Francophonie

Aims

Aims

This course aims to increase students' awareness of the development and distribution of the French language and culture in the world and investigate the problems and opportunities facing French speaking countries. The course will explore the development of French influence and presence outside the Hexagon and explore the nature and diversity of countries and regions in the world where French plays a significant role.

From a range of sources as well as relevant authentic material, wherever possible, students will study various contemporary situations in selected fields of interests - social, political, economic, cultural etc. - related to the French influence in the world.

Prerequisites

Prerequisites

Students must have successfully completed:

• F03C French language and society I
• F06C French grammar

Programme

Programme

Contact hours

Two hours a week.

Teaching programme

The medium of instruction is French. There will be a weekly lecture to introduce the context and key facts related to a particular aspect of the theme. This will be followed by 1 hour seminar devoted to the analysis of selected extracts of written and audio-visual materials in French through varying activities.

Various oral/aural and written exercises will help students develop an understanding of the French language used in Francophone countries, including:

• The development of French as an international language
• The concept of Francophonie: historical overview, definitions
• French in the overseas DOM/TOM
• The place of French in the European Union
• Case studies: Francophone countries

Teaching materials

Bibliographical references will be supplied during the course. Consultation of French daily newspapers and weekly magazines is essential for the students to keep up to date with current issues in the Francophone world.

Assessment and feedback

Assessment and feedback

Feedback on formative work

• Oral commentary and dialogue within class on oral and written language work, given immediately both to individuals and to group.
• Oral commentary and dialogue on seminar presentation, given to the individual presenter following the seminar.
• Written comments and mark on university scale given to individual students for practice essays, with opportunity for individual consultation. The essays will be returned to students two weeks after seminar.

Summative assessment and feedback

• Examination - exam period term 2
  Closed exam (Paper 1)
  • Duration: 1.5 hours
  • Weight: 30%
  • Feedback: Individuals will be allowed to see their exam paper with comments, under supervision, at an appointed date after the external examiner has reviewed the papers
• Examination – exam period term 3
  Closed exam (Paper 2)
  • Duration: 1.5 hours
  • Weight: 30%
  • Feedback: Individuals will be allowed to see their exam paper with comments, under supervision, at an appointed date after the external examiner has reviewed the papers
• Research essay - to be handed in term 3
  In the target language (Paper 3)
  • Length: 1500 words
  • Date: handed in term 3
  • Weight: 40%