French & Francophone Studies (FRC1)

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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.


French at university level is not just a continuation of what you have been doing at school. Studying French at UCD has two main dimensions: (a) the development of language and communication skills, and (b) the critical exploration of French and Francophone culture. The Stage 1 language programme consists of two tutorial hours per week. The first hour, devoted to Written French, sets out to improve your basic grasp of the main elements of French grammar. The second hour, devoted to Oral French, takes the form of conversation classes with native French speakers. The Stage 1 programme further examines the broader cultural context of the French language by offering an Introduction to French Literature. This programme exposes you to a representative sample of literary texts drawn from a range of genres and periods, with a view to promoting skills of critical analysis and essay writing. For admission you should have a pass in Honours Leaving Certificate French (we recommend at least a C) or the equivalent. You should be prepared to study both the language and the culture in a spirit of active, critical inquiry and be eager to spend time in a French-speaking country during your time as a student. A year abroad on an approved programme of studies in a French-speaking university is a built-in feature of the BA (International) programme.

Students may progress with French in Stage 2 having passed two modules in French offered at Stage 1. Students wishing to progress must have passed FR10070 French Grammar and Expression plus one other French module offered in Stage 1.

1 - 1. Express ideas in accurate and fluid spoken and written French
2 - 2. Function with ease and confidence in a French-speaking environment
3 - 3. Facilitate and engage in intercultural exchange
4 - 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 - 5. Know how to evaluate source material
6 - 6. Know how to articulate the research findings in a coherent and structured fashion
7 - 7. Apply the principles of critical thinking developed through engagement with French material to the evaluation of ideas more generally
8 - 8. Demonstrate an ability to think independently
9 - 9. Understand the ethical implications of ideas as expressed in a considerable range of French literary texts from diverse historical periods
10 - 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 - 11. Demonstrate an awareness of the fundamental importance of critical thinking itself, of continual questioning, to the health of any society
Stage 1

Students who wish to progress to Stage Two must pass FR10070 French Grammar & Expression at Stage 1 and one other Stage 1 FR option module.

Module ID Module Title Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
     
FR10070 French Grammar & Expression Spring 5
Stage 1 Core Modules
     
Stage 1 Options - C)MIN1OF:
Select 1 option module from the list below
      
FR10060 French Grammar & Comprehension Autumn 5
FR10120 Reading Short French Texts: Literary Analysis Autumn 5
FR10130 French Fictions Spring 5
Stage 1 Options - C)MIN1OF:
Select 1 option module from the list below
      

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