BA (Hons) French and Comparative Literature

Program Overview

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The BA in French and Comparative Literature at Queen Mary University of London offers a comprehensive exploration of French language, literature, and culture within a comparative framework. With no prior French knowledge required, students develop high-level linguistic and analytical skills, gain an understanding of cross-cultural issues, and enhance intercultural competence through a year abroad. The program prepares graduates for careers in fields such as translating, editing, teaching, media, and publishing.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Objectives:

• Explore connections and interactions between diverse cultural traditions.
• Develop high-level linguistic and analytical skills.
• Gain an understanding of cross-cultural issues relevant to today's globalized world.
• Acquire a solid grounding in literary studies, encompassing a range of topics and themes.
• Enhance intercultural competence through a year abroad.

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Description:

The BA in French and Comparative Literature at Queen Mary University of London provides a comprehensive and engaging exploration of French language, literature, and culture within a broader comparative framework. This program offers a unique opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of French and global literary traditions, fostering critical thinking, analytical skills, and intercultural understanding.

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Outline:

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Year 1:

• Culture and Language
• French language modules (streamed according to entry level)
• French I
• The Scene of Learning

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Year 2:

• Compulsory:
• French II
• The Scene of Reading
• Translation into French
• Choose from a range of modules including:
• Colonial Literatures, Post Colonial Perspectives
• Literature and Philosophy
• Madness, Past and Present
• The Sounds of French

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Year 3:

• Year abroad

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Year 4:

• Compulsory:
• French III
• The Scene of Writing
• Choose from a range of modules including:
• Comparative Literature Research Project
• Comparative Modernisms: the Case of China and India
• Photography: The Self and its Image
• The East in the West
• Advanced Oral Competence in French
• Language and Society in the French-speaking World
• Lovers and Libertines: 18th century French Fiction
• Modern Languages Research Project

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Year Abroad:

• Options:
• Teaching English as a foreign language assistant
• Attending university
• Professional placement with Queen Mary's support or independently with approval

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Partner Institutions:

• Aix-Marseille d’Avignon Université
• Université de Genève
• Université Catholique de Lille
• Université Catholique de Louvain
• Université François Rabelais
• Université Paris-Sorbonne
• Université de la Réunion.

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Assessment:

• Combination of coursework and exams, or coursework only.
• Language modules assessed through oral exams, including producing a short radio programme.
• Final-year dissertations, independent projects, and creative journals.

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Teaching:

• Approximately 12 hours of weekly contact time (lectures, seminars, language classes).
• Small group language classes (max 20 for classroom/lab, max 10 for oral/aural work).
• 2-3 hours of independent study per hour of class time.

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Careers:

• Graduates develop skills in analytical and critical thinking, communication, and intercultural understanding.
• Career paths include:
• Translating
• Editing
• Teaching
• Media
• Publishing
• Marketing
• Recent graduates hired by:
• Bloomberg
• British Council
• ESI International
• Hall & Partners
• Mildmay International
• Queen Mary library
• Multimedia Language Resource Centre
• Language clubs and social activities
• Foreign newspapers and journals
• Guest speaker seminars
• Career support, including bespoke events for students interested in working during their year abroad.
• Specialist support on financial and welfare issues through the Advice and Counselling Service.
• Generous package of scholarships and bursaries available.
• Support with finding work experience, internships, and graduate jobs.
• Feedback on CVs, cover letters, and application forms.
• Interview coaching.

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• Home fees: £9,250
• Overseas fees: £23,350