FR1MMF-The Making of Modern France

Module Provider: Languages and Cultures
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Marjorie Gehrhardt
Email: m.i.s.gehrhardt@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
The aim of this module is to examine events that shaped modern French society, ideas and institutions.

Aims:
Students will be introduced to the major landmarks in French history and ideas from the Enlightenment to the end of the Post-War era.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:

£ understand the major landmarks which have shaped the course of French history from the eighteenth century to the present day
£ identify key currents of thought that have shaped modern French mentalities
£ identify and use critically the concepts of Left and Right as a framework for the analysis of political conflict
£ engage critically with the ideas presented in lectures, seminars, or secondary materials
£ organise and articulate a coherent written argument, both in coursework essays and under timed examination conditions.

Additional outcomes:
The module also aims to encourage the development of: oral communication skills and pair/group presentation skills. Students will also be expected to use specified internet sites as part of their background learning.

Outline content:

- Introduction to key events such as the French Revolution, the French experience in two World Wars, imperialism and decolonisation.
- Introduction to currents of thought such as secularism, feminism and nationalism.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module will incorporate:

£ A total of twenty lectures
£ A total of 18 seminars leading to different forms of interaction between students and between the student group and seminar supervisors, plus two revision sessions.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10	10
Tutorials	9	9
Guided independent study:	61	61	40
Total hours by term	80	80	40
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	60
Written assignment including essay	40

Summative assessment- Examinations:
Students will take a 2-hour examination at the end of the module. The examination will require TWO questions to be answered.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One 1,500-2,000 word essay will be required.

Formative assessment methods:

One oral presentation and one short essay/outline, based on work done in seminars.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment in August, in the event of failure in this module and of failure in Part 1 as a whole, or (for compulsory modules only) of failure to qualify in Part 1. Coursework for reassessment must be resubmitted by 12 NOON on the third Friday of August or, if the University is closed on the third Friday of August, at 12 NOON on the next working day thereafter. 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 22 September 2022