SFF10410 French Civilization and Culture (Autumn 2011–Spring 2012)

The course is connected to the following study programs

Mandatory course in the one-year French programme.
May be taken as part of the optional 60 ECTS module in the bachelor programme Society, Language and Culture.

Lecture Semester

One-year French: 1^st and 2^nd semesters (autumn and spring)
Society, Language and Culture: Either 1^st and 2^nd semesters (autumn and spring), 3^rd and 4^th semesters, or 5^th and 6^th semesters

The student's learning outcomes after completing the course

Knowledge

The students have acquired knowledge about geography, important historical incidents, social structure and institutions in France. They know about daily life and habits in the French-speaking countries.

Skills

The students are able to compare central characteristics of daily life and traditions in the French area with those of Norway, and to talk about it in French. They are able to produce various types of text in French.

General competence

The students are able to use sources in an independent and reflective way and to search relevant sources in different media using ICT.

Content

The students learn about France both as a country within the EU and from an international perspective.
The course has a focus on cross-cultural knowledge and awareness. Important issues are the development of institutions, culture and society, and introduction to French economy and history.

Forms of teaching and learning

The course is taught as lectures and group lessons, and as web-based encounters for the web students. The learning platform is used for distribution of documents, central course reading and practices.
Self-study is an important learning method requiring active participation in practice seminars all through the academic year.

Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam

• Participation in seminars throughout the academic year
• One written assignment each semester
• One oral presentation each semester

The coursework must be submitted by given deadlines and approved before a student may take the final exam.

Examination

An individual oral examination of approx. 30 minutes
The candidate's factual knowledge is examined, as well as her/his oral production. The result is given on the A-F grading scale with A as the best mark, E as the lowest passing mark, and F denoting a failed result.

Course evaluation

Feedback from students is decisive for the University College to be able to offer the best possible courses and study programmes. This course is evaluated in the following ways:

• Mid-term evaluation
• End-of-term evaluation

The results are dealt with in a group of lecturers and the local study quality committee.

Literature

G Labrune: La géographie de la France. Nathan, repères pratiques, latest ed.

G Labrune/Toutain: Historie de la France. Nathan, repères pratiques, latest ed.

Décourvrir la France. La France en bref. M.A.E: ministère des Affaires étrangères

Other relevant texts are handed out in class.