Module Information

Module Identifier
FR11120
Module Title
Introduction to French Studies
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Reading List
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Oral Presentation  15 Minutes  40%
Semester Assessment Class tests  Two class tests, one at the end of Semester One, the other at the end of Semester Two. The better test will count for 75%, the weaker of the two for 25%. This is to allow some assessment to be formative as well as (or instead of) summative. [60%] 40 Minutes  60%
Supplementary Assessment Oral Presentation  15 Minutes  40%
Supplementary Exam 2 Hours   University Exam  60%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Show in-depth awareness of French language, history and culture

Compile an effective bibliographical corpus for a given topic

Read critically primary sources and scholarly works
hrasing and reference systems following the established conventions

Write/present a clear and well-structured argument both orally and in essay writing

Present independent ideas both in speech and in writing

Use quotations, paraphrasing, reference system

Brief description

This module will provide students with a thorough grounding in French history and history of literature, as well as the necessary skills to write brief and extended pieces of work; to present a coherent argument, to organize and support their ideas, and the necessary techniques to communicate in French. Students will also be provided with the necessary skills to use on-line sources and archives proficiently within academic conventions. Students will gain confidence in time management, developing, planning, analytical, interpretive, persuasive and critical skills. To achieve this goal this module will also teach students how to become proficient readers when researching on a topic. Also central will be the use of databases and tips on how to source the best possible information both on language and content.

Aims

This module is a detailed introduction for students reading French: it is a core module for SH French, but available to other students studying French. The aim of this module is two-fold:
- to provide the necessary tools for students who will be working on essay writing and individual research projects, using research databases, on-line language resources, and bibliographic databases in French
- to provide an overview of French history and literature from the Middle Ages up to the mid-20th century (later periods are covered by other modules such as FR12910 Images of France and the French component of EL10520 European film, as well as FR29110/FR39110 Ismes - Cultural and Artistic Movements in France, available in 2nd and Final Year, which is a continuation of this module)
Through a combination of lectures and tutorial sessions, the module will help students develop the study and research skills necessary to be successful during their UG studies, and provide skills and background for content modules and individual research projects (Extended Essay and Final Year SH Dissertation).

Content

This module is delivered in the form of 1 x 1 hour class per week over two semesters.

Program outline:

Semester 1


Week 1 : Welcome ; Medieval France (part 1)

Week 2: Working with definitions

Week 3: Medieval France (part 2)

Week 4: Renaissance and Baroque (part 1)

Week 5: Renaissance and Baroque (part 2)

Week 6: READING WEEK

Week 7: Classicism and Enlightenment (part 1)

Week 8: Classicism and Enlightenment (part 2)

Week 9: Revolution

Week 10: Revision

Week 11: In-class test

Semester 2

Week One: Romanticism

Week 2: Realism

Week 3: Realism

Week 4: Poetry: From Baudelaire to Symbolism

Week 5: Existentialism

Week 6: Reading Week

Week 7: Négritude

Easter Break (3 weeks)

Week 8: preparation for oral presentation.

Week 10: Revision

Week 11: In-class test.


Skills developed:
- time management;
- assessment of essay topics;
- evaluation of essay titles;
- oral presentation skills
- development of ideas;
- planning and writing an introduction;
- assessing resources on-line;
- using bibliographical corpuses;
- effective reading;
- summarising and quotation;
- how to use referencing systems (in-text citation);
- avoiding plagiarism;
- using on-line language resources;
- using specialised monolingual dictionaries in French, printed and online

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Possible, if statistical methods used in the preparation of the oral presentation.
Communication Students will be able to communicate ideas and to practice presentation skills. Ahead of essay 2, they will present their research plan in a small group session
Improving own Learning and Performance Small group and 1-on-1 tutorials will provide the opportunity to discuss the students’ perception of own learning and of the development individual research skills.
Information Technology Students will have to use accurately proficiently on-line databases and research resources
Personal Development and Career planning Students will work independently, developing their written skills both in English and in the target language.
Problem solving This module is designed to confront the most common problems that all UG students will have to solve when studying French texts intellectually, to provide a detailed background for their further studies, and to equip them with a knowledge of the tools available to them.
Research skills To prepare for weekly classes, students will read and research a variety of topics and use sources to evaluate their benefits and disadvantages when writing essays or making oral presentations. They will also prepare specific exercises for the practical classes, enriching their literacy and comprehension.
Subject Specific Skills Inter-personal and communication skills; French language skills; knowledge of culture and diversity; on-line resources

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4