SFF21721 France's Foreign Policy after 1958 (Autumn 2026)

Facts about the course

ECTS Credits:
10
Responsible faculty:
Faculty of Teacher Education and Languages
Campus:
Online
Course Leader:
Franck Orban
Teaching language:
French
Duration:
½ year

Table of contents

The course is affiliated to the following study programme

Mandatory course in the Bachelor's Programme in Languages, French language specialization when offered (alternating course).

Recommended previous knowledge

Students are recommended to have passed at least 60 credits in French.

Teaching semester

Bachelor's Programme in languages (French language specialization): 5. semester (autumn).

Content

The students will receive an introduction to how French foreign policy can be understood, described, and practiced. They will also be able to use acquired knowledge of French foreign policy in a Norwegian context by identifying similarities and differences between French and Norwegian approaches to foreign policy priorities. The students will be trained in producing texts about French foreign policy in French and will develop a critical attitude towards their own and others' work.

The student's learning outcomes on passing the course

Knowledge

The student

  • has solid knowledge of French foreign policy regarding processes and actors both from a historical and analytical perspective, and understands its importance for the debate about France's priorities and role in the world.
  • has good insight into various source materials and text types related to French foreign policy.

Skills

The student

  • can recognize the fundamental aspects that characterize French foreign policy and gain insight into how foreign policy is formulated and interacts with domestic policy through the study of French foreign policy.
  • has a consciously critical attitude when analyzing sources (media, political speeches and documents, official documents at national or international level) and producing their own work.

General competence

The student

  • can use reference works and sources independently and reflectively.
  • can find relevant material in various media and with the help of ICT, guided by the instructor.
  • is aware of the difference between primary and secondary sources on one hand, and between official and unofficial sources on the other.
  • has vocabulary in Norwegian, French, and English related to topics concerning French foreign policy.

Teaching and learning methods

The teaching is conducted through online meetings with the possibility of individual guidance by appointment. The university's learning platform is used for distributing foundational documents, central study materials, assignments, guidance, and other relevant information about the course. The teaching platform is used for online meetings in the form of lectures and guidance sessions. Self-study is included in the learning methods.

Workload

Approximately 280 hours.

Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam

One (1) written assignment on a topic related to French foreign policy after 1958. The topic is agreed upon in advance with the lecturer. The amount of words for the assignment will be specified in the semester plan.

A minimum of 60% attendance in the classes is required.

Required coursework must be approved before the student can appear for the exam and is assessed as approved / not approved.

Exam

Individual written home examination (4 hours). Written exam with a choice between two main topics related to French foreign policy.

All aids are allowed, except communication and collaboration with others on the answers. The examination assignment may further regulate the use of certain aids, for example the use of GenAI.

The written exam is conducted digitally.

Grading scale: A-F.

Examiners

Internal or external examiner(s).

Course evaluation

Feedback from our students is crucial in order to develop the best possible courses and study programmes. This course is evaluated in the following way:

  • Mid-semester evaluation/mid-term evaluation and final evaluation

The results are processed by/in:

  • Teaching team
  • Head of studies
  • Program committee

Reading list

The current reading list for 2026 Autumn can be found in Leganto
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 4:29:36 AM