Careers in French
France is one of the countries of Western Europe that has exerted a major influence on the cultural and political history of the modern world. It has long played a critical role in European affairs and for that reason its language has been widely used for international communications for several centuries. Its position in the European Union is central. French is also the language of numerous other countries and cultures - in Europe, Africa, North America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific, and it is one of the main languages used by international bodies such as the United Nations.
The study of French, therefore, gives access to a whole network of international communications as well as to a vast body of literary, historical and scientific knowledge.
At the University of Melbourne, French may be studied at all levels of an undergraduate degree, from first year through to the honours year. At the postgraduate level, there are programs for a Post-graduate Diploma, as well as the M.A. and PhD. The French Section offers separate entry points for those students who have passed VCE French, those who have completed four or five years' study, and those who have little or no prior knowledge of the language. In addition, advanced placement and accelerated learning pathways are available. Within the Faculty of Arts, French combines well with subjects such as Linguistics, Fine Arts, History, English, Politics, and other languages. French (as part of a B.A. degree) may also be combined with degrees from other faculties, including Law, Music, Engineering, Medicine, Science, Economics and Commerce, Education, among others. Undergraduate students from all faculties can study French concurrently with their degree by enrolling in the Diploma of Modern Languages (French).
The French Section has a strong commitment to language teaching, and employs the most recent advances in teaching technologies. These include the use of the computer laboratory at the Horwood Language Centre, and multimedia, including the use and creation of French sites on the Internet. The Section is also committed to the position that its students must be able to achieve competence, at an internationally competitive level, in French culture, and its offerings are structured to reflect this philosophy. French is the normal language of instruction throughout the course.
The intellectual training acquired in learning a language and studying its cultural dimensions equips graduates in French to excel in numerous professions, including radio and television, the diplomatic service, international trade, the law, and administration. Graduates may also undertake further training for professions such as journalism, teaching, interpreting, and librarianship. At the international level, French is widely used, and competence in French language and culture can open doors to a variety of opportunities.
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