Course - The World in French - FRA1140
The World in French
New from the academic year 2025/2026
Assessments and mandatory activities may be changed until September 20th.
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.
Recommended previous knowledge
Completed basis courses in French from autumn semester.
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