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About French at the University of Otago

Studying French at Otago

French is a major international language. Not only is it the mother tongue of people living in several European nations, it is also widely spoken in parts of Canada, Africa and the Pacific - making it a particularly relevant and useful language for New Zealanders to know.

If you are thinking about an international career - or you are keen to travel - now is the perfect time to gain some skills in French.

More than ever before we are under pressure to be outward looking, and to develop international links in education, business and trade. With French and English at your command much of the world is open to you and because the French language is closely related to English, it is an accessible language to learn.

Studying French at Otago means the chance to work with teachers who have won accolades across the campus. The department publishes an annual academic journal (Otago French Notes) and OUSA Teaching nominations have recognised the outstanding teaching qualities of Dr Pat Duffy (2002 and 2003 nominations), Dr Barbara Stone (2003 academic year) and Dr Constantin Grigorut (OUSA Supervisor Award Finalist among the ten best lecturers at Otago (2006 and 2007). For students who are planning to continue studies at postgraduate level, the French programme can offer a wide range of expert supervision. The numbers of postgraduate students working towards MA and doctoral qualifications in the programme are rising and there are significant opportunities for scholarship help with course fees. Refer to the sidebar links: Research and Postgraduate Research to see more about the postgraduate supervision options the French programme can offer.

You'll also be able to join the Alliance Française de Dunedin, a French club that enables you to participate year-round in social activities with a distinctly French flavour.

Whether you wish to major in French, or simply incorporate a paper or two into your degree, our French programme has something for you. In fact, one of the advantages of studying French at Otago is the flexibility of the subject, and its relevance to many different disciplines. For example, French is often studied alongside other languages or with Linguistics, it forms part of the BCom in International Business, and can complement degree programmes in Law, Education or Science.

Most of Otago's French papers focus on language acquisition, where you will develop your oral and written French, using up-to-date resources and computer-based technology. Parallel papers in French literatures and cultures will give you a new outlook on the world.

If you are unable to enrol in semester papers in French, you could consider FREN 105 which will be offered in January and February 2009 during Otago's Summer School.

This is an intensive course for beginners using interactive communicative approaches to develop your skills in reading, hearing, writing and speaking French in a practical situation. The course will normally taught by a native speaker of French.

For more information on FREN 105 email: summer.school@otago.ac.nz

 

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Support for Māori Students of French

The Division of Humanities is committed to supporting Māori students who are enrolled within the Humanities disciplines. Desiree Mahy is available for consultation in her role as Kaiāwhina Māori (Te Kete Aronui) - Māori Student Support Officer (Division of Humanities).

You can contact Desiree for:

  • any of your questions, concerns or complaints
  • liaison with academic and general staff
  • referral to all services for Mäori students.

Office: 2S6, 2nd Floor, Arts Building
Telephone (03) 479-8681
E-mail humanities.kaiawhina@stonebow.otago.ac.nz

Māori Liaison Officers in the Division of Humanities are staff members in Schools and Departments who provide academic support to Māori students enrolled in that School or Department. The Māori Liaison Officer for the Department of Languages and Cultures is:

Tiffany Gagliardi Trotman
Office: 3N8, 3rd Floor, Arts Building
Telephone (03) 479-9195
E-mail tiffany.trotman@stonebow.otago.ac.nz

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