Outline

Overview

French is spoken in a variety of countries across the planet. Drawing upon case studies from a range of French-speaking countries, we will explore key issues of language usage, such as official vs. minority languages, language policy, multilingualism and diglossia, questions of language and identity, colonialism, and the broader workings of power and politics in language.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	French and Francophone Studies
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	FRNC1632 or FRNC3002 or FRNC3606 or FRNC3626 or FRNC2633 or FRNC3633
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Clara Sitbon, clara.sitbon@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Interactive oral	Interactive Oral Assessment Conversation with teacher on research findings, methodology, group work and AI. Students choose timeslot between Week 8 and Week 11	40%	Multiple weeks	Duration: 15 minutes (eq 3000 wds)	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group presentation with submitted component Group presentation with submitted component - Week 12 or Week 13 depending on enrolments	20%	Multiple weeks	7 min per student (eq 1000 wds)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Class Participation Preparation for and active participation in seminars	10%	Ongoing	N/A	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Research analysis	Research Project Part 1 Part 1 of Scaffolded Research Project: Data collection and analysis	15%	Week 05 Due date: 29 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 11 Apr 2026	1000 words in French	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Research analysis	Research Project Part 2 Scaffolded Research Part 2: Research analysis in groups	15%	Week 08 Due date: 26 Apr 2026 at 23:29 Closing date: 10 May 2026	1000 wds in French per student	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas. Please note the slight difference between the assessment details in the handbook and those in the UoS outline and on Canvas. The details in the UoS outline and on Canvas are the final version.

Assessment criteria

Result Name	Mark Range	Description
High Distinction	85-100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school
Distinction	75-84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school
Credit	65-74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school
Pass	50-64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school
Fail	0-49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard

See this site for further details: https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.html

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Work not submitted on or before the due date is subject to a penalty of 5% per calendar day late. If work is submitted more than 10 days after the due date, or is submitted after the return date, the mark will be 0. Details of the Faculty Resolutions and Provisions regarding late work: Undergraduate: https://www.sydney.edu.au/handbooks/arts/governance/faculty_resolutions.shtml

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction au cours Naissance et évolution du français Les langues en France	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Notions clé de sociolinguistique: multilinguisme, plurilinguisme, planification linguistique, etc.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Le Français en Europe. Etude de cas: le multilinguisme d'Etat en Belgique et en Suisse; Assessment Workshop 1 (Research Project Part 1)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Langue, Pouvoir et Identité; Etude de cas: l'écriture inclusive (1)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Langues régionales et minoritaires; Le pouvoir de l'Union Européenne et l'enjeu politique des langues régionales.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	No class (Good Friday Public Holiday)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Etude de cas: la langue Corse	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Le Français des Amériques (Canada, Louisiane, Antilles); Etude de cas: Renouveau linguistique en Louisiane; Assessment Workshop 2 (Research Project Part 2)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Langue et pouvoir: l'héritage colonial du français.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Ecriture inclusive 2: Enjeux politiques; Assessment Workshop 3 (Interactive Oral Assessment)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Bilan; Assessment Workshop 4 (Research Project Part 3)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Group Oral Presentations (Research Project Part 3)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Group Oral Presentations (Research Project Part 3)	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students are expected to prepare for, attend and actively participate in all weekly seminars.

Faculty Resolutions on Attendance (section 9, paragraphs 2 and 3):

Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90 per cent of timetabled activities for a unit of study. [...]
The case of any formally enrolled student who is absent from 50% or more of classes, regardless of the reasons for the absence, will be automatically referred to the end-of-semester departmental examiners’ meeting for a determination as to whether the student should pass or fail the unit.

For more information, please see Resolutions of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences: https://www.sydney.edu.au/policies/showdoc.aspx?recnum=PDOC2022/540&RendNum=0

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit will be provided on Canvas.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Demonstrate an understanding of key sociolinguistic concepts relating to the Francophone world
LO2. Demonstrate an understanding of the French-speaking world and its origins, including its relation to the French Colonial Empire and its aftermath
LO3. Display critical analysis skills developed through independent research on aspects of linguistic issues in the French-speaking world
LO4. Communicate effectively and ethically in French in oral and in written form

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Changes were made in assessment design, themes covered, and learning activities reflecting student feedback, latest developments in higher education pedagogy, and the rapid development of AI

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

FRNC3101: Language and Power in the Francosphere

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links