French Language and Culture

Why should I take this Trinity Elective?

Less than a quarter of the world speaks English, and learning a global language like French unlocks access to the other three-quarters—opening doors to new opportunities and cultural experiences. Whether you’re starting from scratch or already have some background in French, these electives provide a unique opportunity to develop your language skills while exploring French culture, from its rich history to modern societal issues. Along the way, you’ll gain transferable skills that are highly valued by employers, preparing you to be a confident and globally-minded citizen.

Beginner Level: French Language and Culture

This course is designed for students with no prior knowledge of French. It introduces the foundational aspects of the language, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing, while exploring a key cultural topic within its linguistic context.

What will I learn?

• Communicate effectively at a beginner’s level (CEFR A1).
• Gain insights into French culture and its connection to the language.
• Understand the basics of French linguistic structures and vocabulary.
• Reflect critically on your language-learning experience.

What will I do?

• Attend 9 x 2-hour face-to-face classes.
• Complete 84 hours of self-directed activities, including online learning, quizzes, and cultural discussions.
• Develop a reflective learning journal and present a Pecha Kucha-style oral presentation on a cultural topic.

How will this be assessed?

• 30% Language quizzes.
• 30% Participation in online discussion boards on cultural and linguistic themes.
• 10% Reflective learning journal (guided by prompts to encourage critical thinking).
• 30% Pre-recorded Pecha Kucha presentation and written script.

Advanced Level: French Language and Culture

This course is ideal for students who have a prior foundation in French, such as Leaving Certificate-level proficiency or equivalent. It focuses on enhancing fluency in both spoken and written French while delving deeper into cultural topics that provide insight into contemporary French society.

What will I learn?

• Communicate confidently at an advanced level (CEFR B2).
• Deepen your understanding of French culture and contemporary societal issues.
• Expand your proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
• Reflect on your language-learning journey to develop advanced learning strategies.

What will I do?

• Participate in interactive language classes to refine your linguistic skills.
• Engage in online quizzes, cultural discussions, and reflective activities.
• Prepare and deliver a Pecha Kucha presentation that explores a cultural issue in depth.

How will this be assessed?

• 30% Language quizzes.
• 30% Participation in online cultural discussions.
• 10% Reflective learning journal (focused on advanced language learning strategies).
• 30% Pre-recorded Pecha Kucha presentation and written script.

Who can take these Trinity Electives?

These electives are open to any eligible student, with the beginner module available to complete beginners (A1 level) and the advanced module designed for students with prior proficiency (B2 level).

Please Note:

• You can only select either the Beginner or Advanced level, but not both.
• These electives are not traditional language modules; in addition to language learning, there is a significant focus on the culture and society of the country of the target language.
• Visiting students should confirm with their home university whether these modules fulfill language credit requirements before enrolling.

Students from the following programs are not eligible: Law and French, Business Studies and French, or French in the School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultural Studies. Additionally, native speakers cannot enroll.

Applications will be screened after enrollment to ensure students are placed in the appropriate module for their proficiency level. Students who enroll in a module not suited to their proficiency will be reassigned to a different elective with available places.

* Please note that assessment methods, assessment weightings and amount of contact hours are subject to change by the module coordinator. You can confirm all assessment details and expected contact hours with the module coordinator upon starting the elective.