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What is French Studies?

 

French Studies teaches and analyses the language, societies and cultures of France and selected Francophone (French speaking) societies. It offers students a different cultural perspective on many subjects of world concern.

The School of Language Studies offers French courses at eight different levels, from beginners to advanced . New students with prior knowledge sit a placement test before enrolling in order to determine the appropriate language level of entry. All French courses integrate language learning with culture, politics, literature and topical issues in contemporary French speaking societies. Audio and visual materials as well as IT facilities are used at all levels. In addition to the standard French courses, the Program offers optional courses in later years that focus for example on literature, France in Europe and Africa, film, the Francophone Pacific etc. (Topics may change from year to year depending on staff availability) . All courses are taught in French, and all student work is done in French.

 

French: World Language and Culture

People of many nationalities besides the French themselves speak French; it is one of the languages of the Pacific region, of North America and of much of Africa. France is influential in the European Union and is an official language in all international organisations. It has given us eminent philosophers, writers, and painters since medieval times as well as leading film directors in the modern period.

In the Australian context, France has major business interests, particularly in the mining and viticulture sectors, and increasingly in electronics, banking and finance, while French-Australian collaboration in scientific and industrial research is strong and growing. The ANU has exchange agreements with several French and Francophone Universities, and there are scholarships available from the French government to students who choose to study in a Francophone environment for part of their degree.

A Wise Choice for Your Career and Intellectual Challenge

France is one of Australia's largest trading partners. Its economic power gives France a key role within the European Community, in Africa, and in the Pacific. Broad communication and language skills, as well as an understanding of the history, politics, economy and culture of French-speaking countries, combined for example with economics, law, international relations, the arts or the natural sciences are attractive to employers operating in areas such as international law, business, international relations, sciences and technology, media, tourism and the arts.

The ANU offers various specialised Bachelor of Arts programs, e.g. BA (European Studies), BA (International Relations), and many Combined Degree programs, e.g. Arts/Commerce, Arts/Law, or Arts/Asian Studies. In all of these French has much to offer.