Modules | Department of Languages, Cultures and Film

Modern Languages and Cultures

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.

Title	THE SOCIOLINGUISTICS OF MODERN FRENCH
Code	FREN333
Coordinator	Professor RJ Blackwood Languages, Cultures and Film Robert.Blackwood@liverpool.ac.uk
Year	CATS Level	Semester	CATS Value
Session 2024-25	Level 6 FHEQ	First Semester	15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):

FREN208 ADVANCED FRENCH 8

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:

Co-requisite modules:

Teaching Schedule

	Lectures	Seminars	Tutorials	Lab Practicals	Fieldwork Placement	Other	TOTAL
Study Hours	12	10					22
Timetable (if known)
Private Study							128
TOTAL HOURS							150

Assessment
EXAM	Duration	Timing (Semester)	% of final mark	Resit/resubmission opportunity	Penalty for late submission	Notes

CONTINUOUS	Duration	Timing (Semester)	% of final mark	Resit/resubmission opportunity	Penalty for late submission	Notes
There is a resit opportunity This will be marked anonymously Standard UoL penalties will apply.	0		50
There is a resit opportunity This will be marked anonymously Standard UoL penalties will apply.	0		50

Aims

Deepen students’ understanding of language policy in general, and French language policy in particular (from the reign of François I to François Hollande );

Explore the social situation in France with regard to the use of language;

Consider aspects of variation in language across France (both European and overseas territories);

Introduce students to the methodology of research in sociolinguistics.

Learning Outcomes
(LO1) Understand the ways in which language is appropriate for social purposes.
(LO2) Read and use unfamiliar texts, including journal articles
(LO3) Evaluate critical approaches to sociolinguistic issues in France
(LO4) Contribute to seminar discussion, exploiting their own increased understanding of the issues at play
(S1) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills – oral
(S2) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Academic writing (inc. referencing skills)
(S3) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis
(S4) Global citizenship - Cultural awareness

Teaching and Learning Strategies

The majority of teaching will be delivered face-to-face on campus. Online delivery will be used to complement the on-campus delivery and where technology affords a better learning experience.

Lecture:
The aims of this module are to reintroduce students to linguistic study of the use of French, whilst encouraging them to develop independent study outside the formal contact hours. Lectures will introduce the themes to be analysed, providing the students with the opportunities to lead seminar discussion on the issues raised.

Seminar:
Lectures will introduce the themes to be analysed, providing the students with the opportunities to lead seminar discussion on the issues raised. Given that this module follows the Year Abroad, students will be invited to consider their own experiences from their placement in France or the francophone world as part of the learning experience. Students will lead a presentation over the course of the module to stimulate debate.

Syllabus

Topics covered during the module may include:

Prise de contact;

Language and gender;

Language and ethnicity;

Language and social class;

Language and age;

Language policy;

Language policy in France François I to Petain;

Language policy in France: Liberation to Hollande;

Regional languages; Non-territorial languages.

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.