MA (French)

Course details

The MA in French is an appropriate means of achieving a very high degree of oral and written fluency in French in addition to developing competency in research methods and intellectual enquiry. It combines advanced linquistic work with in-depth literary and cultural analysis of France and the French-speaking world. It develops expertise appropriate to careers in secondary and higher education, the creative industries and other fields requiring high levels of communicative competence, intercultural awareness and critical insight.

Key facts

Entry requirements

• Second Class Honours NQAI level 8 degree or equivalent with Second Class Honours Grade 2 or equivalent in French.

Course outline

The programme comprises individual modules taught by experienced staff with a record of internationally recognised publications. The seminar-based format allows the productive combination of small-group tuition and varieties of student-centred learning, including translation experience. Tuition consists of specialist seminars in each semester and a year-long translation class. Seminars may include the following topics: Autofiction in French Literature: (Un-) Veiling the Self; Critical Approaches and Methods; Literature of Francophone Canada; Literature of France in Algeria; Representations of the Islamic Other in Medieval France; Spirituality and Literature; and Advanced French Language Studies. (Not all seminars will necessarily be offered each year.)

Together, these courses allow students to enhance and expand existing personal connections with and insights into French and Francophone societies and cultures. The specialized dissertation prepared in the second semester will then allow the student to engage in an individually negotiated project, which will generate a substantial piece of personal research.

The programme enables students to develop significantly their linquistic competence and analytical resources so that they may contribute effectively to professional and economic activities in a broad range of fields and/or pursue doctoral research in French.

Requirements and assessment

Literature and culture seminars are examined by essay. Language proficiency is assessed continuously throughout the year. An oral examination is held, typically consisting of a research presentation. A minor thesis is also submitted by students.