This course is to extend students speaking, listening, writing and reading skills in French through the critical study of current affairs as represented in the French written press, Radio France International (RFI) and televised news.

On completing the course, students should have:

1/ Improved their reading comprehension & writing in French

2/ Improved their listening & speaking skills in French

3/ Become acquainted to some of the main French newspapers, their content, political and socio-cultural orientation

4/ Become acquainted to French televised news and RFI

5/ Developed some ability to critically reflect on French media writing

6/ Gained knowledge of French culture & society via the study of current affairs

Two in-class tests (week 7 and 13): 40% (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 5, 6)

Oral presentation of a news item (weeks 11 & 12): 30% (Learning Outcomes 2, 3, 4, 6)

Writing of two news items, 600 words each (due weeks 5 and 10): 30% (Learning Outcomes 1, 3, 5, 6)

This course has 3 contact hours per week which may be held in one hour and two hour block.

In addition to the required contact hours, it is expected that students will spend an additional 6-7 hours per week studying for this course.

Prerequisite: FREN2024 or equivalent

Incompatible: completion of FREN3006 or equivalent

FREN2024 or equivalent (to be determined by a Placement Test for students who have not previously studied French at the ANU).

An e-reading brick will be provided on Wattle for this course. Audio and audio-visual materials will be posted on Wattle on a weekly basis.

Internet access 

Use of ANU computer laboratories / Studio in Ethel Tory center