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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 INTRODUCTION TO THE FRENCH-SPEAKING WORLD 1
Code FREN114
Coordinator Dr S Arens
Languages, Cultures and Film
S.Arens@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2025-26 Level 4 FHEQ First Semester 15

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

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 11

 11

         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
Standard UoL penalties will apply There will be a resit opportunity. This will be marked anonymously.  0    40       
There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment.  0    60       

Aims

To introduce students to a range of historical, literary, visual and cinematic texts;

To engage students in a critical examination of these;

To encourage students to engage with a longer text, through which students will be able to examine different aspects of French-language cultures;

To provide students with skills appropriate to a range of areas in French Studies and to assist them in developing generic study skills, including information skills training and anti-plagiarism training.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Demonstrate knowledge of key French-language cultural forms: historical literature, contemporary literature, visual images and cinema.

(LO2) Demonstrate knowledge of the development of the French language and of the extent of its use throughout the world.

(LO3) Read critically in both French and English and write  commentaries on materials covered on the module, constructing a coherent argument and using bibliographical conventions appropriately.

(LO4) Find and use appropriate materials and glean data from secondary works using library and IT resources, and understand the rationale behind the proper and consistent use of bibliographic citation.

(S1) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Academic writing (inc. referencing skills)

(S2) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S3) 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 module comprises eleven lectures. Lectures provide basic information and orientation on key events and issues.

Seminar:
The module comprises eleven hours of seminars (including two hours of library skills training). Seminars involve a range of exercises in which students will normally work in groups, analysing seen and unseen French visual, cinematic and written texts in class.

Syllabus
 

The module will introduce an historical literary text, a contemporary literary text, visual and cinematic texts.

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