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 together with a background knowledge of France, both in its European and overseas context, particularly 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. Honours students normally spend a semester abroad. We have exchange agreements with several French universities, including in the Pacific (Noumea, Tahiti), with Canada: (McGill University, Montreal; the bilingual University of Ottawa) and with Switzerland (University of Geneva).  Scholarships are available on a competitive basis.  

Language level placement tests are held prior to commencement. 

Students are advised to check prerequisites carefully and plan their minor accordingly.

Learning outcomes

• On successful completion of the French Language & Culture minor all students will have gained general fluency in oral and written expression as well as in aural and reading comprehension. Fluency covers expression in different registers from everyday language use to academic language.
• Students will have developed the ability to express themselves orally and in writing in different genres.
• Students will have gained substantial knowledge on key aspects of French culture, history, politics and society. They will be able to interpret critically French and Francophone literary texts, movies and visual-media
• Students will have gained intercultural awareness. They will be able to critically compare and reflect on cross-cultural difference between Francophone and Australian cultures and/or their native culture.
• At the end of a French Language & Culture minor students should be able to achieve the B1 or B2 level of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) depending on their results. Exceptional students with or without extensive prior knowledge of French before they start their major could achieve the C1 level.
• Students will be able to conduct research on a topic related to the French language and its associated cultures, and to write an essay on their research outcomes.