Module manager: Dr Nigel Saint
Email: n.w.saint@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
Satisfactory completion of Level 1 French or equivalent (French language skills equivalent to B1 of the CEFR)
| FREN1023 | Ab Initio Introduction to French Studies (Resistance and Des |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
The module adopts a theme-based approach, in the first instance using the potent and multi-faceted concepts of 'form' and 'subversion' to make connections between different periods and between themes that weave through selected French-speaking cultures. The cultural forms to be explored include poetry, fiction, painting, photography, song and film, examined through the lens of their potential for the subversion of established power structures, social norms and dominant attitudes, while other themes may be used to connect the cultural forms in the future. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
- To develop and nurture students' abilities to analyse critically a selection of modern cultural forms written in the French language or produced in a French-speaking context;
- To enhance students' appreciation of the content and style of these productions, by using a range of diverse teaching techniques;
- To enable students to assess the impact of these works on the culture and society of the period;
- To develop students' research skills through their identification and use of secondary sources to support original arguments or critical positions on the set texts;
- To promote a participative approach to the study of cultural forms, highlighting the benefits of guided autonomous learning;
- To introduce students to concepts of cultural reception.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Describe the historical development of selected cultural forms from a French-speaking context, with particular reference to those periods studied in more detail.
2. Analyse works from the genre(s) selected coherently and with due attention to questions of context and form.
3. Make connections across differing critical perspectives and select the most appropriate approaches for French studies.
4. Interpret and discuss in English a source or resource in French language, developing comprehension and analytical skills.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5. Self-select or develop your own research questions and identify appropriate and inclusive methods and sources through which to address them critically.
6. Present a structured and nuanced argument, using terminology and concepts appropriate to the field(s) of study.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 1 | 0.3 | 0.3 |
| Lecture | 12 | 1 | 12 |
| Seminar | 12 | 2 | 24 |
| Private study hours | 163.7 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 36.3 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Progress is monitored by
a) participation in and immediate oral feedback on seminars;
b) written feedback on two practice assessments;
c) essay plan tutorial.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Literature Review | 30 |
| Coursework | Essay | 70 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
The resit takes the same format.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team