French studies

French intensive Study Abroad subject July 2019
New Caledonia in the 21st century

French studies helps to develop an ability to communicate effectively in the French language in order to enhance your understanding of the French-speaking world. This ability is achieved through the study of French literature, film, theatre, translation, travel writing, food & wine, immigration & identity.

Overview

French is one of the world's major international languages: it is spoken by over 200 million people in 43 countries, on five continents. A knowledge of French increases your chances of communicating in a non-English-speaking country and may enhance access to careers in international relations and development studies, business, science and the arts.

The overall objective of the French Studies program is to enable you to develop an ability to communicate effectively in the French language in order to enhance your understanding of the French-speaking world. This abilitiy will be achieved through the study of a variety of aspects of French-speaking cultures including literature, film, theatre, translation, travel writing, food and wine, immigration and identity.

The program aims to teach students how to communicate opinions and how to understand information, ideas and arguments in French, based on a wide variety of materials and experiences. You will develop skills in recognising the mechanics of the language, understanding the logic of the text, and critiquing it where appropriate. You will learn how to choose appropriate language and how to use it effectively. You will also learn how to organise your work logically. In all subject levels you will undertake independent research projects in French. Through this research you learn how to choose interesting materials, and how to use your processing, critical and production skills to present what you have found. All subjects at all levels will help you acquire these skill sets, proficiences that are transferable to many other subjects and workplaces.

French intensive Study Abroad subject July 2019: FREN20021 / FREN30019 New Caledonia in the 21st century

First half of July 2019 dates to be confirmed

This course, which includes an intensive in-country component, will explore the history, politics and socio-cultural context of New Caledonia as it transitions towards independence from France.

This will be achieved by examining the events which have led to this transition, including the independence movements in the 1970s and 80s and the Matignon and Nouméa agreements.

The central theme of the course is the common destiny of the various peoples of New Caledonia; this theme will be examined through a series of lectures and workshops prior to departure, and a diverse program of activities on site in New Caledonia, including a visit to the Kanak Customary Senate and a stay with a Kanak community.

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