Major structure

The majority of Arts Majors require 100 points of study for attainment. This means out of the 300 point program, you have the opportunity to achieve two Majors in your course. Along with this, the Faculty of Arts offers a variety of Breadth Subjects designed to enhance your learning with options from a variety of fields.

Students complete a sequence of core subjects determined by their background in French and by their level of achievement. Students will have their appropriate entry point determined by the French Studies program, based on evidence of prior language learning and/or results on a placement test as required. The remaining credit points required for the major are attained by the completion of elective subjects in French Studies.

Entry at French Studies 1 is for students who have little or no background in the French language. Students commencing their study of French at this level range from absolute beginners to students who have completed up to four years of French study at secondary level (not including VCE or equivalent)
Entry at French Studies 3 is for students who have completed more than four years of French study at secondary level, including those who have achieved a VCE French study score of up to 34 (up to 4 in IB French), or equivalent
Entry at French Studies 5 is for students who have achieved a VCE French study score of 35 or more (5 or more in IB French), or equivalent

Students will have their appropriate entry point determined by the French Studies program, based on evidence of prior learning and/or results of a placement test as required.

Note: Students completing a Major or Minor in French Studies will need to complete a certain distribution of Compulsory and Elective subjects based on their Entry Point. For more information on required subjects, view the Handbook entry for this course.

This is a sample subject list only. Subjects offered may change from year to year. Current and commencing students must refer to the University Handbook for enrolment purposes.

View Handbook Entry

Sample Study Plans

B-Arts Example

B-Arts (Ext) Example

D-Lang + B-Arts Example

Subject Options:

French Studies 1 entry point - Level 1
Subject	Points
French 1	12.5
French 1 This subject offers students an introduction to the study of language and culture in the French Studies discipline. The subject is designed to equip students who have little or no previous study of the French language with the skills necessary to become independent language learners, and to develop awareness and understanding of French-speaking cultures throughout the world. While developing mastery of the basic grammatical structures of the language, students will begin interpreting and discussing authentic documents in French, including short written texts, for example poems and proverbs, and audiovisual material such as songs and advertisements. Class work and assessment will focus on ... Detailed Information FREN10004
French 2	12.5
French 2 This subject offers students who have completed French 1, or equivalent, an increasing immersion into the study of the French language and of French-speaking cultures throughout the world. Students will develop further autonomy in their study of more sophisticated grammatical structures of the language and in their interpretation of the cultural reference of authentic texts. These documents will be of greater complexity in relation to the previous semester’s work and will include written texts, for example poems and proverbs, and audio-visual material such as songs and a feature film. Students will undertake a research project on an aspect of French-speaking cultures, and will produce wri... Detailed Information FREN10005

French Studies 1 entry point - Level 2
Subject	Points
Intensive French 3 and 4	25
Intensive French 3 and 4 Intensive French 3 and 4 is designed to provide students with a systematic revision and consolidation of the essential structures of French. Classes will present grammar, syntax and vocabulary in meaningful situations. The subject also stresses the productive aspect of language use in practical situations, while extending grammatical and lexical knowledge and refining oral skills. Listening skills are also developed by use of authentic documents. Students will also spend time in private study working on written and oral exercises and using online resources. On completion of the subject students should be able to sustain conversations and express opinions on topics of general interest, hav... Detailed Information FREN20018
French 3	12.5
French 3 This subject will build on the grammatical, lexical and cultural knowledge and the oral skills acquired in French 1 and 2. The course also stresses the productive aspect of language use in practical situations by means of regular small-group activities. In terms of cultural knowledge, students will increase their historical awareness of the background to the birth of Republic. The key character and moment around which the cultural content of the subject will be articulated is “Louis XIV and his absolute monarchy and its fall”. Using materials on these topics, the subject will build on the formal study of French by developing the competences needed for résumé. Students will be given the to... Detailed Information FREN20015
French 4	12.5
French 4 The subject will follow the motto of the French Republic and explore the cultural, social and political aspects linked to these concepts. It will build on the skills developed in French 3 for the purpose of résumé and narrative competencies in oral and written form and expand into more complex sentences and verb forms (subjunctive, gerund, present and past participles). Work on discourse structure will continue. The material used will centre on the important events of the 19th century that will see the gradual consolidation of the republican system through a succession of empires, monarchies and republics. Students will explore modern representations in film and other media of these event... Detailed Information FREN20017

French Studies 1 entry point - Level 3
Subject	Points
French 5	12.5
French 5 What does it mean to be French in the 21st century? Why should this question be asked? The program will explore the controversies concerning French unity that are currently taking place in France, not only in political terms but primarily as a conception of language and culture. The background to these controversies will also be explored by looking into contemporary debates and what feeds into them from the recent past. To this end, the subject will draw on a range of material from popular culture such as songs, advertisements, news articles, comics, TV shows, sport as well as French cinema and literature to explore and analyse the way in which this identity has been negotiated by individ... Detailed Information FREN30003
French 6	12.5
French 6 This subject offers high-level French students a course in advanced conversation structure and analysis. It will build on the linguistic and cultural competences acquired in previous levels to develop greater awareness of how the historical, intercultural, political and social aspects of language impact on oral communication in French. The program will focus on two main areas of conversation: the refinement of conversation as an expression of elegance, intelligence and "esprit" during the Ancien Régime and the political dimensions of contemporary conversation and debate. It will include material on significant cultural taboos and the historical underpinnings of sensitive topics, as well a... Detailed Information FREN30004

French Studies 3 entry point - Level 1
Subject	Points
French 3	12.5
French 3 This subject will build on the grammatical, lexical and cultural knowledge and the oral skills acquired in French 1 and 2. The course also stresses the productive aspect of language use in practical situations by means of regular small-group activities. In terms of cultural knowledge, students will increase their historical awareness of the background to the birth of Republic. The key character and moment around which the cultural content of the subject will be articulated is "Louis XIV and his absolute monarchy and its fall". Using materials on these topics, the subject will build on the formal study of French by developing the competences needed for résumé. Students will be given the to... Detailed Information FREN10001
French 4	12.5
French 4 The subject will follow the motto of the French Republic and explore the cultural, social and political aspects linked to these concepts. It will build on the skills developed in French 3 for the purpose of résumé and narrative competencies in oral and written form and expand into more complex sentences and verb forms (subjunctive, gerund, present and past participles). Work on discourse structure will continue. The material used will centre on the important events of the 19th century that will see the gradual consolidation of the republican system through a succession of empires, monarchies and republics. Students will explore modern representations in film and other media of these event... Detailed Information FREN10003

French Studies 3 entry point - Level 2
Subject	Points
French 5	12.5
French 5 What does it mean to be French in the 21st century? Why should this question be asked? The program will explore the controversies concerning French unity that are currently taking place in France, not only in political terms but primarily as a conception of language and culture. The background to these controversies will also be explored by looking into contemporary debates and what feeds into them from the recent past. To this end, the subject will draw on a range of material from popular culture such as songs, advertisements, news articles, comics, TV shows, sport as well as French cinema and literature to explore and analyse the way in which this identity has been negotiated by individ... Detailed Information FREN20001
French 6	12.5
French 6 This subject offers high-level French students a course in advanced conversation structure and analysis. It will build on the linguistic and cultural competences acquired in previous levels to develop greater awareness of how the historical, intercultural, political and social aspects of language impact on oral communication in French. The program will focus on two main areas of conversation: the refinement of conversation as an expression of elegance, intelligence and "esprit" during the Ancien Régime and the political dimensions of contemporary conversation and debate. It will include material on significant cultural taboos and the historical underpinnings of sensitive topics, as well a... Detailed Information FREN20002

French Studies 3 entry point - Level 3

Subject

Points

French 7

12.5

French 7

Following the focus on advanced oral skills at French 6, students will now develop advanced writing skills. Building on their mastery of résumé and synthèse acquired in previous subjects students will learn how to structure and present more developed essays, such as French "dissertations". This will be done working with the theme, "The culture of the language" in which French is viewed not only as the principal vehicle of French culture; it is also as an object represented in and by that culture. This subject rounds out the study of French by examining traditions that have shaped the understanding of what "French" is for French speakers around the world. The subject is a formal prerequisi...

Detailed Information FREN30001

French Studies 5 entry point - Level 1
Subject	Points
French 5	12.5
French 5 What does it mean to be French in the 21st century? Why should this question be asked? The program will explore the controversies concerning French unity that are currently taking place in France, not only in political terms but primarily as a conception of language and culture. The background to these controversies will also be explored by looking into contemporary debates and what feeds into them from the recent past. To this end, the subject will draw on a range of material from popular culture such as songs, advertisements, news articles, comics, TV shows, sport as well as French cinema and literature to explore and analyse the way in which this identity has been negotiated by individ... Detailed Information FREN10006
French 6	12.5
French 6 This subject offers high-level French students a course in advanced conversation structure and analysis. It will build on the linguistic and cultural competences acquired in previous levels to develop greater awareness of how the historical, intercultural, political and social aspects of language impact on oral communication in French. The program will focus on two main areas of conversation: the refinement of conversation as an expression of elegance, intelligence and "esprit" during the Ancien Régime and the political dimensions of contemporary conversation and debate. It will include material on significant cultural taboos and the historical underpinnings of sensitive topics, as well a... Detailed Information FREN10007

French Studies 5 entry point - Level 2

Subject

Points

French 7

12.5

French 7

Following the focus on advanced oral skills at French 6, students will now develop advanced writing skills. Building on their mastery of résumé and synthèse acquired in previous subjects students will learn how to structure and present more developed essays. This will be done working with the theme, "The culture of the language" in which French is viewed not only as the principal vehicle of French culture; it is also as an object represented in and by that culture. This subject rounds out the study of French by examining traditions that have shaped the understanding of what "French" is for French speakers around the world. The subject is a formal prerequisite for entry into Honours in Fre...

Detailed Information FREN20019

French Studies 5 entry point - Level 3

Subject

Points

More information

Students completing the French Studies major with a French 5 entry point are required to complete 37.50 points of level 3 electives, with a minimum of two French electives. Students completing the French Studies minor with a French 5 entry point are required to complete 25 points of level 3 French electives

Detailed Information More info

French Studies Electives - Level 2
Subject	Points
French Cinema: The New Wave and Beyond	12.5
French Cinema: The New Wave and Beyond This subject offers an introduction to French Cinema from the New Wave to the present. Themes covered in the subject include the New Wave in its social and cultural context; auteur theory; cinematographic language; representations of social change and the interpretation of cultural identities in French film. On completion of the subject, students should demonstrate familiarity with the practices and theoretical concerns of New Wave and post-New Wave filmmakers in France, be able to analyse the social and cultural processes represented in selected films from the period studied, demonstrate an awareness of critical approaches to French film, and communicate the results of their research and... Detailed Information FREN20011
New Caledonia in the 21st Century	12.5
New Caledonia in the 21st Century 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 possible independence from France through a series of referenda between 2014 and 2018. 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 v... Detailed Information FREN20021
In the Heart of the Loire Valley	12.5
In the Heart of the Loire Valley This intensive three week online subject will focus on one of the most creative times of French history, albeit one of the most turbulent, the Renaissance. With a series of lectures and detailed virtual site visits, this subject will examine some of the most striking examples of French Renaissance architecture, including the famed "Chateaux de la Loire" built during the late 16th century, and learn about arts and history. This course will use an interdisciplinary approach (linguistic, history, art history, botany, gastronomy etc.). Detailed Information FREN20020
Romanticism to Decadence: French Novels	12.5
Romanticism to Decadence: French Novels In this subject students will study a selection of novels from the 19th century, analysing their narrative structures, and developing an awareness of their social and political contexts. Various theories of narrative will be used to facilitate an understanding of the evolution of the French novel from Romanticism to Decadence. At the end of this subject students should be able to analyse the narrative structure of various novels and have a better understanding of nineteenth-century French literature. Detailed Information FREN20003
French Translation	12.5
French Translation This course will explore the comparative stylistics of French and English from a theoretical as well as a practical perspective. It will consist of lectures on the methodology of translation from French to English followed by tutorials where it will be put into practice. Students will explore aspects of literary, technical and official translation and their application in today's world. Detailed Information FREN20004
From Page to Stage: French Theatre	12.5
From Page to Stage: French Theatre The aims of this subject are to give an in-depth understanding of the French and francophone theatre literature and to value and critically evaluate this literature. The subject will cover textual analysis of French theatre plays from the 17th century to 21st century, such as Molière's comedies, Racine's tragedies (17th c.), Ionesco's absurdist dramas (20th c.) or Yasmina Reza's or Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt's contemporary dramas (21st c.). Students will have the opportunity to read or perform passages from selected plays. They will also be involved in the creative writing of theatre scenes, role-plays or a short play in French. Detailed Information FREN20022
French and Francophone Cultural Studies	12.5
French and Francophone Cultural Studies This subject aims to consolidate and enhance the overall language competencies that students from the beginner and intermediate streams have previously acquired in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Students will be introduced to the rich history and diversity of the Francophonie, and invited to explore a series of culturally and linguistically diverse Francophone communities around the world. Through their research projects, the weekly reading, discussions and analysis of a wide range of authentic materials (such as short stories, graphic novels, articles, songs, documentaries, films, interviews, news clips, etc.), students will develop effective and appropriate learning and resea... Detailed Information FREN20016

French Studies Electives - Level 3
Subject	Points
French Cinema: The New Wave and Beyond	12.5
French Cinema: The New Wave and Beyond This subject offers an introduction to French Cinema from the New Wave to the present. Themes covered in the subject include the New Wave in its social and cultural context; auteur theory; cinematographic language; representations of social change and the interpretation of cultural identities in French film. On completion of the subject, students should demonstrate familiarity with the practices and theoretical concerns of New Wave and post-New Wave filmmakers in France, be able to analyse the social and cultural processes represented in selected films from the period studied, demonstrate an awareness of critical approaches to French film, and communicate the results of their research and... Detailed Information FREN30013
New Caledonia in the 21st Century	12.5
New Caledonia in the 21st Century 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 possible independence from France through a series of referenda between 2014 and 2018. 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. Detailed Information FREN30019
In the Heart of the Loire Valley	12.5
In the Heart of the Loire Valley This intensive three week online subject will focus on one of the most creative times of French history, albeit one of the most turbulent, the Renaissance. With a series of lectures and detailed virtual site visits, this subject will examine some of the most striking examples of French Renaissance architecture, including the famed "Chateaux de la Loire" built during the late 16th century, and learn about arts and history. This course will use an interdisciplinary approach (linguistic, history, art history, botany, gastronomy etc.). Detailed Information FREN30018
Romanticism to Decadence: French Novels	12.5
Romanticism to Decadence: French Novels In this subject students will study a selection of novels from the 19th century, analysing their narrative structures, and developing an awareness of their social and political contexts. Various theories of narrative will be used to facilitate an understanding of the evolution of the French novel from Romanticism to Decadence. At the end of this subject students should be able to analyse the narrative structure of various novels and have a better understanding of nineteenth-century French literature. Detailed Information FREN30005
French Translation	12.5
French Translation This course will explore the comparative stylistics of French and English from a theoretical as well as a practical perspective. It will consist of lectures on the methodology of translation from French to English followed by tutorials where it will be put into practice. Students will explore aspects of literary, technical and official translation and their application in today's world. Detailed Information FREN30006
From Page to Stage: French Theatre	12.5
From Page to Stage: French Theatre The aims of this subject are to give an in-depth understanding of the French and francophone theatre literature and to value and critically evaluate this literature. The subject will cover textual analysis of French theatre plays from the 17th century to 21st century, such as Molière's comedies, Racine's tragedies (17th c.), Ionesco's absurdist dramas (20th c.) or Yasmina Reza's or Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt's contemporary dramas (21st c.). Students will have the opportunity to read or perform passages from selected plays. They will also be involved in the creative writing of theatre scenes, role-plays or a short play in French. Detailed Information FREN30020

Other Electives - Level 2
Subject	Points
A Taste of Europe: Melbourne Intensive	12.5
A Taste of Europe: Melbourne Intensive In this course students learn about a selection of European cuisines and how they have been plated up for consumption in Melbourne. Food and wine are often used to support national and regional identity. In the first part of this course, students will consider the relationship between gastronomy and identity. Students will be introduced to a range of key culinary concepts and practices and the way we talk about them. Through analysis of some of the key features of French, Italian and Spanish cuisines, students will consider how these countries' culinary profiles speak to wider socio-political issues such as authenticity, food and space, cultural practices and the history of food and wine.... Detailed Information EURO20007
Europe and its Others	12.5
Europe and its Others This subject explores portrayals and perceptions of perceived "Others" in Europe - such as Jews, Muslims, "gypsies" and refugees - and how they have contributed to European identities in the past and today. Looking at literature, film, philosophy, music, food and popular culture, the subject will seek to understand how Europe's Others are essential to the formation and maintenance of national, ethnic and religious identities in many European countries. It will examine the role of Others "within" (such as the Jews) and Others "without" (such as colonial subjects) and consider kinds of European "Othering" that position the Other as either appealing and attractive or threatening and repulsiv... Detailed Information EURO20006
Memory & Memoirs of 20th Century Europe	12.5
Memory & Memoirs of 20th Century Europe The eye-witness account and the personal memoir offer powerful ways of exploring the human legacy of overwhelming historical events on individual lives. But how do literary genres like the memoir and autobiography manage to speak about unspeakable topics, how do they represent the unrepresentable and write about trauma? What is the function, and what the effect, of writing memory for the victim, for the reader, and for the perpetrator? How do the offspring of the victims and perpetrators "remember" their parents" traumas and shape memories of events they have only experienced second-hand? What is the relationship between fiction and memory in memoir writing and how do we read a testimonia... Detailed Information EURO20003

Other Electives - Level 3
Subject	Points
A Taste of Europe: Melbourne Intensive	12.5
A Taste of Europe: Melbourne Intensive In this course students learn about a selection of European cuisines and how they have been plated up for consumption in Melbourne. Food and wine are often used to support national and regional identity. In the first part of this course, students will consider the relationship between gastronomy and identity. Students will be introduced to a range of key culinary concepts and practices and the way we talk about them. Through analysis of some of the key features of French, Italian and Spanish cuisines, students will consider how these countries' culinary profiles speak to wider socio-political issues such as authenticity, food and space, cultural practices and the history of food and wine.... Detailed Information EURO30006
Europe and its Others	12.5
Europe and its Others This subject explores portrayals and perceptions of perceived "Others" in Europe - such as Jews, Muslims, "gypsies" and refugees - and how they have contributed to European identities in the past and today. Looking at literature, film, philosophy, music, food and popular culture, the subject will seek to understand how Europe's Others are essential to the formation and maintenance of national, ethnic and religious identities in many European countries. It will examine the role of Others "within" (such as the Jews) and Others "without" (such as colonial subjects) and consider kinds of European "Othering" that position the Other as either appealing and attractive or threatening and repulsiv... Detailed Information EURO30005
Memory & Memoirs of 20th Century Europe	12.5
Memory & Memoirs of 20th Century Europe The eye-witness account and the personal memoir offer powerful ways of exploring the human legacy of overwhelming historical events on individual lives. But how do literary genres like the memoir and autobiography manage to speak about unspeakable topics, how do they represent the unrepresentable and write about trauma? What is the function, and what the effect, of writing memory for the victim, for the reader, and for the perpetrator? How do the offspring of the victims and perpetrators "remember" their parents" traumas and shape memories of events they have only experienced second-hand? What is the relationship between fiction and memory in memoir writing and how do we read a testimonia... Detailed Information EURO30002

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Major structure

Sample Study Plans

Subject Options:

French 1

French 2

Intensive French 3 and 4

French 3

French 4

French 5

French 6

French 3

French 4

French 5

French 6

French 7

French 5

French 6

French 7

More information

French Cinema: The New Wave and Beyond

New Caledonia in the 21st Century

In the Heart of the Loire Valley

Romanticism to Decadence: French Novels

French Translation

From Page to Stage: French Theatre

French and Francophone Cultural Studies

French Cinema: The New Wave and Beyond

New Caledonia in the 21st Century

In the Heart of the Loire Valley

Romanticism to Decadence: French Novels

French Translation

From Page to Stage: French Theatre

A Taste of Europe: Melbourne Intensive

Europe and its Others

Memory & Memoirs of 20th Century Europe

A Taste of Europe: Melbourne Intensive

Europe and its Others

Memory & Memoirs of 20th Century Europe