This plan is only available to students commencing from 2009 onwards

The major in French studies enables students to study French at a number of levels in order to attain proficiency. Courses are offered from the introductory level to the advanced and professional levels. Students not only develop their knowledge of the French language, but also gain intercultural awareness and understanding of the French-speaking world. They study cultures, communities, societies and literature in France and the Francophone world. The French language plays a key role in expressing the cultures and identities of the places in which it is spoken. Learning French will provide students with a privileged form of access to the cultural resources and complex patterns of life in other countries. Developing competence in French will have an important place in promoting relationships and mutual understanding between countries and peoples.

There are two main components of language study. The first is a focus on the acquisition of competence in the target language. Acquiring target language competence involves a wide range of knowledge and understanding as well as skills in self-expression, both oral and written, and skills in comprehending other people’s expression, both oral and written. The second component is the study of aspects of the cultures and societies associated with the French language. We draw upon other disciplines in order to inform understanding of French and Francophone cultures. These disciplines include linguistic, literary, cultural, historical and social productions. Via the study of the French language and associated disciplines, we aim:

1. to foster understanding of the experiences and world-views of French and Francophone cultures;
2. to develop informed understanding of human experiences, cultures, and societies where French is spoken;
3. to enable students to place contemporary Australian society and culture in an historical and comparative context vis-à-vis French and Francophone societies and cultures;
4. to develop the skills of critical, creative, and imaginative thinking about French and Francophone societies, cultures, and the arts;
5. to promote the techniques and value of reasoned and open-minded discussion and debate.


This plan is available to students commencing at Introductory and Intermediate entry levels.

Placement Information

Students who wish to enrol in a language course without completing the necessary prerequisites are required to complete an online placement application form before the commencement of the semester.

For more information, please see the School Website.

For students admitted in their first year of study to ARTS2480 or higher on the grounds of ability and/or previous study, such courses will be counted as Level 1 courses in terms of degree requirements.

A student who wishes to gain a major sequence in French Studies must complete 54 units of credit in approved courses.
A list of French Contextual and Professional Studies Courses is outlined below.

Please consult the School Website for more detailed information about the requirements for entry to the Honours Program.