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M-A in French at University of Delhi

University of Delhi is a premier central university in Delhi, established in 1922. Renowned for its academic excellence across diverse programs, including Arts, Sciences, and Commerce, DU fosters a vibrant campus environment. Ranked 6th by NIRF 2024, it educates over 700,000 students.

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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 CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
FREN101History of French Literature and Civilization (16th-18th Centuries)Core4Renaissance literature, French Classicism, The Enlightenment, Literary movements, Socio-cultural context
FREN102French Phonetics and Oral ExpressionCore4Phonetics and phonology, Pronunciation rules, Intonation patterns, Oral comprehension, Public speaking techniques
FREN103Advanced French Grammar and Translation ICore4Complex grammatical structures, Advanced syntax, Vocabulary enrichment, French-English translation, English-French translation
FREN104Textual Analysis and Literary Theory ICore4Literary genres, Prose and poetry analysis, Introduction to literary theories, Critical reading strategies, Rhetorical devices

Semester 2

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
FREN201History of French Literature and Civilization (19th-20th Centuries)Core4Romanticism and Realism, Symbolism and Surrealism, Existentialism and New Novel, Postmodern currents, Modern French society
FREN202French Didactics and Methodology of Teaching FrenchCore4Language acquisition theories, Teaching methodologies (FLE), Curriculum design, Classroom management, Assessment techniques
FREN203Advanced French Grammar and Translation IICore4Stylistics and register, Idiomatic expressions, Specialized translation, Literary translation, Legal and technical translation
FREN204Textual Analysis and Literary Theory IICore4Structuralism and Post-Structuralism, Feminist criticism, Psychoanalytic literary theory, Comparative literature, Discourse analysis

Semester 3

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
FREN301Francophone Literatures and Cultures I (Caribbean/African)Core4Francophone identity, Post-colonial literature, Caribbean authors, African literary movements, Cultural studies perspectives
FREN302Applied Linguistics and Sociolinguistics of FrenchCore4Language variation, Language contact and change, Multilingualism, Language policy, Language and society
FRENE303Elective I: French Cinema and SocietyElective4History of French cinema, Major directors and movements, Cinematic techniques, Social commentary in film, Film analysis
FRENE304Elective II: French for Tourism and HospitalityElective4Tourism vocabulary, Cultural aspects of travel, Travel documentation, Customer service in French, Marketing in tourism

Semester 4

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
FREN401Francophone Literatures and Cultures II (Europe/Canada)Core4Quebecois literature, Belgian and Swiss Francophone, Diaspora studies, Cultural identity themes, Contemporary Francophone issues
FREN402Research MethodologyCore4Research design principles, Data collection methods, Academic writing standards, Referencing and bibliography, Literature review techniques
FRENE403Elective III: Contemporary French Politics and SocietyElective4French political system, Key social issues, France and the European Union, Immigration and integration, Cultural policies
FREN404Dissertation/ProjectProject4Independent research topic, Thesis writing, Presentation skills, Critical analysis, Scholarly contribution
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