french

French (group 6 subject) CAO Code: MH101 | CAO Points 2021: 338

Minimum entry requirements: While there is no minimum entry requirement to study non-beginner French, we generally recommend H4 Leaving Certificate French. Beginners: no minimum French requirement. For full details about entry requirements see p. 42. If taking up French as a beginner, it is advisable to attend all lectures from the first week of term.

> Students have been studying French at Maynooth since the foundation of the college in 1795. > French is a world language, spoken by 300 million people on several continents and in French territories overseas.

> If you would like to attain a high level of competency in a modern European and world language, as well as learn about French and Francophone cultures past and present, studying French as part of our degree programme is the path for you. > Over the course of your degree programme, you will receive an excellent grounding in all aspects of French language through core modules in French

Grammar, Writing in French, Oral Expression, and Listening Skills. In second year and final year, you may choose from a range of optional modules in French and Francophone culture, such as Politics and Ideas, Literature and Society,

Women’s Writing, Linguistics, Translation and Cinema (depending on availability).

Course structure

1st year

BA Bachelor of Arts – French – Double Major or as a Minor

You will engage with a wide range of texts, learning to recognise and analyse key features. > Either 15 credits of French (if you studied French in school to the recommended H4 Leaving Certificate or equivalent level) or 30 credits of French (if you are a beginner) > Choose up to 3 other subjects including Critical

Skills from the 5 groups available (maximum 1 subject per group – see groups table p. 45) > French is taken with another subject in 2nd and 3rd year as part of a Double

Major or as a Minor > Optional 10 credit Elective in 2nd year (see p. 13 for details) > New transfer option in 2nd year - into the new Business and Languages degree MH409 - for students who have completed the first year of the

BA degree (MH101) taking 30 credits of a Business subject and passing 30 credits of beginners/15 credits of nonbeginners’ French.

Erasmus/Study Abroad option after 2nd year

All students of French Studies have the opportunity to spend the third year of their degree programme in a French-speaking country. This might involve: > Studying at a university in France (Erasmus programme) > Assisting with English classes at a French school (ELA programme - subject to availability) > Erasmus internship/placement (subject to availability) Students who avail of the Year Abroad can have this year recognised as part of their studies and thus convert their degree programme into a 4-year BA International.

2nd year and Final year

For MH101 subject groups table go to p. 45

Possible topics

1st year

> Written and spoken skills in French > Topics in French and Francophone culture and society > Written and spoken skills > Modules on politics, culture, cinema, literature, linguistics and Francophone cultures > Recommended year abroad – Erasmus or language assistant > In final year (4th year if Erasmus or language assistantship option taken) you will choose from modules on literature, politics and culture in France and Francophone countries, linguistics, translation and other options

2nd year Final year

French (group 6 subject) (continued)

Why choose this subject? > What distinguishes French at Maynooth is a strong tradition of teaching the French language, literature and culture, with much teaching taking place through the medium of French (for those taking the non-beginner stream). > Maynooth has a network of exchanges with universities in countries where French is spoken.

Studying French opens a world of exciting opportunities. > As part of this programme, you may also spend a year studying at a French-speaking university or working as a language teacher in France (subject to availability). > At Maynooth University, students gain a thorough grounding in the language and acquire a familiarity with a world language expressing vibrant cultures and diverse histories. French is offered in a friendly, supportive environment at non-beginner level (Leaving Certificate H4 in French or equivalent recommended) from first year, and also at beginner level (no minimum requirement).

Students interested in teaching French should note that the Teaching Council of Ireland requires all registered teachers of French to have spent a minimum of two months living in a French-speaking country. The Maynooth University School of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures advises at least a three-month residency.

Options after graduation?

> Language skills are increasingly essential in the modern world and a degree in French offers students enhanced employability in a wide range of careers including the diplomatic service, development work with NGOs, education, publishing, working with EU institutions, translation and interpreting, banking and business, international trade, communications, or tourism.

> Multinational companies, many of whom have bases in Ireland, often stress the importance of finding graduates who are not only fluent in languages but who have the intercultural competence to deal with colleagues and customers in an increasingly globalised world.

> Our graduates have pursued careers in teaching, translating and interpreting, public service, banking and business, law, journalism and media, and a number of them have established their own businesses in French-speaking countries. Some graduates decide they would like to proceed into postgraduate study, and our students have been successful in securing funding to study at MA, M.Litt., MSc and PhD levels.

Students can continue with French at postgraduate level on programmes such as:

> MA French

> MA Modern Languages, Literature and Culture: Narratives of Conflict – French

> M Litt French

> PhD French

French is also available in

MH401 IFE : BA International Finance and Economics p. 129 MH409: BBA Business and Languages p. 137 MH502 LWD: BCL (Law and Arts) p. 184

Eiffel Tower, Paris

Contact us

Maynooth University French  + 353 1 708 3663

 french@mu.ie  www.maynoothuniversity.ie/french @MU_SMLLC @MaynoothSMLLC mu_smllc

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