Introduction to French Studies

Wedi cwblhau'r modiwl dylai'r myfyrwyr fedru:

1. Show in-depth awareness of French language, history and culture
2. Compile an effective bibliographical corpus for a given topic
3. Read critically primary sources and scholarly workshrasing and reference systems following the established conventions
4. Write/present a clear and well-structured argument both orally and in essay writing
5. Present independent ideas both in speech and in writing
6. Use quotations, paraphrasing, reference system

This module will provide students with a thorough grounding in French history and history of literature, as well as the necessary skills to write brief and extended pieces of work; to present a coherent argument, to organize and support their ideas, and the necessary techniques to communicate in French. Students will also be provided with the necessary skills to use on-line sources and archives proficiently within academic conventions. Students will gain confidence in time management, developing, planning, analytical, interpretive, persuasive and critical skills. To achieve this goal this module will also teach students how to become proficient readers when researching on a topic. Also central will be the use of databases and tips on how to source the best possible information both on language and content.

This module is a detailed introduction for students reading French: it is a core module for SH French, but available to other students studying French. The aim of this module is two-fold:
- to provide the necessary tools for students who will be working on essay writing and individual research projects, using research databases, on-line language resources, and bibliographic databases in French
- to provide an overview of French history and literature from the Middle Ages up to the mid-20th century (later periods are covered by other modules such as FR12910 Images of France and the French component of EL10520 European film, as well as FR29110/FR39110 Ismes - Cultural and Artistic Movements in France, available in 2nd and Final Year, which is a continuation of this module)
Through a combination of lectures and tutorial sessions, the module will help students develop the study and research skills necessary to be successful during their UG studies, and provide skills and background for content modules and individual research projects (Extended Essay and Final Year SH Dissertation).

This module is delivered in the form of 1 x 1 hour class per week over two semesters.

Program outline:

Semester 1


Week 1 : Welcome ; Medieval France (part 1)

Week 2: Working with definitions

Week 3: Medieval France (part 2)

Week 4: Renaissance and Baroque (part 1)

Week 5: Renaissance and Baroque (part 2)

Week 6: READING WEEK

Week 7: Classicism and Enlightenment (part 1)

Week 8: Classicism and Enlightenment (part 2)

Week 9: Revolution

Week 10: Revision

Week 11: In-class test

Semester 2

Week One: Romanticism

Week 2: Realism

Week 3: Realism

Week 4: Poetry: From Baudelaire to Symbolism

Week 5: Existentialism

Week 6: Reading Week

Week 7: Négritude

Easter Break (3 weeks)

Week 8: preparation for oral presentation.

Week 10: Revision

Week 11: In-class test.


Skills developed:
- time management;
- assessment of essay topics;
- evaluation of essay titles;
- oral presentation skills
- development of ideas;
- planning and writing an introduction;
- assessing resources on-line;
- using bibliographical corpuses;
- effective reading;
- summarising and quotation;
- how to use referencing systems (in-text citation);
- avoiding plagiarism;
- using on-line language resources;
- using specialised monolingual dictionaries in French, printed and online

Mae'r modiwl hwn yn cydymffurfio a FfCChC Lefel 4