.png&w=1920&q=75)
M-A in French And Francophone Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University
Delhi, Delhi
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is French and Francophone Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University Delhi?
This M.A. French and Francophone Studies program at Jawaharlal Nehru University focuses on a comprehensive understanding of French language, literature, culture, and the wider Francophone world. It delves into the rich historical, social, and political contexts that shaped these regions. In India, with increasing global ties and cultural exchange, expertise in French and Francophone studies is highly valued for diplomatic, educational, and international business engagements, setting graduates apart in a competitive market.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from any discipline with adequate proficiency in French, as well as those holding a B.A. in French seeking to deepen their academic and cultural knowledge. It also suits individuals passionate about literary criticism, translation, linguistics, and international relations, aiming for careers that require advanced French language and cultural expertise. Aspiring educators, researchers, and cultural attachés will find this program particularly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India such as translators, interpreters, university lecturers, cultural attachés, and specialists in international organizations and NGOs. Entry-level salaries for translators/interpreters typically range from INR 3-6 LPA, growing significantly with experience. Opportunities also exist in MNCs with French-speaking markets and in the tourism sector, aligning with India''''s growing engagement with Francophone nations and demand for specialized language skills.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Intensive Language Immersion- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate consistent time daily to advanced French language practice beyond coursework. Engage with French media, literature, and conversation groups to solidify grammar, vocabulary, and phonetic skills, crucial for academic success and professional communication.
Tools & Resources
Alliance Française workshops, TV5Monde, France Culture radio, Duolingo/Babbel for daily practice, JNU French conversational clubs
Career Connection
Strong language foundation is paramount for roles in translation, interpretation, teaching, and international relations, enabling effective communication in a globalized context.
Master Core Literary and Cultural Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in discussions, read primary texts thoroughly, and synthesize critical theories to build a robust understanding of French and Francophone literature and history. Form study groups to analyze complex historical periods and literary movements collaboratively.
Tools & Resources
JNU Library''''s extensive French collection, Online academic journals (JSTOR, Cairn.info), Peer study groups, Professor''''s office hours
Career Connection
Deep analytical skills in literature and culture are essential for research, academic careers, cultural liaison roles, and developing nuanced understanding for diplomatic and international business contexts.
Develop Foundational Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to research methodology and academic writing courses. Practice structuring arguments, conducting literature reviews, and precise citation. Utilize JNU''''s research resources from the outset to prepare for advanced academic work.
Tools & Resources
JNU Library research guides, Zotero/Mendeley for citation management, Academic writing workshops, Turnitin for plagiarism checks
Career Connection
Solid research and academic writing abilities are fundamental for dissertation work, future Ph.D. studies, and any role requiring report writing, policy analysis, or scholarly publication.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Practical Translation Exercises- (Semester 3)
Beyond theoretical understanding, regularly practice translation between French and English across various registers (literary, technical, journalistic). Seek feedback on your work and explore practical tools used by professional translators.
Tools & Resources
DeepL Translator (for comparison), Trados/SDL software trials, Online translation forums, JNU faculty specialized in translation studies
Career Connection
Hands-on translation experience directly prepares you for roles as professional translators, localizers, or interpreters, a high-demand skill in India''''s growing service sector and international business.
Explore Electives for Specialization & Interest- (Semester 3)
Strategically choose electives that align with your career aspirations or academic interests. Deep dive into areas like French cinema, women writers, or FLE, using these as opportunities to develop a niche skill set and explore potential dissertation topics.
Tools & Resources
Course catalogues, Faculty consultations, Film archives/streaming platforms for French cinema, Pedagogical resources for FLE
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge gained from electives can open doors to specific industries such as film studies, gender studies research, or French language teaching roles in schools and universities.
Participate in Cultural Exchange Programs- (Semester 3)
Actively look for opportunities to engage with French and Francophone cultures beyond the classroom, such as film screenings, literary festivals, or student exchanges. Network with native speakers and cultural organizations.
Tools & Resources
Alliance Française events, French Embassy cultural programs, JNU international student associations, Scholarships for short-term study abroad
Career Connection
Intercultural competence and networking are invaluable for diplomatic services, cultural institutions, and multinational companies, fostering understanding and collaboration across cultures.
Advanced Stage
Conduct Independent Dissertation Research- (Semester 4)
Utilize all learned research methodologies and theoretical frameworks to execute a high-quality dissertation. Maintain regular communication with your supervisor, stay organized with your research, and refine your academic writing for scholarly contribution.
Tools & Resources
JNU research methodology support, Statistical software (if applicable), EndNote/RefWorks for citations, Access to international academic databases
Career Connection
A strong dissertation demonstrates advanced research capabilities, critical thinking, and independent scholarship, crucial for academic careers, policy analysis, and high-level research positions.
Refine Critical and Theoretical Application- (Semester 4)
Engage deeply with advanced literary criticism courses. Practice applying complex theories to diverse texts, developing your own analytical voice. Participate in seminars and workshops to present your critical perspectives.
Tools & Resources
Advanced literary theory texts, JNU faculty seminars, Academic conferences for presenting papers, Peer review of critical essays
Career Connection
Advanced theoretical understanding is key for academic research, literary criticism, and roles requiring sophisticated cultural analysis in think tanks or publishing.
Network and Prepare for Career Transition- (Semester 4)
Attend career workshops, network with alumni and professionals in your target fields (e.g., diplomacy, education, translation). Tailor your resume and cover letter, and practice interview skills to highlight your unique French and Francophone expertise.
Tools & Resources
JNU Career Services, LinkedIn for professional networking, Alumni association events, Mock interview sessions
Career Connection
Proactive career preparation translates directly into successful placements, leveraging your specialized degree into roles within government, international organizations, education, and multinational corporations.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree (10+2+3 system) in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks and adequate proficiency in French. OR B.A. in French with a minimum of 50% marks.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 64 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FF 401 | French Language Skills - I | Core | 4 | Reading Comprehension, Oral and Written Expression, Translation (French to English), Grammar Review, Phonetics and Pronunciation |
| FF 403 | Introduction to Francophone World: History and Culture | Core | 4 | French Revolution and its Legacy, Third Republic and Colonial Expansion, Decolonization Movements, Modern France: Society and Institutions, Cultural Landscapes and Identities |
| FF 405 | Literary Movements: 17th to 19th Century | Core | 4 | Classicism and Age of Reason, Enlightenment Philosophy and Literature, Romanticism: Themes and Authors, Realism and Naturalism in French Novel, Historical and Social Contexts |
| FF 407 | Introduction to Literary Theories | Core | 4 | Structuralism and Semiotics, Psychoanalytic Criticism, Marxist Literary Theory, Feminist Literary Criticism, Post-structuralism and Deconstruction |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FF 402 | French Language Skills - II | Core | 4 | Advanced Grammar and Syntax, Stylistics and Register Variation, Translation (English to French), Advanced Essay Writing, Oral Communication and Debate |
| FF 404 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Research Design and Ethics, Literature Review and Data Collection, Academic Writing and Citation Styles, Formulating Research Questions, Thesis Structure and Presentation |
| FF 406 | Literary Movements: 20th and 21st Century | Core | 4 | Symbolism and Surrealism, Existentialism and the Absurd, Nouveau Roman and Postmodernism, Contemporary French Literature, Impact of Wars and Social Changes |
| FF 408 | Francophone Literatures - I (Caribbean and North Africa) | Core | 4 | Négritude Movement and its Legacy, Creole Identity and Creolization, Maghrebian Literature: Themes and Forms, Postcolonial Discourses in Literature, Key Authors from Caribbean and Maghreb |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FF 501 | Translation: Theory and Practice | Core | 4 | Theories of Translation, Issues of Equivalence and Fidelity, Linguistic and Cultural Transfers, Practical Translation Exercises, Tools and Techniques in Translation |
| FF 503 | French Literature and Arts | Core | 4 | Literature and Visual Arts, French Cinema and Literary Adaptations, Theatre and Performance Studies, Music and Poetic Traditions, Interdisciplinary Approaches to French Culture |
| FF 505 | Francophone Literatures - II (Sub-Saharan Africa and Quebec) | Core | 4 | African Francophone Novel, Postcolonialism in African Writings, Quebecois Literature and Identity, Migration and Diasporic Experiences, Representation of History and Memory |
| FF 5XX | Elective Course | Elective | 4 | Students choose one from FF 507, FF 509, FF 511, FF 513., FF 507: Studies in French Cinema (History of French Cinema, New Wave, Key Directors, Film Analysis), FF 509: French Women Writers (Feminist Theories, Major Authors, Gender Studies, Representation of Women), FF 511: French Press and Media (History of Press, Journalism, Media Ethics, Digital Media, Cultural Impact), FF 513: Teaching French as a Foreign Language (FLE) (Methodologies, Pedagogy, Material Development, Assessment) |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FF 502 | Dissertation | Core | 8 | Formulating Research Proposal, Extensive Literature Review, Choosing and Applying Methodology, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Academic Writing and Thesis Submission |
| FF 504 | Literary Criticism | Core | 4 | Formalism and New Criticism, Reader-Response Theory, Deconstruction and Post-structuralism, Postcolonial Criticism and Theory, Contemporary Debates in Literary Studies |
| FF 5XX | Elective Course | Elective | 4 | Students choose one from FF 506, FF 508, FF 510, FF 512., FF 506: French Language and Linguistics (Phonology, Morphology, Syntax, Semantics, Sociolinguistics), FF 508: French for Specific Purposes (Business French, Tourism, Diplomacy, Technical Translation), FF 510: Intercultural Communication (Cultural Models, Identity, Stereotypes, Non-Verbal Communication), FF 512: Studies in Francophone Cinema (Francophone Directors, Cultural Representation, Postcolonial Cinema) |
