French Studies

Programme Structure & Content

Courses are available from first to fourth year. There is an Honours degree and a Designated degree in French.

First Year
One set of courses is for beginners or near beginners. These provide intensive tuition in written and spoken language, including classes with native speakers, and an introduction to modern French culture, literature and society. Another set is for students with SQA Higher grade or GCE A Level or equivalent. These include written and spoken language and the study of 20th century culture, literature, film and society. In both cases, students not wishing to proceed to Honours in French may study language alone.

Second Year
Language work includes written and spoken language classes, reading and listening comprehension. Ex-beginners have an extra language class. Literature, culture and society courses study the theme of French national identity at different periods; French linguistics may also be studied. Again, students not wishing to proceed to Honours in French may study language alone.

Third & Fourth Year (Honours)

French language courses are available from third and fourth year for students not wishing to proceed to Honours, as well as for Honours students. They include written and spoken language classes. In addition, third and fourth year students study cultural, social and literary topics.

The two-year Honours programme gives considerable emphasis to the development of language skills. As well as classes in written and spoken language, all students develop their communication skills through practical application of French in different contexts. Additionally, students in both Honours years make their own selection from a wide range of options covering literature, film, linguistics, and the study of French society and culture from the Middle Ages to the present day. Single Honours students write a dissertation on a topic of their choice, and Joint Honours students write a dissertation for one or other of their two Honours subjects.

Teaching & Assessment

Language courses are taught in small groups, while literature and culture courses are taught by a combination of lectures and tutorials. Courses in first and second year are assessed by end-of-course examination, but other than for the beginners' language course, good coursework can lead to exemption from the examination. Honours options are examined by continuous assessment, and language courses by final examinations.