About
Program
A Bachelor of Arts in French Language equips students with strong skills in reading, writing, and speaking French, alongside a deep understanding of French culture, history, and literature. The program typically includes courses in French linguistics, translation, and intercultural communication, preparing students for careers in translation, tourism, teaching, and international business. Graduates with a BA in French Language are well-suited for roles in global companies, government services, or further studies in French or related disciplines.
Program
Highlights
- Language Mastery: Intensive focus on improving proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening to French.
- Cultural Exploration: In-depth study of French culture, literature, art, and history to understand the cultural context of the language.
- Linguistics and Translation: Courses that emphasize French linguistics and translation techniques for effective bilingual communication.
- Practical Experience: Opportunities for internships, study abroad, and exchange programs to enhance real-world learning and exposure.
Program
Outcomes
- Fluency in French: Graduates will achieve advanced proficiency in both written and spoken French.
- Cultural Understanding: Students will develop a deep understanding of French-speaking cultures, literature, and history.
- Translation Competence: Graduates will be equipped with the skills to translate and interpret French accurately in various professional contexts.
Career Preparedness: Students will be prepared for careers in translation, education, tourism, and international business or further studies in French or related disciplines relations, tourism, education, or further studies in French and related fields.
Scope of
Program
The BA in French Language offers students a comprehensive education in the French language and its cultural, historical, and literary foundations. This program provides the necessary linguistic skills and cultural knowledge to pursue careers in fields such as translation, tourism, international relations, and teaching. Students will also develop strong analytical, critical thinking, and intercultural communication skills. The scope of the program includes theoretical learning, practical language use, and immersive cultural experiences through study abroad or internships.
Program
Key features
- Comprehensive Language Training: Focus on mastering all aspects of the French language through rigorous coursework and interactive methods.
- Cultural Immersion: Exploration of French culture, including literature, cinema, philosophy, and history, to enrich the learning experience.
- Global Exposure: Opportunities for international exchange programs and internships to apply learning in real-world settings.
- Career Support: Dedicated resources and guidance for students to explore various career pathways, including translation, tourism, and international business.
Syllabus /Subject list
Year 1: Foundations in French Language and Culture
Semester 1
- Basic French Language Skills
- French alphabet, pronunciation, basic greetings, numbers.
- Vocabulary for daily activities, introductory phrases, and sentence structure.
- French Grammar I
- Introduction to nouns, articles, and adjectives.
- Verb conjugation in present tense, basic sentence structure.
- Reading and Comprehension I
- Simple reading exercises, dialogues, and narratives.
- Comprehension of basic texts, vocabulary building.
- French Speaking and Listening I
- Basic conversation skills (introductions, self-descriptions).
- Listening comprehension for simple audio, greetings, and responses.
- Introduction to French-Speaking Countries
- Overview of Francophone countries and regions.
- Basic French culture, festivals, symbols, and significant landmarks.
- Introduction to French Literature
- French fables and fairy tales (e.g., La Fontaine).
- Analysis of themes, simple literary discussion.
Semester 2
- Elementary French Language Skills
- Vocabulary expansion (family, weather, hobbies).
- Conversational skills for routine activities.
- French Grammar II
- Introduction to negation, question formation, and direct/indirect objects.
- Verb conjugation in past (passé composé) and future tenses.
- Reading and Comprehension II
- Reading short stories and simple passages.
- Understanding main ideas, inferring meaning from context.
- French Speaking and Listening II
- Conversational practice in restaurants, directions, shopping.
- Listening to everyday conversations and responding appropriately.
- French Civilization and History
- Introduction to French history and significant events.
- Overview of French society and notable historical figures.
- Introduction to French Poetry
- Study of simple French poems by authors like Prévert and Baudelaire.
- Themes, imagery, and basic poetic structures.
Year 2: Intermediate Language Skills and Cultural Studies
Semester 3
- Intermediate French Language Skills
- Complex sentences, advanced vocabulary for daily topics.
- Practice writing short essays and personal letters.
- French Grammar III
- Introduction to complex grammar structures, relative pronouns.
- Reflexive verbs, conditional tense, and the imperative.
- French Literature I: Classical Literature
- Study of works by classic authors like Molière and Racine.
- Overview of French Classicism and its themes.
- Translation Techniques I
- Basic translation skills from French to English and vice versa.
- Practice with short texts, idioms, and expressions.
- Introduction to French Cinema
- Study of French films and their socio-cultural contexts.
- Analysis of selected films, characters, and storytelling techniques.
- History of French Language and Dialects
- Evolution of French language, regional dialects, and linguistic influences.
- Introduction to Old French, Middle French, and Modern French.
Semester 4
- French Composition and Essay Writing
- Writing essays on familiar topics, expanding vocabulary.
- Focus on structuring ideas and coherence.
- French Grammar IV
- Advanced grammar topics, subjunctive mood, and complex sentences.
- Passive voice, indirect speech, and advanced syntactic structures.
- French Literature II: Enlightenment and Romanticism
- Overview of the Enlightenment and Romantic movements.
- Study of authors like Voltaire, Rousseau, and Hugo.
- Translation Techniques II
- Advanced translation techniques, translating complex sentences.
- Practice with idiomatic expressions and cultural nuances.
- Contemporary French Society
- Understanding modern-day French society, politics, economy, and social issues.
- Discussions on current events, multiculturalism, and France’s global role.
- French Popular Media
- Study of French newspapers, magazines, and online platforms.
- Summarizing and analyzing news articles, discussing media trends.
Year 3: Advanced Language, Literature, and Linguistics
Semester 5
- Advanced French Writing Skills
- Writing academic essays, reports, and formal letters.
- Developing an academic tone and persuasive writing skills.
- French Grammar V
- Mastery of advanced grammatical structures.
- Complex sentence structures, advanced usage of the subjunctive.
- French Literature III: 19th and 20th Century Literature
- Study of authors like Flaubert, Zola, and Proust.
- Exploration of realism, naturalism, and existentialism in literature.
- Introduction to French Linguistics
- Basics of French phonetics, morphology, syntax, and semantics.
- Study of linguistic theory, phonology, and French pronunciation.
- Research Methodology
- Research methods for cultural, linguistic, and literary studies.
- How to conduct research and write academic papers in French.
- French Cultural Studies
- French art, music, architecture, cuisine, and their influence on society.
- Examination of cultural values and their impact on French identity.
Semester 6
- Academic French and Technical Writing
- Writing research papers, abstracts, technical documents.
- Usage of academic French, formal registers, and technical vocabulary.
- Contemporary French Literature
- Study of post-20th-century authors and themes in modern French literature.
- Analysis of identity, postcolonialism, and contemporary issues.
- Research Project / Dissertation
- Independent research project or thesis on a topic related to French studies.
- Written report and oral presentation of research findings.
- Advanced Translation and Interpretation
- Translating complex texts, introduction to simultaneous interpretation.
- Practice interpreting dialogues, speeches, and official documents.
- French for Specific Purposes
- French for business, tourism, healthcare, and other fields.
- Industry-specific vocabulary and professional language skills.
- Internship / Practical Training
- Internship in a related field (language school, cultural center, embassy).
- Practical application of French language skills in real-world settings.
Internship
Internships for a BA in French Language offer students hands-on experience in bilingual communication, translation, and cultural engagement. These internships can include roles in translation firms, international organizations, media companies, and cultural institutions. Students may also work in the tourism industry, assisting with customer service and guiding French-speaking visitors. Study abroad programs or internships in French-speaking countries further develop language skills and cultural insight, preparing students for global careers.
Placement
Opportunities
- Translation and Interpretation: Opportunities to work with multinational companies, NGOs, and governmental organizations.
- Tourism and Hospitality: Roles in travel agencies, tour companies, and international events where French is a key communication tool.
- Education: Teaching positions at schools, language institutes, or private tutoring.
- International Business: Careers in global companies, focusing on French-speaking regions.