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French Studies

Find out what sessions we are able to offer in the area of French studies

Interactive Workshop: Translating Faïza Guène’s Kiffe kiffe demain (online or in person)

Dr Pollie Bromilow

Overview

A-level tailored session on this popular set text which introduces students to the principles and process of translation. Session can be adapted for different group sizes and can last between one to two hours.

  1. Interactive presentation on the novel covering themes, style and language.
  2. Workshop on translating extracts of the novel (these can be specified in advance).
  3. Group feedback mini presentations on extracts studied and comparison of different translations. All materials provided.

What we provide/deliver

  • Delivery of presentation.
  • Selection of extracts with examples of translations.
  • Opportunities for group work
  • PowerPoint slides with resources
  • Follow-up translation exercises which can be completed as a class activity after the workshop. 

Topics covered  / relevance to A-level syllabus

  • Overview of Kiffe kiffe demain from the perspective of translation studies.
  • Introduction to translation as an exercise
  • Focused reading and translation skills tailored to level
  • Translation strategies in language-learning: literal to free translation, finding equivalent vocabulary, understanding cultural and literary contexts of translation.

Presentation & Interactive Workshop: Understanding the Haitian Revolution

Prof Charles Forsdick 

Overview

This interactive workshop is designed for A-level or GCSE students of French and/or History (the activity includes French-language resources provided with English translations) and can adapted for learners at different stages. The workshop usually consists of two stages (which can be tailored according to requirements), which together last between 1-2 hours:

  1. Overview of the Haiti and the Haitian Revolution
  2. Presentation of Haiti in the context of transatlantic slavery, the French Revolution and other key histories
  3. Introduction to key figures of the Haitian Revolution (including Toussaint Louverture)
  4. Discussion of the aftermath of the Haitian Revolution
  5. Consideration of the Haitian Revolution in the context of modern anti-slavery and contemporary social movements including Black Lives Matter
  6. Workshop in which students have the opportunity to study primary materials (texts and images) relating to the Revolution

What we provide/deliver

  • Delivery of introductory session (covering 1-5 above) and facilitation of workshop (6). The preliminary session can be provided face-to-face or online, although is considerably easier face-to-face
  • PowerPoint slides with resources
  • Worksheets

Topics covered / relevance to GCSE and A-level syllabus

  • Discussion of key moments and figures in the Haitian Revolution
  • The implications of the Haitian Revolution for contemporary debates about slavery, race and ethnicity
  • Provides an insight into current research and materials studied on undergraduate modules

Presentation & Interactive Workshop: Introduction to French and Francophone Comics

Prof Charles Forsdick

Overview

This interactive workshop is designed for A-level or GCSE students of French and/or other relevant subjects (the activity includes some French-language resources, combining text and image) and can adapted for learners at different stages. The workshop usually consists of two stages (which can be tailored according to requirements), which together last between 1-2 hours:

  1. Overview of the emergence of French and Francophone comics / bandes dessinées
  2. Presentation of key technical features of the bande dessinée
  3. Introduction to key works in the French and Francophone comics tradition (including Tintin)
  4. Consideration of key questions relating to comics in the twenty-first century (graphic histories; the impact of digital culture; comics and journalism)
  5. Workshop in which students have the opportunity to analyse primary materials, historical and contemporary

What we provide/deliver

  • Delivery of introductory session (covering 1-4 above) and facilitation of workshop (5). The preliminary session can be provided face-to-face or online, although is considerably easier face-to-face
  • PowerPoint slides with resources
  • Worksheets 

Topics covered / relevance to GCSE and A-level syllabus

  • Discussion of an important medium in French and Francophone cultures, the bande dessinée
  • Introduction to reading and analysing the form, in terms of content and context
  • Provides an insight into current research and materials studied on undergraduate modules