2020 Undergraduate Courses
  • Students are to follow the requirements of the Handbook for the year they commenced the course.

    However, the subject links below do not contain the subject information for the current year. You can view current subject information through the new Course Handbook.

French Major | 2020  

French is one of the two working languages of the United Nations and many other organisations actively engaged in international politics and welfare (such as the Red Cross, the Olympic Games, the EU). As the language of a former colonial power and a language spoken on all five continents, it continues to play an important part in the arts, politics and daily lives of millions of people throughout the world. 

At UOW, you will study French language, grammar, culture and history. You can begin your study of the French language from scratch or from the intermediate level and become proficient in all four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. France has a history and fascinating culture. You will discover the events and socio-cultural forces that have shaped modern France, its people and language. 

Entry Requirements & Credit Arrangements

Information on academic and English language requirements, as well as eligibility for credit for prior learning, is available from the UOW Course Finder.

Major Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this major students will be able to:

CLO Description
1 Demonstrate a broad understanding of the French language and grammar
2 Communicate in both spoken and written French at B2 Level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
3 Comprehend spoken and written French at B2 level in the CEFR
4 Critically analyse and evaluate historical events and socio-cultural forces that have shaped modern France, its people and language

Subjects Required for Major Study

Beginner Entry

The Beginners stream assumes no prior knowledge of the language and consists of at least 54 credit points as outlined in the table below.

Students who have some beginner's knowledge of French may be eligible for a waiver of FREN151. To make this request, students can contact the Language and Linguistics Discipline Leader.

Students approved for a waiver of FREN151 will complete an alternative subject chosen from the table below, to complete at least 54 credit points.

Intermediate Entry -  (Strong 2 Unit HSC pass or equivalent)

Students who have achieved a strong 2 Unit HSC pass or equivalent are normally eligible for a waiver of FREN151 and FREN152, meaning they will start the major at 200 level. 

These students complete a 48 credit point major comprising 18 credit points at 200 level and 30 credit points at 300 level, as outlined in the table below.

To commence at intermediate entry level, students can contact the Language and Linguistics Discipline Leader.

Native or near-native speaker Entry

Native or near-native speakers, may be eligible for waivers of FREN151, FREN152, FREN241, and FREN242.

These students will complete a 48 credit point major, and choose replacement subjects to make up the 48 credit points for the major are to be chosen from the additional French electives listed below.

Native speakers should contact the Language and Linguistics Discipline Leader before enrolling.

Plus a minimum of ONE from the following:

Subject CodeSubject NameCredit Points
Core
FREN151French for Beginners 16
FREN152French for Beginners 26
FREN241Intermediate French 16
FREN242Intermediate French 26
FREN341Advanced French 16
FREN342Advanced French 26
LANG370The Language Advantage6
Plus a minimum of ONE from the following:
ELL 280Languages around the world6
FREN230The Making of France and the French Nation6

Plus a minimum of ONE from the following: 

Note - Intermediate and Native Speaker Entry students commencing study at 200 level must take both subjects.

FREN330France in the Twenty-first century6
LANG335Literature and Society in Renaissance Europe6

French Elective Subjects

Students who have received a waiver for any of the above subjects can make up the required total credit points from the below list. 

Beginner level students may also wish to broaden and deepen their knowledge of French with these additional subjects.

Students who are interested more generally in how language and communication work may wish to take ELL 110 (Language in Social Life) or ELL 230 (Communication across cultures).

Note that entry into Study Abroad and Exchange subjects requires formal approval.

FREN217In country Language Study6
LANG380Language Study Abroad 26
LANG390Language Study Abroad 36
ELL 110Language as a Cultural Tool6
ELL 230Communication Across Cultures6
LANG364Advanced Studies in Language/Culture 16
LANG365Advanced Studies in Language/Culture 26

Click on subject codes in the above course structure for information on sessions of offer for each subject. To find out specific information on timetables, tutorials, and classes, visit the Timetable page.

Minor Study

A 24 credit point minor in French is available. Information is available on the 2020 General Schedule of Minors page.

Note that students cannot take both a major and a minor in French.

Work Integrated Learning

Undertaking a work integrated learning experience during your university education is now a significant contributor to being competitive in securing employment in your field of choice when you graduate from UOW.

The internship program provides students with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their degree in a workplace setting.

Students are also encouraged to consider CRLP200 'Career Ready Learning and Practice' (6cp). CRLP200 includes a quality assured workplace internship or industry project to give you that competitive edge by developing your professional skills through authentic learning in a real world context. You will focus on your career goals and receive career direction guidance, strengthen your resume and gain skills to navigate the rapidly changing world of work, develop your communication skills and begin to build a professional network.

Diploma in Languages

Students may prefer to study a language as a Diploma in Languages, rather than as a major. This can be done as a standalone degree, or concurrently alongside another degree. Information is available on the Diploma in Languages page.

Honours

See Bachelor of Arts (Honours).

Other Information

For further information email: askuow@uow.edu.au

Last reviewed: 23 July, 2020