Prospectus

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French and the French-speaking world

N.B. Minor description is up-to-date / course descriptions are subject to change

France holds a prominent political position within Europe, which has only grown stronger since Brexit. It also serves as an important trading partner for the Netherlands. At the same time, French is a true global language, granting access to a multitude of cultures and rich literary traditions. The French language counts over 320 million speakers across all continents. This number continues to rise, particularly in African countries that are becoming increasingly important players in the global economy.

Within this minor program, students not only enhance their proficiency in French, but also delve into the recent history and culture the Francophone world, from Canada to the Maghreb and the Caribbean. Students have the flexibility to shape their own program by choosing a 5-EC specialization course focusing on French culture, linguistics, or literature.

The courses of this minor are taught in French and are open for students who have a at least a A2/B1 level of French (equivalent to the level that is reached after about 6 years of French at secondary school). Students with a high level of French proficiency (B2 or higher/(near) native) can contact the coordinator of studies to discuss which courses they could take instead of the language proficiency course that is part of this program.

Testimonial

Jesse Bodaar (student): “During the minor French and the French-speaking World, you will not only dive into the French language but also into the contexts in which it is used. In just one semester, you will learn how to make yourself understood, but you will also discover why French is spoken in so many places around the world and what the consequences of this widespread use are. So, you won’t just be memorizing vocabulary—you will truly broaden your horizons.”

Maximum number of students: 30

Language: French

Registration: via EduXchange see More Info

15 May (13:00hrs) until 30 June 2025

Minor

Course EC Semester 1 Semester 2

Mandatory

Francophonies et littératures francophones 10
Langue française (intermédiaire/avancé) 10
Le français dans le monde : introduction à la linguistique française 5

Bound electives

Culture et société contemporaine (des ‘Trente Glorieuses’ à aujourd’hui) 5
Littérature de la Renaissance aux Lumières 5
Séminaire pratique : Le Français Juridique 5

15EC variant

  • A 15-EC variant of the program can be realized by combining the courses Langue française (intermédiaire) (level 100, 10EC) and Culture et société contemporaine (des ‘Trente Glorieuses’ à aujourd'hui) or another 5 EC course of level 300 from the French program. These courses are scheduled for the entire first semester.

  • Alternatively, students who enter the minor with high level of French may opt for the combination of Francophonies et littératures francophones (level 300, 10EC) and *Le français dans le monde: introduction à la linguistique française *(level 100, 5EC).

More info

Information

  • Extent 30 ec (taught in its entirety in first semester)

  • Intended for: students who wish to learn more about the French-speaking world while improving their French proficiency

  • Language of instruction: French

  • Website: Minors

  • Coordinator: Dr. Alisa van de Haar

  • Information: Coordinator Dr. Alisa van de Haar and Coordinator of Studies drs. Ellen Poolman

  • Board of Examiners: EC Frans, Italiaans, Duits

  • Education Committee: OC BA Franse taal en cultuur

  • Registration:
    LEI, TUD and EUR students 15 May until 30 June 2025 via EduXchange.
    Request an eduID account to register in EduXchange. On how to do this, watch Explore & register for your minor via eduXchange.

Students from another university: please visit Info about minors

  • From July, register separately for the courses via MyStudymap (only applies to LEI students!)
    Guest students will be helped with their course enrollment.

Follow-on master’s programme

  • This minor program is an asset for students who consider the possibility of taking French courses during their MA-program, for instance by studying at a university in a French-speaking country.

Remarks

  • A 15-EC variant of the program can be realized by combining the courses Langue française (intermédiaire) (level 100, 10EC) and Culture et société contemporaine (des ‘Trente Glorieuses’ à aujourd'hui) or another 5 EC course of level 300 from the French program. These courses are scheduled for the entire first semester.

  • Alternatively, students who enter the minor with high level of French may opt for the combination of Francophonies et littératures francophones (level 300, 10EC) and *Le français dans le monde: introduction à la linguistique française *(level 100, 5EC).