The French language in the francophone area

Language

French

Main themes

The aim of this course is to describe the situation of French in different francophone areas, both in terms of its status and the evolution of its uses, by identifying the types of situation that can be distinguished and relating them to the social and political contexts of the francophone areas studied, considered in their historical depth. The aim is also to study past and current linguistic policies for the dissemination and promotion of French, in the various French-speaking countries and at the level of the Francophonie, and to critically grasp the issues at stake. 

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	Demonstrate a good general knowledge of the diversity of French situations around the world, and be able to characterize and explain them by linking them to various factors;
2	Take a critical look at the language policies of various French-speaking countries or those that concern the institutional French-speaking world.
This learning unit contributes to the development and command of the following skills and learning outcomes of the ELAL programmes (ELAL learning outcomes): 1.6, 4.1, 5.6.

Content

This course offers a global view on the situation of French worldwide and a critical look at issues regarding the limits of French and of the "francophonie".
After an introduction aiming at presenting and questioning the necessary concepts used to describe the multiple realities behind the notion of "French-speaking area", the course proposes to study several types of French-speaking areas, their specificities and the socio-historical conditions which explain them. Through this overview, students will develop a complex view of the "francophonie" as a sociolinguistic reality and will grasp the ideological and political underpinnings of the "Francophonie" as an institution.

Teaching methods

The formal course comprises reading material and lectures.

Evaluation methods

The assessment will be a written exam in the Januray examination session, with multiple choices questions and composition questions. In the September session, unless the number of students justifies a written exam, assessment will be based on an oral exam (30 min for preparing the answers + 30 min for the presentation of the answers).

Bibliography

Voir site du cours sur Moodle.

Faculty or entity

> ELAL