French Language and Culture Minor

Total units 24 Units

Areas of interest European Languages, Language Studies
Minor code FREN-MIN

Academic career Undergraduate

This minor aims at developing students' ability to understand, pronounce and speak standard French and to read and write French as it appears in newspapers, magazines, media, cinema and literature. All courses, right from the Introductory level, emphasise the importance of culture, history, politics and society. The aim is to have students gain fluency in French and develop their knowledge of France, both in its European and global contexts (e.g., Africa, Asia, North America and the Pacific). To this end, we use a variety of material drawn from written, audio-visual and electronic sources.

We encourage students to study for part of their degree at a French-speaking university, once they are proficient enough. It is standard practice for Honours students to spend a semester abroad. The ANU has exchange agreements with universities across the French-speaking world: France: several universities in metropolitan France; also in the French Pacific (Noumea, Tahiti); Canada: universities in Quebec (McGill University; Université de Montréal) and the bilingual Université d’Ottawa; Switzerland (Université de Genève). Scholarships are available on a competitive basis.

The pathways to the French Language and Culture Minor depend on the entry level. These pathways are listed below.

Language level placement tests are held prior to commencement for all students having had previous exposure to the language.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Due to structural changes in the undergraduate program rules in 2012, the courses that make up the new 2012 majors may be different to the pre-2012 majors, and therefore some courses cannot be counted between majors. Students are advised to contact the CASS Student Office if they are unsure about their Majors..

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to::

demonstrate some fluency in oral and written expression as well as in aural and reading comprehension (fluency covers expression in formal and informal registers);
demonstrate understanding of key aspects of French culture, history, politics and society and be able to interpret French and Francophone short literary texts and audio-visual media;
critically compare and reflect on cross-cultural differences between Francophone and Australian cultures and/or their native culture (intercultural awareness); and
achieve at least the A2 level of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

Other Information

FREN2021 and FREN3008 may be taken more than once if Topic is different

Relevant Degrees

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Requirements

This minor requires the completion of 24 units, according to the following pathways:

Pathway for beginners

18 units from completion of courses from the following list:

FREN1003 Introductory French I

FREN1004 Introductory French II

FREN2024 Continuing French I

6 units from completion a course from the following list:

FREN2025 Continuing French II

FREN3106 Current Affairs and the French Press

Pathway for students starting at Continuing level (post-beginners)

18 units from completion of courses from the following list:

FREN2024 Continuing French I

FREN2025 Continuing French II

FREN3006 Intermediate French I

6 units from completion of a course from the following list:

FREN3007 Intermediate French II

FREN3106 Current Affairs and the French Press

FREN3107 Current Affairs and the French Press (Advanced)

Pathway for students starting at Intermediate level

12 units from completion of courses from the following list:

FREN3006 Intermediate French I

FREN3007 Intermediate French II

12 units from completion of courses from the following list:

FREN2021 Selected Topics in French Studies

FREN2022 French Literature and The Pacific

FREN2026 New Caledonia: Field Work and Research

FREN3008 Advanced French Topics

FREN3107 Current Affairs and the French Press (Advanced)

12 units from completion of the following course(s):

Code	Title	Units
FREN3006	Intermediate French I	6
FREN3007	Intermediate French II	6

12 units from completion of the following course(s):

Code	Title	Units
FREN2021	Selected Topics in French Studies	6
FREN2022	French Literature and The Pacific	6
FREN2026	New Caledonia: Field Work and Research	6
FREN3008	Advanced French Topics	6
FREN3107	Current Affairs and the French Press (Advanced)	6

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