French Studies

French Studies are concerned with the French language, which evolved from Latin, its special characteristics, its literatures and diverse culture. Students systematically expand their practical language knowledge and also study contents from the areas of linguistics, literature and cultural studies.

The field of linguistics examines the emergence, development and current state of the French language (phonology, word formation, syntax, etc. ). Students also receive an overview of other subfields of linguistics as well as their theories and methods.

Literary studies provide insights into the literary history of the respective language area from the Middle Ages to the present (periods, genres, authors, works, etc.) as well as theories, methodologies and models with regard to French literature. In addition, students are acquainted with methodologies and aids for literary research.

Cultural studies address theories, methods and models with a view to different cultures but also include country-specific orientational knowledge. This includes the examination of current and historical political, economic and social structures, media landscapes and educational systems in French-speaking geographies.

This subject must be combined with a second subject.

Possible lines of work:

Research management, education (e.g. adult education at universities, language courses at adult education centers, educational/vocational institutes (Bildungswerke), etc.), book industry (publishing/ libraries/ translating/editing), culture (cultural institutions, cultural management, embassies, cultural institutes, regional cultural work, exhibitions, etc.), media/journalism (press, radio, television, online media, public relations), administration (international relations, e.g. diplomatic service, EU institutions, international organizations), teaching in the German public school system, academia (research management, teaching/research at universities, research institutions, etc.)

Job options strongly depend on a graduate’s chosen major.