Introduction to French Culture & Civilization
- Arts
- 100 level
- 2 credit units
- 131 pages
- 20 units
This course introduces students to French culture and civilization. It covers the geographical location of France, its landmass, and geographical features. Students will explore French politics, education, and social life, as well as economic conditions, family structures, and religious beliefs. The course also examines the French Revolution and the Francophonie, equipping learners with the ability to critically analyze issues related to French culture and civilization and understand their own cultural heritage.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Study hours
- 60 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Written examinations
- Oral examinations
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of FRE152, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
FRE152 · Unit 1
This unit will introduce you to France. You will be acquainted with location, population, boundaries and geographical features of France. You will also learn about climate and seasons in France. You will be familiar with major cities in France as well.
What you should be able to do
- Locate France in Europe and name surrounding countries
- Describe the French educational system
- Discuss French social and religious life
- Define Francophonie and name French-speaking countries
- Explain the causes and effects of the 1789 Revolution
What it prepares you for
- Diplomat
- Translator
- International Business Professional
- French Teacher
- Cultural Affairs Officer
- Education
- Government
- Tourism
- International Relations
- Business
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 1: HISTOIRE ET LA GEOGRAPHIE DE LA FRANCE
Unit 4: Les implications socio-politiques de la Révolution
Understanding the socio-political implications requires grasping complex historical events and their effects on French society.
- Module 2:
Unit 1: La vie politique
This unit requires understanding the nuances of French political principles and comparing them with other systems.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 48 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: HISTOIRE ET LA GEOGRAPHIE DE LA FRANCE
Unit 1: Aperçu historique et géographique de la France · 3 hours
Read Unit 1: Understand France's location, size, and physical features.. Identify countries bordering France.. Learn about historical landmarks..
- Week 2Module 1: HISTOIRE ET LA GEOGRAPHIE DE LA FRANCE
Unit 2: La Renaissance et ses effets · 3 hours
Define Renaissance and trace its origin.. Identify the areas influenced by the Renaissance in France.. Examine the impact on architecture, literature, and religion..
- Week 3Module 1: HISTOIRE ET LA GEOGRAPHIE DE LA FRANCE
Unit 3: La Révolution française de 1789 · 3 hours
Define Revolution and give examples.. Mention the causes of the French Revolution of 1789.. Talk about the events that took place during the Revolution..
- Week 4Module 1: HISTOIRE ET LA GEOGRAPHIE DE LA FRANCE
Unit 4: Les implications socio-politiques de la Révolution · 3 hours
Mention the results of the French Revolution in France.. Identify areas affected by the Revolution.. Talk about the impact of the Revolution in the modern society.. Name the Republics that came to being following the Revolution..
- Week 5Module 1: HISTOIRE ET LA GEOGRAPHIE DE LA FRANCE
Unit 5: Les Républiques · 3 hours
Define Republic.. Name the Republics in France.. Talk about events that took place during the Republics.. Compare the French Republics to those of Nigeria..
- Week 6Module 2:
Unit 1: La vie politique · 3 hours
Describe the French political life.. Provide useful information on the political powers in France.. Name some political parties in France.. Appraise the political structure of France..
- Week 7Module 2:
Unit 2: L'impérialisme · 3 hours
Define imperialism.. Mention the causes of imperialism.. Talk about the spread of French imperialism.. Explain what led to imperialism..
- Week 8Module 2:
Unit 3: La révolution industrielle et la colonisation · 3 hours
Trace the origin of French colonization to her industrial revolution.. Explain what led to the famous Berlin Conference.. Mention the French colonial empire in the world..
- Week 9Module 2:
Unit 4: L'enseignement · 3 hours
Mention the major characteristics of French education system.. Explain such characteristics.. Recall the names given to major certificates awarded after specific years of study..
- Week 10Module 2:
Unit 5: La religion · 3 hours
Appreciate the origin of religion in France.. Trace the origin of religious conflict in France.. Mention some of the implications of religious conflict in France.. Identify those who championed the reformation movements..
- Week 11Module 3:
Unit 1: Les fêtes · 3 hours
Mention some major festivals in France.. Talk about the importance of such festivals.. Identify those festivals that have French origin in and outside Europe..
Unit 2: La musique et la chanson · 3 hours
Talk briefly on French song and music.. Trace the origin of French music and song.. Name some important French musicians and singers.. Enumerate the themes of French songs and music..
- Week 12Module 3:
Unit 3: Le mariage et la famille · 3 hours
Talk about marriage in France.. Mention reasons why French go into marriage.. Describe the formation of family in France.. Mention different types of marriage existing in France..
Unit 4: La gastronomie · 3 hours
Describe what is Gastronomie.. Define the French major meals.. Mention some wine that go with specific meals.. Appreciate French meals..
- Week 13Module 4:
Unit 5: L'économie dans la France moderne · 3 hours
Talk about the French economy with a view to appreciating its expansion after the Revolution of 1789.. Explain French position in the world economy.. Name some major French companies in France and around the world.. Examine major areas of French economy..
Unit 1: Le transport et la technologie · 3 hours
Talk transportation in France.. Name the major means of transportation in France.. Explain the full meaning of some transportation terms/abbreviations..
Preparing for the exam
- Create timelines of major historical events from Module 1 and 2
- Practice vocabulary related to French political and social structures (Units 1-5 in Module 2)
- Review key figures and causes of the French Revolution (Module 1, Units 3-5)
- Summarize the main objectives and organs of La Francophonie (Module 4, Unit 5)
- Compare and contrast the different Republics of France (Module 1, Unit 5)
Questions students ask about this course
What is FRE152 about?
This course introduces students to French culture and civilization. It covers the geographical location of France, its landmass, and geographical features. Students will explore French politics, education, and social life, as well as economic conditions, family structures, and religious beliefs. The course also examines the French Revolution and the Francophonie, equipping learners with the ability to critically analyze issues related to French culture and civilization and understand their own cultural heritage.
How many units does FRE152 have?
FRE152, Introduction to French Culture & Civilization, has 20 units across 4 modules, over 131 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is FRE152?
FRE152 carries 2 credit units, at 100 level in Arts.
Is FRE152 hard?
FRE152 is rated beginner level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical work.
How long does FRE152 take to study?
About 60 hours of study, spread across its 20 units.
How is FRE152 assessed?
FRE152 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments, written examinations, oral examinations and final examination.
What can I do with FRE152?
Diplomat, Translator, International Business Professional, French Teacher and Cultural Affairs Officer.