French  (FRJ1)

The French programme aims to foster critical thinking and to develop intellectual acumen through both the development of linguistic proficiency in French and through the exploration of the rich and complex literary, cultural, historical and philosophical traditions of modern France and Francophone countries. Through a wide range of modules, spanning a wealth of geographical, chronological and generic diversity — from the Renaissance to the contemporary period; from metropolitan France to Québec and francophone America; from poetry, prose and drama to history of ideas and cinema — we are committed to nurturing in students the ability to analyze critically the ways in which language and ideas work, and how they inflect and shape the society in which we live.

Since cultural engagement can only be achieved through an advanced level of linguistic competence, we are dedicated to providing small-group teaching in both language and literary / cultural modules, in order to maintain a vibrant and interactive learning environment for the students, while nonetheless fostering autonomous learning skills and a sense of personal responsibility for learning.

Ultimately, the French programme aims to help create reflective, open-minded individuals, endowed with an understanding of cultural diversity and difference.

1 - Express ideas in accurate and fluid spoken and written French.
2 - Function with ease and confidence in a French-speaking environment.
3 - Facilitate and engage in intercultural exchange.
4 - Know how to tackle a research project in the broadest sense (not only in terms of academic research, but across a range of professional environments).
5 - Know how to evaluate source material.
6 - Know how to articulate the research findings in a coherent and structured fashion.
7 - Apply the principles of critical thinking developed through engagement with French material to the evaluation of ideas more generally.
8 - Demonstrate an ability to think independently.
9 - Understand the ethical implications of ideas as expressed in a considerable range of French literary texts from diverse historical periods.
10 - Articulate an awareness of the ways in which French thinkers and writers over a range of historical periods have reflected on society and on the human condition.
11 - Demonstrate an awareness of the fundamental importance of critical thinking itself, of continual questioning, to the health of any society.

Stage 2

Students must complete Level 2 Language modules before being allowed to register for any Level 3 Language or content modules. Students MUST Complete ALL French Level 2 core modules. In addition, students MUST complete TWO Level 2 option modules.

Stage 3

Students must register to their two Stage 3 core modules and select three of the Level 3 option modules.

Stage 4

Students must register to their two final stage core modules and select three of the Level 3 option modules.

See the UCD Assessment website for further details

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Module Weighting Info