Study Languages: make the world your place.
In our world of global travel and communication, language graduates are in short supply. French has traditionally been the language of international relations between countries which speak different languages, and it still represents a major link within the organisation of the European Union.
With an understanding of French, you have an extra advantage in business, tourism or any organisation with an international marketing strategy.
The cultural heritage of France has been a strong influence in the development of the political history, literature, philosophy, arts, architecture and music of the modern world. Your French studies at Otago will give you insights and perspective on the world beyond New Zealand.
Why study French?
French is a major international language. It is the first language of many people living in several European and African nations and Canada. It is an official language of Pacific territories within three hours flying time from New Zealand. With an understanding of French, you have an extra advantage in business, tourism or any organisation with an international marketing strategy.You will be sought after in such areas as Foreign Affairs and Trade, Tourism and Treasury. You may be involved in furthering New Zealand’s interests overseas and there will be plenty of opportunities for travel. You may even find yourself interpreting at international conferences, translating books or subtitling films.
Career opportunities
Recent Otago graduates who have included French in their degree now work as teachers, librarians, consultants, marketing managers and journalists all around the world. The analytical skills, communicative abilities and international perspectives that you’ll have gained by studying French at Otago will give you an edge, and a pathway into a wide range of occupations.
Background required
If you have studied French at school or elsewhere, you will be able to build on your knowledge and skills, and we will determine which paper will best suit your level of French.
Otherwise, an intensive and popular programme is available for the complete beginner.
Teaching style
In the French programme at Otago we get to know our students individually. Our classes are small and this helps us tailor our approaches and materials to meet the interests of our students.
Active use of French is the essence of our courses and we will give you plenty of opportunities to improve your language skills using the latest text, audio and video resources and internet materials.
Apart from studying the French language, you can also choose papers which will give you perspectives on the social values and cultural life of France and other French-speaking countries.
Some of these will explore French literature of a particular period, others will focus on further expressions of France’s culture such as cinema and popular music.
You’ll be eligible to join the Alliance Française de Dunedin for regular social and cultural activities involving the French-speaking population of the city.
Qualifications
Explore your study options further. Refer to enrolment information found on the following qualification pages.
- Diploma in Language (DipLang)
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom)
- Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
- Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons))
- Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts)
- Master of Arts (Coursework) (MA(Coursework))
- Master of Arts (Thesis) (MA(Thesis))
Programme requirements
Diploma in Language (DipLang) endorsed in French
| Papers |
|---|
Seven of:
Students admitted directly to papers at 200- or 300-level must replace their prerequisites with other papers in the subject concerned |
Bachelor of Arts (BA) majoring in French
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | FREN 131 Introductory French 1 FREN 132 Introductory French 2 GLBL 101 Introduction to Intercultural Communication | 18 18 18 |
| 200-level | FREN 232 Intermediate French FREN 233 French for Professional Purposes | 18 18 18 |
| 300-level | FREN 333 Advanced French 1 FREN 334 Advanced French 2 Two of FREN 335, FREN 336, FREN 341, FREN 350, EURO 302, GLBL 301, GLBL 302 Note: Students with previous knowledge of French will be placed in FREN language papers appropriate to their level. Students placed in 200- or 300-level language papers will still have to pass approved papers worth 180 points in order to major in French. | 18 18 36 |
| Plus | 180 further points; must include 54 points at 200-level or above. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Arts | 180 |
| Total | 360 |
Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons)) in French
| Papers |
|---|
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts) in French
The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts) programme in French is the same as the programme for the degree of Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons)).
Master of Arts (Coursework) (MA(Coursework)) in French
| Papers |
|---|
FREN 441 Advanced Topics in French, and two other approved 400-level papers |
Master of Arts (Thesis) (MA(Thesis)) in French
| Thesis |
|---|
Note: Students who have not completed a Bachelor of Arts (BA(Hons)) in French or a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts) in French must complete the required papers for the BA(Hons) in French prior to undertaking the thesis. |
Minor subject requirements
French as a minor subject for a BA, MusB, BPA, BTheol, BSc, BAppSc, BCom, BEntr, BHealSc, BACom, BASc or BComSc degree
Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree
| Papers | Points |
|---|---|
|
Five FREN papers, at least three of which must be above 100-level, including at least one at 300-level. |
90 |
Papers
| Paper code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FREN105 | 2023 | Intensive French for Beginners | 18 points | Not offered in 2023 |
| FREN131 | 2023 | Introductory French 1 | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| FREN132 | 2023 | Introductory French 2 | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| FREN232 | 2023 | Intermediate French | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| FREN233 | 2023 | French for Professional Purposes | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| FREN250 | 2023 | Crossroads in French Cultural Space | 18 points | Not offered in 2023 |
| FREN333 | 2023 | Advanced French 1 | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| FREN334 | 2023 | Advanced French 2 | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| FREN335 | 2023 | Advanced French 3 | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| FREN336 | 2023 | Advanced French 4 | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| FREN341 | 2023 | Topics in French | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| FREN350 | 2023 | Crossroads in French Cultural Space (Advanced) | 18 points | Not offered in 2023 |
| FREN441 | 2023 | Advanced Topics in French | 20 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| FREN451 | 2023 | Studies in French | 20 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| FREN452 | 2023 | Studies in French 2 | 20 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| FREN490 | 2023 | Dissertation | 60 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| FREN590 | 2023 | Research Dissertation | 60 points | 1st Non standard period, 2nd Non standard period |
Key information for future students
Contact us
Languages and Cultures programme
School of Arts
Email languages@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/french
