Undergraduate Courses
French & Francophone Studies is a three-year major subject which can be studied for degree curricula in the Faculty of Humanities.
FRENCH 1 – 2026 – COURSE OUTLINE
Course code: 12011A0
French 1 is for beginners who have never learnt the language before as well as for those with some prior knowledge. If you have any queries, please contact a French & Francophone Studies staff member (either Prof Mukenge: a.mukenge@ru.ac.za or Dr Cordell: c.cordell@ru.ac.za).
By the end of the first semester, you will be able to greet people, introduce yourself, count from 0 to 100, describe where you live and with whom, talk about your family, who they are and what they do. You will also be able to say where you go for shopping and give directions to a destination.
During the second semester, the basic skills you have acquired will be extended. By the end of this semester, you will be able to describe in both oral and written French: your leisure interests, your daily routine, tell the time, your future plans, describe people, talk about clothes and the weather.
To develop your reading and comprehension abilities, we will focus on Francophone cultures throughout the world and some simple stories. You will learn how to answer questions on these topics using simple written French. This component of the course will be examined in November.
For each unit covered there will be some small progress tests on RUconnected and you will have at least four tests (a minimum of one per term). To help you practise, there are worksheets available online. All the tests (mini tests, term tests, oral evaluations) will comprise 50% of your final mark at the end of the year. The June Exam includes both oral and written components and will constitute 20% of your final mark. Please note that there is a 40% subminimum for the June exam.
The November Exam, which tests all the four competencies: listening, reading, writing and speaking, will make up 30% of your end-of-year result.
The DP requirement is 100% of lectures & tutorials. It is not advisable to miss any classes if you wish to derive maximum benefit from the course. A register will be taken at both lectures and tutorials. A doctor’s note is required to justify your absence.
Course material will be provided.
All French 1 lectures are held in G03/ SolMa venue; in periods 5 (Mon), 2 (Wed), 3 (Thurs) and 4 (Fri). In addition, there is one tutorial per student per week: written work tutorials will alternate with conversation tutorials on Tuesdays (tutors and venues to be advised).
Any questions? Please come and see Prof AN Mukenge in the School of Languages and Literatures Building (Opposite Homeground Coffee).
FRENCH II – COURSE OUTLINE – 2026
Course code: 1201200
In French II, you will have SIX weekly lectures plus a tutorial. There is an introduction to different kinds of literature : contes/nouvelles (short stories) will be covered in the first semester, while poésie/pièce de théâtre (poetry and a play) will be explored in the second. Additionally, there will be a weekly class dedicated to Cinema in the first semester, and in the second semester inter alia French for Tourism.
All modules are designed to develop the FOUR language competencies: listening, reading, speaking, and writing. You will be required to give oral presentations on specific topics and to write regular assessments for each module.
At second year level, there is a focus on skills development, expanding your knowledge of grammar and vocabulary, with a view to growing your ability to express yourself with confidence, both orally and in writing. The tutorials will focus on reinforcing the concepts covered in class.
Course work: 50% of your final result
Exams (both oral and written): 50% of your final result
Texts required for the first semester 2026
- Divers Contes et nouvelles (FS to supply)
- Choix de textes (FS to supply)
Texts required for the second semester 2026
- Divers poètes Choix de poèmes (FS to supply)
- Pièce de théâtre (à confirmer plus tard) (FS to supply)
Recommended
- Crocker, Mary Schaum’s Outline of French Grammar
- Collins-Robert Concise French and English Dictionary OR
- Oxford-Hachette Concise French and English Dictionary
FRENCH III – COURSE OUTLINE – 2026
Course code: 1201300
In French III, you will have SIX lectures a week, along with a tutorial. Each week, there will be a translation class as well as literature lectures. Over the course of the year, seven texts will be discussed: three and a half in each semester. Most (but not all) of the literature will be contemporary, from the 20th and 21st centuries.
Additionally, there will be weekly classes covering grammar, French for cinema, French for business and French for tourism.
These modules are designed to develop all FOUR competencies: listening, reading, speaking and writing. You will be required to give oral presentations on specific topics and submit a written test and/or assignment for each course. One lecture (DCE/O) will be dedicated to a variety of practical activities, including skills development, grammar and vocabulary. This session will also help you prepare for the oral exam at the end of the year. The tutorial will focus on reinforcing the concepts you cover in the lectures.
As part of Community Service, third-year students are also required, on a rotational basis, to prepare and teach a basic French class once a week at Good Shepherd Primary School.
Course work: 50% of your final result
Exams (both oral and written): 50% of your final result
Texts required for the first semester 2026
Bebey, Kidi Enfin chez moi FS to supply
Tremblay, Larry L’orangeraie FS to supply
Divers poètes Choix de poèmes FS to supply
Laferrière Le Goût des jeunes filles FS to supply
Texts required for the second semester 2026
Molière Tartuffe FS to supply
Pièce de théatre (à confirmer plus tard) FS to supply
Conte/Nouvelle (à confirmer plus tard) FS to supply
Crocker, Mary Schaum’s Outline of French Grammar
Collins-Robert Concise French and English Dictionary
Oxford-Hachette Concise French and English Dictionary
Last Modified: Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:10:58 SAST