Modern France will give students knowledge of aspects of French culture, society and history that extend the range of subject matter and historical periods presented in Current Affairs and the French Press (FREN2106). It will also complement the literature component of FREN3006 where students read literary texts from the mid-19^th century to the present related to the themes covered in the course Modern France.

Students will be exposed to a range of media: printed texts; newspaper articles; films; television reports; radio interviews.

The course will build on and extend students’ knowledge of the vocabulary and structures of French acquired in FREN2025.

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

1. Explain some important issues in French society since the mid-19^th century
2. Interpret these issues by reference to contemporary society
3. Explain some French expressions/concepts, for example, la laïcité; les trente glorieuses; Mai 68; la banlieue
4. Present written and oral arguments in French in a research project concerning these issues

1. In-class test (week 7): 20% (Learning Outcomes 1, 3)
2. Class presentation in French (weeks 3-13): 20% (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4)
3. Research essay in French (800 words) (week 11): 30% (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4)
4. Final exam: 30% (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4)

This course has 3 contact hours per week.

Students should expect to spend a further 6-7 hours per week outside class on this course.

Pre-requisite: FREN2025 or equivalent

Incompatible: completion of FREN3007 or equivalent

FREN2025 or equivalent (to be determined by a Placement Test for students who have not previously studied French at the ANU)

Newspaper articles; extracts from books and other scholarly material; audio and visual material (radio, television, films)

Internet access

Occasional use of ANU computer laboratories