French Studies (Bachelor of Arts, B.A.)
The Bachelor's programme in French at Humboldt University is part of the Foreign Language Philology department. It focuses on the academic study of French language, literature, and culture in the context of Romance languages.
Please choose
- Major Field of Study
- Minor Field of Study
Table of Contents
At a glance
Course structure and content
French Studies is part of the field of Foreign Languages and Literatures. Romance Studies examines Romance languages, literatures and cultures. The subject in question uses example-based teaching methods. It also requires students to look beyond the language being studied to other Romance areas and their languages and literature. The acquisition of foreign language skills is therefore not the focus of the programme. If you only wish to learn or perfect the Romance languages, this course on a Romance subject will not meet your objectives.
Major field of study (120 CP)
Mandatory Modules(80 CP)
| Module no. | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Language Training – Basic Module | 10 CP |
| 02 | Linguistics – Basic Module | 10 CP |
| 03 | Literary Studies – Basic Module | 10 CP |
| 04 | Linguistics – Advanced Module | 10 CP |
| 05 | Literary Studies – Advanced Module | 10 CP |
| 06 | Language Training Advanced Module: Written Expression | 5 CP |
| 07 | Language Training Advanced Module: Oral Expression | 5 CP |
| 08 | Culture and Media | 5 CP |
| 11 | Scientific Profile-Building | 5 CP |
| 12 | Bachelor's Thesis | 10 CP |
Mandatory Elective Modules (20 CP)
Select 1 of the following modules:
| Module no. | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 09 | In-depth Module Linguistics | 10 CP |
| 10 | In-depth Module Literary Studies | 10 CP |
Select 1 of the following modules:
| Module no. | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 13 | Practical Orientation | 10 CP |
| 14 | Internship | 10 CP |
General Elective Modules (20 CP)
In addition to specialised study, students acquire subject-specific, non-specialist and interdisciplinary key qualifications of 20 CP. Modules can be freely chosen from the designated module catalogues of other subjects or central institutions. Furthermore there is the possibility to acquire language skills in Catalan, Portuguese or Romanian.
General elective course offerings (ÜWP) for students coming from other courses of studies
| Module no. | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | French within the context of Neo-Latin Languages | 5 CP |
| 17 | French Literary Studies | 5 CP |
| 18 | Culture and Media in Francophone Areas | 5 CP |
Special features
Students are expected to have French language skills at B1 level under the Common European Framework for Languages. You will have fulfilled the admission requirements with the successful completion of a basic or accelerated course up to the level of Abitur, in the subject of French as an advanced first or second foreign language or newly acquired third foreign language. Foreign languages must be proven or equivalent certificates presented. Applicants who speak French as a native language are not required to supply proof. You can find detailed information online on the Department of Romance Languages and Literature website.
Knowledge of a modern foreign language or Latin is desirable. Adequate German skills are also required.
- Provide fundamental scientific knowledge of French language, literature and culture using selected thematic focuses.
- Student acquisition of key techniques of academic and systematic work, research, written and oral presentation and other key communication skills.
- Convey the ability to critically discuss academic theories and methods, and to handle scientific questions independently.
- Provision of career-related additional qualifications and career-oriented elements, e.g. in the fields of formal and informal education, the media, publishing, cultural management, international organisations and further education, and where relevant preparation for a teaching-related master’s course.
- Basis for an academic career.
Subject-specific admission and enrolment rules
Career opportunities & prospects
Completing the Bachelor of Arts in French Studies enables you to study for a Master of Education as well as for ‘Romance Cultures’, ‘Euromaster for French and Francophone Studies’ and ‘European Literatures’ master’s programmes.
Find out more in the overview of HU study programmes or via the database Hochschulkompass nationwide.
A successful degree in French qualifies graduates for all professional fields that require in-depth knowledge of the French language, literature, and culture, or where linguistic or literary expertise is a core competency. Such fields include, for example, formal and informal education and training, media, publishing, cultural management, public relations, national and international organizations and government agencies, associations, and foundations.
The Bachelor's degree in French with a teaching option prepares students for a Master's degree in education.
Furthermore, a Bachelor's degree in French qualifies graduates for a subsequent Master's degree in linguistics or literary studies.
More information on career prospects and alternatives can be found in the Berufenet database.
Study subject counselling and recognition of credits
Dr. Anne Wolfsgruber
Department of Romance Literatures and Linguistics
Boeckh-Haus, Dorotheenstraße 65, 10117 Berlin