Module FREN2041: POLITICS & CULTURE OF CONTEMPORARY FRANCE

Department: Modern Language and Cultures (French)

FREN2041: POLITICS & CULTURE OF CONTEMPORARY FRANCE

Prerequisites

• French Language 1 (FREN1011) OR an equivalent qualification to the satisfaction of the Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.

Corequisites

• Modern Languages, Combined Honours and all Joint and 'with' programmes: French Language 2 (FREN2051). Other: see Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To introduce students to the ways in which the government and culture of the Fifth Republic have developed since 1958, and to study the social and political issues which shape contemporary French culture.

Content

• This module is intended to introduce second-year students to the ways in which the government and culture of the Fifth Republic have developed over the last 50 years.
• It will be of particular interest to students proposing to spend their third year in France, as well as to those with a particular interest in the social and political issues which shape modern French culture.
• Topics: The founding and constitution of the Fifth Republic, de Gaulle and 1968, leaders and parties from Pompidou to Sarkozy, the urbanisation of Modern France, intellectuals and thinkers, education, the media, immigrants, equality and identity.

Learning Outcomes

• Student will develop knowledge of French politics and culture.

• By the end of this module students should have improved reading skills in French and techniques of literary analysis.

• The further development of general written and oral communication kills.
• The ability to discuss topical or general issues with fluency.
• The ability to seek out and identify appropriate sources of evidence and information.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• This module is taught by means of a weekly lecture and fortnightly seminar. Students are required to attend all lectures and seminars and are expected to prepare themselves for classes and participate actively in discussions.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

None

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University