contact the Departmental Undergraduate Coordinator for advice on the most appropriate placement for you.

Requirements for the major if you started your degree in 2017:http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/archive/2017/arts/subject_areas/french_studies.shtml.html

Requirements for the major if you started your degree in 2016:http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/archive/2016/arts/subject_areas/french_studies.shtml.html