French at Flinders

Why study French?
French is spoken in more than 40 countries, including some of Australia's closest neighbours, and is one of the most widely taught second languages in the world after English. It is also:

• a major commercial and scientific language in a united Europe;
• a language of diplomacy and an official working language of major international organisations (for example the United Nations and affiliated organisations, the European Community, the Olympic Games movement, International Red Cross);
• the second most widespread and well-distributed language of the media.

French is also a stepping-stone to the easy learning of other Romance languages, such as Italian, Spanish and Portuguese. (for more information see "French, the Most Practical Foreign Language")

Career opportunities
While French can be studied for the intrinsic value and pleasure of learning another language and its culture, it can be also seen as a professional tool in an increasingly competitive marketplace. French can be a very useful asset in such fields as cultural exchanges, scientific collaboration and the promotion of trade ties between France and Australia.

The study of French (and more generally, the study of languages) helps you develop a range of communicative, organisational, critical and creative transferable skills, as well as fostering cross-cultural understanding.

Study options
At first year level, students are streamed on entry into Advanced (Year 12 SACE or equivalent) or Beginners classes. Whether you have no, some or considerable knowledge of the language, the French Section can provide an interesting and challenging course. The amount of French you do can be varied to fit in with your other interests. You can combine it with many other subjects such as Commerce, Computer Science, Education, Geography, History, International Business, International Studies, Law, Politics, Psychology, other languages, Drama, and Screen Studies. French can be included in a number of degree programs as Major or Minor sequences, as well as Elective topics.

French can also be taken alongside a degree as a Diploma in Language. 

Students who have aready finished a major, French can enrol in a  Graduate Diploma in Language.  

Registrered teachers wishing to acquire or upgrade language skills may enrol in the Graduate Certificate in Language Teaching and  Graduate Diploma in Language Teaching (French), an award endorsed by the Department of Education. These two courses may be accessed at different entry levels, depending on your proficiency and previous language studies. Details may be obtained by contacting Dr Eric Bouvet (eric.bouvet@flinders.edu.au).

 Further information
Dr Colette Mrowa-Hopkins, Coordinator of French.
 Tel (08) 8201 2459. E-mail: colette.mrowa-hopkins@flinders.edu.au
Department of Language Studies

Dr Eric Bouvet, Director of Studies (French) 
Tel (08) 8201 2104. E-mail: eric.bouvet@flinders.edu.au
Department of Language Studies

Language Studies Office, Tel (08) 8201 2124.