Module Code - Title:
FR4142
-
FRENCH LANGUAGE AND SOCIETY 2: INTRODUCTION TO FRE
Year Last Offered:
2026/7
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
FR4141
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module is set at B1+ on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
(i) To review key aspects of contemporary Francophone societies;
(ii) to continue to develop students receptive and active language skills;
(iii) to consolidate students knowledge of French grammar;
(iv) to reinforce students awareness of issues related to the evolution of the French language and in particular regional varieties and la Francophonie;
(v) to promote students reading and analytical skills in the study of French literature.
Syllabus:
This syllabus is set at B1+ on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Students are introduced in lectures to the study of social, historical, linguistic and literary aspects of France and francophone societies. Themes presented this semester are
(i) decolonisation and the variety of francophone communities;
(ii) the search for identity in modern literature;
(iii) la Francophonie and regional varieties of language. Tutorials explore these subjects and students reading and writing skills are improved through regular exercises. Particular attention is paid to oral and aural skills in French which are developed through the discussion of a broad selection of contemporary oral and written texts from diverse media. Students continue to review issues related to French grammar.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Demonstrate competency in dealing with key issues arising in a selection of French texts from current press publications;
Read and analyse a text chosen from 20th/21st century French literature;
Write an essay in French applying basic principles of textual analysis to a literary text;
Show further knowledge of French grammar in a variety of written exercises.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Understand new concepts, ideas and values drawn from a variety of sources (historical, literary and linguistic).
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Hold a one-to-one conversation in a comprehensible and well-structured way on an aspect of contemporary French society.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module comprises 1 hour of language lab, 1 hour of conversation class and a two hour class covering grammatical and textual work.
The classes should not exceed 20 students.
Prime Texts:
Camus, A. (2000)
L'Etranger
, Livre de Poche
(2001)
Oxford/Hachette French Dictionary
, Oxford: OUP
Renaud, S. and Van Hooff, D. (2007)
En bonne forme (eighth edition)
, Boston: Houghton Mifflin
Other Relevant Texts:
()
Website of the Académie française
, http://www.academie-francaise.fr/
Ardagh, J. (1999)
France in the New Century: Portrait of a Changing Society
, London: Viking.
Huchon, M. (2002)
Histoire de la langue française
, Paris: Livre de poche
Leclerc, J. (2007)
Histoire de la langue française (Chapter 9 : Le français contemporain)
, http://www.tlfq.ulaval.ca/axl/francophonie/histlngfrn.htm
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BACHELOR OF ARTS
BACHELOR OF ARTS (PROFESSIONAL PATHWAYS)
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN CONTEMPORARY DANCE
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE AND EUROPEAN STUDIES
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN IRISH DANCE
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN IRISH MUSIC
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN LANGUAGES AND LITERATURE
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN MUSIC
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN VOICE
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN WORLD MUSIC
BACHELOR OF LAWS (LAW PLUS)
BACHELOR OF LAWS (LLB) IN COMMON AND CIVIL LAW
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
stephanie.oriordan@ul.ie