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French and Francophone Studies

About the major

French has for centuries been a major language of international culture, and the French literary and artistic tradition is of great historical significance. French and Francophone critical thought has long occupied a highly influential position in the humanities and social sciences.

French is spoken by over 300 million people all over the world. It is an official language in 29 countries and is widely used as the international language of diplomacy, notably in the United Nations and the European Union.

Whatever your prior knowledge of French, the Discipline of French and Francophone Studies provides pathways to a French and Francophone major. When you can enrol in our Introductory, Intermediate or Advanced pathway, you will gain a deep understanding of the literature, culture and history of the French and Francophone worlds, while developing your fluency in French. In addition, you will have the opportunity to spend a semester or a year on exchange in France, Switzerland or Canada to exercise your language skills and develop an understanding of cultural intricacies first hand.

Our units of study are led by academic researchers with expertise in modern and contemporary literature, cinema, art, theory and translation. Most teaching in the Discipline of French and Francophone Studies is in French, with content, class activities and assessment all adapted to your language level in each year of study. Our teaching is strongly focused on cultural literacy and on student participation and interaction, so that you develop autonomy as learners of French and as independent thinkers.

Our graduates work in fields as diverse as international relations and trade, journalism, information technology, teaching, law, medicine, the arts and a range of international organisations.

Requirements for completion

The French and Francophone major and minor are available via the pathways indicated below.

Students will follow the appropriate pathway specified in the unit of study tables, based on their individual language level*. Students completing any of the pathways below will be awarded a major or minor in French and Francophone Studies.

* Appropriate language units are determined by language level and grade therein achieved in Higher School Certificate or International Baccalaureate, and/or by a placement questionnaire and if necessary a one-on-one interview prior to commencement. If you are unsure of your language level or which pathway is appropriate for you, please contact the Discipline's Undergraduate Coordinator for advice.

Please note: A 'gap' year after Year 12 does not normally affect placement.

Advanced coursework

Requirements and units of study for advanced coursework can be found on the advanced coursework units of study page.

Honours

Students may qualify for Honours regardless of the language level at which they commenced.

It is strongly recommended that all intending Honours students complete an exchange of at least one semester in a French-speaking country.

Honours admission requirements

Admission to Honours is via the Bachelor of Advanced Studies or Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and requires the completion of a major in French and Francophone Studies with an average of 70 percent or above.

Prior to commencing honours, you will need to ensure you have completed all other requirements of the Bachelor of Arts or other bachelor degree, including Open Learning Environment (OLE) units and, where undertaking the Bachelor of Advanced Studies, a second major.

Requirements and units of study for honours can be found on the French and Francophone Studies honours units of study page.

Contacts and further information

More information and current contact details for academic coordinators can be found on the Discipline of French and Francophone Studies website.