This course is designed to extend students' speaking, listening, writing and reading skills in French through the critical study of current affairs as represented in the French written press, radio, televised news, and online news media. We will cover some of the most topical issues in contemporary France, such as the rise of far right movements, debates on immigration and the growing presence of Islam in France, as well as controversies surrounding marriage and sexuality in the 21st century. Throughout the study of these key themes, students will improve their French language skills via written and aural comprehension tests, assignment work and an oral presentation. Students who have completed this course will demonstrate advanced levels of linguistic expression in French, in addition to substantial discipline-based research skills.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:- Understand some important grammatical structures and particular expressions used in the French press, and be able to apply them in writing
- Understand the French used in some audio/audio-visual documents and apply particular forms of expression in delivering oral presentations in class
- Demonstrate extensive familiarity with the content, and political and socio-cultural orientation of the main French newspapers, magazines, online news media, televised news and radio
- Demonstrate a thorough understanding of how media representation contributes to the shaping of public opinion in France
- Conduct in-depth research into issues of contemporary relevance in French society
Indicative Assessment
In-class written comprehension test in French (45 mins; 10%) [LOs 1, 3, 4]
Oral presentation in French (5 mins; 25%) [LOs 2, 3, 4]
In-class listening comprehension test in French (45 mins; 15%) [LOs 1, 2, 3, 4]
Written assignment in French (2000-2500 words; 40%) [LOs 1, 3, 4, 5]
Class participation (preparing readings/audiovisual texts before each class; 10%) [LOs 1, 2, 3, 4]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 36 hours of class time per week, and
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Written and audio-visual materials will be posted on Wattle as required throughout the semester.Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2018 | $3180 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2018 | $4860 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
