course-details-portlet

FRA1140

The World in French

New from the academic year 2025/2026

Assessments and mandatory activities may be changed until September 20th.

Credits 7.5
Level Foundation courses, level I
Course start Spring 2026
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction French
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Home exam

About

About the course

Course content

What does the world look like in French? This course takes a thematic approach to French-language literature and French as a global language. Through the study of selected literary texts, we examine different issues related to representations of the French-speaking world and to the world in French.

Examples of topics that may be covered include cultural and linguistic identity, multilingualism and cultural hybridity, cultural encounters and conflicts, gender and class, colonization and decolonization, literature, language, and power. Relevant secondary literature will be discussed in connection with the primary texts. Students will learn to write text comments in French.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

Candidates who have passed this course

  • have insight into how literature represents political and cultural issues
  • have insight into the spread and diversity of French as a global literary language
  • have insight into how the French language is embedded in global and local power relations

Skills

Candidates who have passed this course

  • are able to read and understand short French-language texts from different genres
  • are able to use analytical terms in comments and interpretations of literary texts
  • are able to write short academic texts in French

General competence

Candidates who have passed this course

  • possess basic analytical skills
  • have basic competence in constructing and structuring texts

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and group sessions with discussion. Practical assignments. The course is taught in French.

75% mandatory attendance (in lectures and seminars)

The absence limit is intended to cover normal sick leave and similar situations. Therefore, you will not be granted valid absence from teaching based on a medical certificate, even if the absence is due to circumstances beyond your control.

In special cases, agreements for exemption can be made with the course coordinator, preferably at the start of the semester.

Obligatory assignments:

2 written works in French

For students following the programme in Language Studies with Teacher Education, at least one of the assignments must have a didactic focus.

Approved obligatory assignments are valid for two semesters (the semester in which the approval is given, plus the following semester). All obligatory assignments must be completed in the same semester.

Compulsory assignments

  • 2 written works in French
  • 75% attendance in all teaching activities

Further on evaluation

The course is assessed by a written home examination (7 days), approx. 1000 to 1500 words. The exam must be answered in French.

Course materials

The reading list will be available at the beginning of the semester.

Subject areas

  • French Language
  • French Literature
  • French
  • French Cultural Studies
  • French Literature
  • Language Studies

Contact information

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Language and Literature

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Home exam
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Spring 2026

Home exam
Weighting 100/100 Duration 7 days Exam system Inspera Assessment