SFF11620 French civilization (Spring 2027)

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 One-year French Programme (full-time and part-time).
  • Mandatory course in the 60 ECTS part of the Bachelor's Programme in Languages for students with French as one of their chosen languages.

Recommended previous knowledge

Prerequisites knowledge equivalent to French level II from high school are recommended.

Teaching semester

  • One-year French Programme: 2. semester (spring).
  • One-year French Programme: 4. semester (spring).
  • Bachelor's Programme in Languages with French as one of their chosen languages: 2. or 4. semester (spring).

Content

The students will gain knowledge about France, both as an EU country and in an international context. The course aims to contribute to cross-cultural insight and understanding. It covers France as a social system, French culture and society, as well as French economy and modern post-war history. The course also addresses other French-speaking parts of the world.

The student's learning outcomes on passing the course

Knowledge

The student

  • has knowledge of French post-war history, current political trends in France, as well as French economy and the country's international role
  • is familiar with France's position in the EU and Europe, as well as in the French-speaking world
  • has knowledge of key aspects of daily life and society in French-speaking countries

Skills

The student

  • can compare key aspects of society with Norwegian culture in French
  • can explain specific features of French post-war history and society
  • can produce various essays in French and orally argue about them

General competence

The student

  • can use reference works and sources independently and critically
  • can find relevant material in various media and using ICT

Teaching and learning methods

The teaching and guidance are provided through online meetings via digital collaboration tools. As of today, the learning platform Canvas is used for distributing foundational documents, central study materials, assignments, and other relevant information about the course. Self-study is included in the learning methods.

Workload

Approximately 280 hours.

Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam

  • One individual, written submission of maximum two pages excluding the reference list.

The required coursework is assessed as approved / not approved. Required courseworks must be approved before the student can sit for the exam.

Exam

Individual written home examination. Duration: 5 hours.

Topic: The French society and France's position in the EU and Europe. 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. Grading scale: A-F.

The written home examiniation is conducted as a digital exam.

Examiners

External or internal examiner(s).

Course evaluation

Feedback from our students is crucial for us to offer the best possible courses and study programs. This subject is evaluated in the following manner:

Mid-semester evaluation and ongoing evaluation/final evaluation

The results are reviewed by:

  • Teacher group
  • Head of studies
  • Programme committee

Reading list

The current reading list for 2025 Spring can be found in Leganto
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 4:31:57 AM