Course Description
This course is designed to introduce non-specialist and specialist language students to the French-speaking world. It will present the history, development and characteristics of the French language and some regional languages in Francophone areas; examine French as a colonial language; present French-speaking regions; and explore different forms of cultural expression from around the French-speaking world.
The course is delivered in English so it is open to students with no prior knowledge of French.
Course Content
Part I. Introduction to the course and its underlying concepts and framework:
- Definitions of culture, language, identity, colonialism
- Concepts and terms relating to language and culture (register, formality, paralanguage, non-verbal language, communication styles, collectivism and individualism, identity, hegemony, orality, high/low/mass/popular culture)
Part II. History, influence and evolution of the French language and history of the French-speaking world:
- French in relation to other languages
- Diversity of the geographical areas where French is spoken
- Examination of some regional languages in the Francophone world
- French as a colonial language in relation to some Indigenous languages and cultures
Part III. Cultural units with review of different cultural manifestations and traditions including written, oral, visual and audiovisual materials, such as (but not limited to):
- Paintings
- Sculpture
- Architecture
- Songs
- Films
- Poetry
- Short stories
- Documentaries
- Food
- Fashion and luxury goods
Learning Activities
Methods of instruction will depend on the delivery mode: in-person, online, hybrid or guided study.
Methods of instruction may include, but not limited to:
Lecture (in-person, video, including guest lectures)
Seminar (instructor-led, peer-led)
Small group work (in-person, online)
Inquiry-based projects
Student-generated question and answer sessions
Class discussions and debates
Video and audio presentations
Screening of audio-visual materials
Field experience and observation trips (depending on timing/relevance/cost)
Means of Assessment
Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. An evaluation schedule is presented at the beginning of the course. This is a graded course.
Evaluations may include, but not limited to: class participation; individual and/or group presentations on an assigned topic; research projects; mid-term paper, presentation or exam; final presentation, paper or exam; quizzes; journals; reading reports; and discussion forums.
Evaluations may be done in-person and/or online.
Sample breakdown for this course:
Discussion forum entries 20 %
Project work 20 %
Mid-term Presentation or exam 10%
Final presentation or exam 15 %
Quizzes 15 %
Attendance and/or journal participation 20%
Total: 100 %
No single evaluation will be worth more than 20%.
Students may conduct research as part of their coursework in this class. Instructors for the course are responsible for ensuring that student research projects comply with College policies on ethical conduct for research involving humans, which can require obtaining Informed Consent from participants and getting the approval of the Douglas College Research Ethics Board prior to conducting the research.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students will:
- demonstrate knowledge of the French-speaking world, and their general world knowledge;
- summarize the history, development and current state of the French language, and some regional languages in Francophone regions, provinces and/or countries;
- describe the ever-evolving nature of language in general;
- demonstrate an increase in their ability to navigate more easily and meaningfully within Francophone cultures;
- explain historical processes that have shaped the language(s) and varied cultural practices in the Francophone world;
- recognize and describe the role of French as a colonial language;
- express their thoughts and opinions verbally and in writing, including the ability to demonstrate understanding of course content;
- demonstrate an understanding of basic concepts needed to examine cultural issues in general;
- describe and interpret diverse cultural manifestations;
- demonstrate an appreciation of cultural practices distinct from their own;
- demonstrate an awareness of, and sensitivity to, different modes of thought and belief;
- identify and compare cultural practices from an interdisciplinary perspective;
- demonstrate transversal skills in cooperation, consensus building (through group work), and in critical thinking (through discussion topics and oral/written analyses).
Textbook Materials
Textbooks and materials are to be purchased by students. A list of required textbooks and materials is provided for students at the beginning of the semester in the Course Outline.
Example texts may include:
- Course pack and/or textbook
- Textbook(s) may include:
France in the world : a new global history / English-language edition edited by Stéphane Gerson (2019); translated from the French by Teresa Lavender Fagan, Jane Kuntz, Alexis Pernsteiner, Anthony Roberts, and Willard Wood
Nadeau, J-B. and Barlow, J. (2006). The Story of French. New York, St Martin's Press.