

M-A in French at University of Delhi


Delhi, Delhi
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About the Specialization
What is French at University of Delhi Delhi?
This M.A. French program at the University of Delhi focuses on advanced studies in French language, literature, and culture, preparing students for diverse academic and professional pursuits. It provides a comprehensive understanding of Francophone worlds, critical literary analysis, and linguistic proficiency essential for global communication. The program stands out for its blend of classical and contemporary studies, catering to the evolving demands of cross-cultural communication and French expertise in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a background in French or language studies seeking entry into higher education, translation, or international relations. It also caters to working professionals aiming to upskill in advanced French for careers in diplomacy, tourism, or teaching. Career changers transitioning into fields requiring nuanced linguistic and cultural understanding will find this program beneficial, with prerequisites typically including a Bachelor''''s degree in French or a diploma in French with a general Bachelor''''s degree.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths, including language instruction at schools and universities, translation and interpretation services for MNCs and government bodies, and roles in cultural diplomacy. Entry-level salaries range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing to INR 8-15 LPA with experience in specialized roles. Career trajectories include Senior Translator, Cultural Attaché, Language Trainer, or Researcher. Professional certifications like DELF/DALF are often pursued by graduates to further enhance their profiles.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Immerse in French Media- (Ongoing from Semester 1)
Regularly watch French films, TV series (with subtitles initially), listen to French music and podcasts. This builds listening comprehension, vocabulary, and cultural familiarity naturally, vital for advanced language learning.
Tools & Resources
TV5 Monde, Arte, France Culture, Netflix (with French content), Spotify French playlists
Career Connection
Enhances fluency and cultural intelligence, crucial for roles in translation, teaching, and international relations by fostering natural language acquisition.
Join Language Exchange Groups- (Semester 1-2 (weekly engagement))
Participate in university language clubs or online platforms to practice speaking with native or advanced French speakers. Engage in discussions on diverse topics to improve conversational fluency and confidence.
Tools & Resources
University French Club, Tandem app, HelloTalk
Career Connection
Improves conversational proficiency and confidence, vital for interpretation, client-facing roles, and diplomatic services where direct communication is key.
Master Advanced Grammar & Writing- (Semester 1-2 (daily practice, weekly assignments))
Focus intensely on perfecting complex grammatical structures and refining academic writing in French. Practice essay writing, literary critiques, and formal communication to achieve high proficiency.
Tools & Resources
Le Bon Usage (Grevisse), Bescherelle, Online grammar exercises, Peer review
Career Connection
Essential for achieving high academic scores, excelling in research, and professional writing/translation careers that demand precision and stylistic accuracy.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Translation Projects- (Semester 3 (ad-hoc projects, 1-2 per semester))
Seek out opportunities for small-scale translation projects (e.g., university notices, NGO documents, local business content). This provides practical experience in applied linguistics and builds a professional portfolio.
Tools & Resources
CAT tools (e.g., MemoQ, SDL Trados - basic versions), Linguee, Termium Plus
Career Connection
Builds a tangible portfolio and practical experience for a career in translation, interpretation, and localization services, demonstrating real-world skills.
Explore Specialised French- (Semester 3 (focus on elective choices and supplementary study))
Depending on career interests, delve into Business French, French for Diplomacy, or French for Tourism. Attend workshops and use specialized resources to gain niche vocabulary and contextual understanding.
Tools & Resources
Chambre de Commerce et d''''Industrie de Paris (CCIP) resources, Specialized textbooks, Professional body workshops
Career Connection
Narrows down career focus, making students highly competitive for niche roles in specific industries that require specialized linguistic skills.
Network with Francophone Professionals- (Semester 3 (monthly engagement))
Attend cultural events, seminars, and networking sessions organized by the Alliance Française, embassies, or Indo-French chambers of commerce. Connect on platforms like LinkedIn to expand professional contacts.
Tools & Resources
Alliance Française events, Embassy cultural calendars, LinkedIn
Career Connection
Opens doors to internship opportunities, mentorship, and potential job leads in a competitive market by building valuable professional relationships.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Research & Dissertation- (Semester 4 (intensive focus))
Actively engage with faculty mentors to conceptualize, research, and write your M.A. dissertation. Utilize university library resources and academic databases for thorough literature review and data collection.
Tools & Resources
University Library (physical & digital), JSTOR, Project MUSE, MLA International Bibliography, Zotero/Mendeley
Career Connection
Develops critical research skills, academic writing prowess, and demonstrates expertise, crucial for higher studies (PhD) or research-oriented roles.
Prepare for Professional Certifications- (Semester 4 (exam preparation alongside studies))
Dedicate time to prepare for internationally recognized French language certifications like DELF C1/C2 or DALF C1/C2, which validate advanced proficiency and open global career avenues.
Tools & Resources
Official DELF/DALF preparation guides, Past papers, Alliance Française courses
Career Connection
Provides a competitive edge for international job markets, teaching positions, and immigration to Francophone countries by certifying high-level language skills.
Engage in Career Planning & Placements- (Semester 4 (focused job search and application))
Work closely with the university''''s career cell to refine your CV, practice interview skills (especially in French), and explore placement opportunities in relevant sectors like translation, education, or cultural organizations.
Tools & Resources
University Career Services, LinkedIn, Job portals (Naukri, Indeed), Professional networking events
Career Connection
Maximizes chances for securing desired employment post-graduation, leveraging program-specific skills into professional roles and connecting with employers.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s Degree in French from University of Delhi OR an equivalent examination from a recognized University OR B.A. with at least 50% marks in aggregate and Certificate/Diploma/Advanced Diploma in French from University of Delhi or equivalent. Specific entrance exam might be required.
Duration: 2 years (4 Semesters)
Credits: 64 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FREN101 | History of French Literature and Civilization (16th-18th Centuries) | Core | 4 | Renaissance literature, French Classicism, The Enlightenment, Literary movements, Socio-cultural context |
| FREN102 | French Phonetics and Oral Expression | Core | 4 | Phonetics and phonology, Pronunciation rules, Intonation patterns, Oral comprehension, Public speaking techniques |
| FREN103 | Advanced French Grammar and Translation I | Core | 4 | Complex grammatical structures, Advanced syntax, Vocabulary enrichment, French-English translation, English-French translation |
| FREN104 | Textual Analysis and Literary Theory I | Core | 4 | Literary genres, Prose and poetry analysis, Introduction to literary theories, Critical reading strategies, Rhetorical devices |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FREN201 | History of French Literature and Civilization (19th-20th Centuries) | Core | 4 | Romanticism and Realism, Symbolism and Surrealism, Existentialism and New Novel, Postmodern currents, Modern French society |
| FREN202 | French Didactics and Methodology of Teaching French | Core | 4 | Language acquisition theories, Teaching methodologies (FLE), Curriculum design, Classroom management, Assessment techniques |
| FREN203 | Advanced French Grammar and Translation II | Core | 4 | Stylistics and register, Idiomatic expressions, Specialized translation, Literary translation, Legal and technical translation |
| FREN204 | Textual Analysis and Literary Theory II | Core | 4 | Structuralism and Post-Structuralism, Feminist criticism, Psychoanalytic literary theory, Comparative literature, Discourse analysis |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FREN301 | Francophone Literatures and Cultures I (Caribbean/African) | Core | 4 | Francophone identity, Post-colonial literature, Caribbean authors, African literary movements, Cultural studies perspectives |
| FREN302 | Applied Linguistics and Sociolinguistics of French | Core | 4 | Language variation, Language contact and change, Multilingualism, Language policy, Language and society |
| FRENE303 | Elective I: French Cinema and Society | Elective | 4 | History of French cinema, Major directors and movements, Cinematic techniques, Social commentary in film, Film analysis |
| FRENE304 | Elective II: French for Tourism and Hospitality | Elective | 4 | Tourism vocabulary, Cultural aspects of travel, Travel documentation, Customer service in French, Marketing in tourism |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FREN401 | Francophone Literatures and Cultures II (Europe/Canada) | Core | 4 | Quebecois literature, Belgian and Swiss Francophone, Diaspora studies, Cultural identity themes, Contemporary Francophone issues |
| FREN402 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Research design principles, Data collection methods, Academic writing standards, Referencing and bibliography, Literature review techniques |
| FRENE403 | Elective III: Contemporary French Politics and Society | Elective | 4 | French political system, Key social issues, France and the European Union, Immigration and integration, Cultural policies |
| FREN404 | Dissertation/Project | Project | 4 | Independent research topic, Thesis writing, Presentation skills, Critical analysis, Scholarly contribution |




