French

Course summary

- Deepen your interest in the language and culture of the French-speaking world. - Participate in conversations and discussions with our French Language Assistant on a range of topical issues and current affairs in the French-speaking world. - Gain an insight into French literature and film through the study of two texts. This course is for you if you enjoy communicating in a foreign language, with a keen interest in the French language and Francophone world. You should be open-minded and keen to experience the life and culture of other countries, for example through reading foreign literature, watching foreign films and travelling. The course requires you to follow current events and issues in French-speaking countries, as well as develop independent study skills so that you will have the necessary attributes to be a successful student at university. You will learn about the culture and civilization of France and the wider French-speaking world. You will develop not only your higher speaking, listening, reading and writing skills but also your translation techniques and further understand the rules of French grammar. Many topics build on GCSE knowledge and you will study a range of contemporary topics, such as the changing nature of the family, the ‘cyber-society, the place of voluntary work, culture, contemporary francophone music and cinema. Your course will include an in-depth study of grammar with translation to and from French. In the second year of the course, further aspects of the social background of French-speaking countries are covered - positive features of a diverse society, life for the marginalised, the treatment of criminals, political engagement of young people, the role of demonstrations and strikes and politics and immigration. Alongside this, you will study a French film and text and develop essay-writing skills.