No, prior knowledge is generally not required to enroll in a French language course, especially if you are starting from scratch. Most language programs, whether in schools, universities, or private institutions, offer beginner-level courses that cater to those who have no previous knowledge of the
French Subjects List: Year-wise Syllabus, Semesters, Specializations & Books
Updated on Nov 7, 2022 10:56 IST
Shruti TiwariContent writer
French is a Romance language that belongs to the Indo-European language family. Just like all other Romance languages, it had also descended from the Roman Empire's Vulgar Latin. Gallo-Romance, the Latin spoken in Gaul, and particularly in Northern Gaul, evolved into French. Henry Harvin Language Academy is the first on the list for French Language Courses in India. The course gives a comprehensive framework with the completion of many levels, ranging from Beginners to Proficient. To enrol in an undergraduate programme, you must have a French baccalaureate or equivalent, as well as have completed your home country's university entrance test. You must have a baccalaureate or equivalent to be considered for admission to grandes ecoles.
Table of Contents
Syllabus – Important Facts for French
Some of the important facts related to French syllabus is given below:
- Bachelor of Arts (French): BA French, or Bachelor of Arts in French Language, is a three-year undergraduate degree programme that is provided by several institutions and universities across India. This course combines French language and literature, with a focus on spoken French, structure, grammar, and writing abilities, as well as reading and studying French literature and poems to obtain a better understanding of complicated language phonetics and linguistic methods.
- Scope of BA French: Graduates can also find work at data centres and embassies, which provide solid employment. Colleges and universities, language departments, French Bilingual Offices, Translation/Data Offices, Embassies, and foreign affairs ministers of India and France are all key industries that employ French graduates.
- Curriculum for French course: The French curriculum emphasises the development of language abilities, grammar, and vocabulary, as well as knowledge of French culture and literary history. The students are familiar with poems, literature, popular trends, and dramas that have appeared throughout French literature's history. As they tie the language to French culture, the students have a greater understanding of the language. The course is jam-packed with fascinating events that have influenced French literature.
- Examination Pattern: The most commonly recognised French tests are the DELF and DALF, which cover all levels from A1 to C2. The first two levels, like the DILF, are not particularly beneficial unless you are particularly interested in acquiring diplomas. From DELF B1 onwards, things become more serious.
List of Subjects in French
The subjects included at different universities may vary, but some subjects remain the same.
| Typical Core Subjects For French | |
|---|---|
| Subject Title | Subject Details |
| Commutative Grammar | The definition of grammar, at its most basic level, is a set of rules that allow us to organise sentences. It covers a wide range of topics in the English language, including parts of speech (verbs, adjectives, nouns, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, modifiers, etc.) |
| Fundamentals of French | French Fundamentals: 6 Grammar Basics It Pays to Master Early On
|
| Oral Expression | Theoral expression refers to a person's capacity to use suitable syntactic, semantic, pragmatic, and phonological language structures to express wishes, thoughts, and ideas in a meaningful way. |
| The civilization of the French Language | Historically, Celtic, and Gallo-Roman cultures, as well as the Franks, a Germanic group, affected French culture. France was first described as the Rhineland region of Germany, but it eventually evolved to refer to a territory known as Gaul throughout the Iron Age and the Ancient Roman period. |
| Introduction to Literature | Life is reflected through literature. It reflects the society in which it is produced. The word literature is derived from the Latin word 'litaritura,' which means "letter-organised writing." Language, origin, historical time, genre, and topic matter are all used to categorise literature. |
| Translation | Translation is the process of conveying the meaning of a source-language text to a target-language text. |
| French Poems | Poésie française (French for "French poetry") is a genre of French literature. It may encompass Francophone poetry written outside of France as well as poetry published in other French languages. |
| Language for specific purposes | LSP is a commonly used approach to second or foreign language teaching and training that focuses on the immediate and extremely particular needs of learners who need the language as a tool in their education, training, or employment. |
| Documents Authentication | Authentication establishes the authenticity of a document's signature and seal. Authentication is sometimes called legalisation or apostille in other nations. |
| Typical Elective Subjects For French | |
| Subject Title | Subject Details |
| Introduction to Linguistics | Linguistics is the study of human language as a science. It aims to do three things: first, examine languages and accurately describe them; second, uncover generalisations within what has been described; and third, derive conclusions about the general nature of human language. |
| History of Art in France | It began in France in the mid-twelfth century, during the Romanesque period. It evolved into a more secular and natural style known as International Gothic by the late fourteenth century, which lasted until the late fifteenth century when it progressed further into Renaissance art. |
| French Literature | The body of written works in the French language created within the geographic and political confines of France is known as French literature. The language evolved into one of the five major Romance languages as a result of the Roman conquest of western Europe. |
| French Drama | Theatrical activities were a part of everyday life in France throughout the Renaissance. Dramatic rites and spectacles were frequently staged by churches and cities. Expensive marriages, military battles, and meticulously choreographed processions to celebrate a royal entrance into a major city delighted the court. |
| History of France | The political authority of the French monarchy peaked during the reign of Louis XIV, "The Sun King." The French Revolution overthrew the monarchy and its related institutions in the late 18th century. Until Napoleon Bonaparte's French Empire was declared, the country was ruled as a Republic. |
Detailed Syllabus for French
Here is a general overview of the core or elective subjects taught from the first to sixth semesters of a programme for French.
| Semester | Core/Elective | Subject Title | Subject Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |
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Oral expression refers to a person's capacity to use suitable syntactic, semantic, pragmatic, and phonological language structures to express wishes, thoughts, and ideas in a meaningful way. A written language is the use of a writing system to represent spoken or gestural language. Written language is a creation in the sense that it must be taught to youngsters, who will learn spoken or sign language through exposure even if they are not explicitly schooled. |
| 2. |
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|
Historically, Celtic, and Gallo-Roman cultures, as well as the Franks, a Germanic group, affected French culture. France was first described as the Rhineland region of Germany, but it eventually evolved to refer to a territory known as Gaul throughout the Iron Age and the Ancient Roman period. |
| 3. |
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Introduction to Literature is a literature and composition course for college students. The focus works, which include novels, short tales, poems, and theatre, were chosen for their literary excellence, interest, and historical significance in the evolution of literature. The Gallo-Romance dialects of northern France gave rise to French, which is a Romance language (meaning it is mostly descended from Vulgar Latin). Old French and Middle French are two of the earliest varieties of the language. |
| 4. |
|
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French 2 is a one-year course that will help you learn more about the language, geography, and cultures of French-speaking countries. This course will help you improve your communication abilities by teaching you how to speak, read, write, and understand written and spoken French. |
| 5. |
|
|
Introduction to Literature is a literature and composition course for college students. The focus works, which include novels, short tales, poems, and theatre, were chosen for their literary excellence, interest, and historical significance in the evolution of literature. Poésie française (French for "French poetry") is a genre of French literature. It may encompass Francophone poetry written outside of France as well as poetry published in other French languages. Prose is a type of spoken or written language that follows the natural flow of conversation. It's the most prevalent type of writing, and it may be found in both fiction and nonfiction. The word "prose" is derived from the Latin "prosa oratio," which means "straightforward." |
| 6. |
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The Functional French minor is designed for students who want to gain the linguistic and cultural skills needed to work in professional Francophone environments. After your first year, you will be asked to indicate the program(s) you choose to pursue your Programs of Study. LSP is a commonly used approach to second or foreign language teaching and training that focuses on the immediate and extremely particular needs of learners who need the language as a tool in their education, training, or employment. |
Specialisations Offered in French
When it comes to the medium of education, students have a choice. They have the option of learning in either English or French, as classes are available in both languages. The following are some of the most popular courses:
| Specialisation | Subjects | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Linguistics |
|
Linguistics is the scientific study of language, with a focus on the systematic analysis of the qualities of specific languages as well as language characteristics in general. |
| French Art History |
|
It began in France in the mid-twelfth century, during the Romanesque period. It evolved into a more secular and natural style known as International Gothic by the late fourteenth century, which lasted until the late fifteenth century, when it progressed further into Renaissance art. |
| French Studies |
|
BA in French is a three-year undergraduate degree offered by schools to aid students in learning the French language in its entirety, which involves studying French literature, grammar, and oral and writing French abilities for a holistic approach to learning the language. |
| Translation |
|
Translation is the process of conveying the meaning of a source-language text to a target-language text. |
Books and Authors Related to French
If you prefer to learn from books and want to learn French on your own, or if you already know some and want to brush up on your knowledge, here is a list of books that you could find useful.
| Subject | Book title | Author | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| French | Practice Makes Perfect: Complete French All-in-One | Annie Heminway | The Practice Makes Perfect Complete French All-in-One book might be right for you if you want to start learning French with a beginner book and then progress to more advanced and specialist volumes in a series. Basic French, Complete French Grammar, French Conversation, French Sentence Builder, French Verb Tenses, Intermediate French Grammar, and Advanced French Grammar are all part of the Practice Makes Perfect French series. All seven books are included in the Complete French All-in-One book. There are 37 classes in total, with over 500 exercises. Their system is based on a lot of practice and learning. |
| French Grammar | Easy French Step-by-Step | Myrna Bell Rochester | Easy French Step-by-Step might be a suitable choice for you if you're beginning from scratch and want to learn French utilising a classic grammar approach. As the title suggests, the book follows a methodical, step-by-step approach to learning French. You begin with the most fundamental grammatical concepts and progress one step at a time. The book includes over 300 of the most used verbs, as well as a list of topics in order of importance. There are several tasks to practice and quiz yourself in this book, as well as many engaging reading sections. |
| French Vocabulary | French Vocabulary: A Thematic Approach | Fischer | Vocabulary: A Thematic Approach is a good choice if you already know some French but want to enhance your vocabulary. The book is divided by themes, as the name says, and you can learn the necessary terminology for each of the 24 topics. Business terminology, medical terms, household objects, food & eating, and transportation are just a few of the topics covered. The new edition of this book contains an audio MP3 with 10 hours of audio to go along with the book material, which will help you learn how to pronounce all the terms correctly. If you want to learn a lot of French vocabulary, this book is a great place to start. |
| French | Fluent in French | Frederic Bibard | The author of the popular French language and culture blog talkinfrench.com has released a book called Fluent in French: The Most Complete Study Guide to Learn French. Instead of simply providing information about the French language, this book also includes numerous tips on how to improve your language learning, such as assistance in creating study schedules, various tricks, and resources for accelerating your learning, how to stay motivated, and how to appreciate various sources of French, such as those found in the media. So, if you're looking for a book to help you get organised and establish a strategy for your French language learning, this is the book for you. |
| Visual French Book | Complete Language Pack: French | DK | If you wish to study French and are a visual learner, the Complete Language Pack technique for learning French might be for you. You can learn French in just 15 minutes a day, according to the book cover. This is because their programme is divided into 60 units, each of which can be finished in 15 minutes. The book is divided into sections based on practical subjects and is based on simple but real-life dialogues. A pocket-sized visual French phrasebook and a reference to basic French grammar are included in the whole set. |
Entrance Exams for French
These are some of the most competitive entrance tests for a BA French course in India:
- DU BA Entrance Test and Merit List: To admit students to its undergraduate programmes, Delhi University holds a basic level entrance test. Multiple choice questions relating to aptitude, reasoning, logical, and comprehension skills make up the paper pattern. Admission to this undergraduate programme is based on Merit Lists (Cut-off Lists), and if a student has not completed the language requirement in high school, their overall percentage will be reduced by up to 5%.
- JNU Entrance Test: To grant admissions to candidates in its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, Jawaharlal Nehru University holds an entrance exam known as JNUEE or Jawaharlal Nehru University entrance exam. The format of the paper consists of multiple choice questions and, on sometimes, essay-style questions that differ by subject.
- BHU UET: Banaras Hindu University Varanasi holds a common entrance test for admittance to their various programmes, which typically consists of comprehension, logical thinking, and aptitude skills questions.
Syllabus for Distance Program in French
French is a widely spoken language. It has a rich history and is widely spoken throughout the world. This language is being learned by an increasing number of people. This indicates that it is generating several opportunities. The demand for French translators, interpreters, and teachers is growing. Anyone who is fluent in French has the potential to build a successful career out of it. A one-year distance course in French focuses on teaching French as a language in terms of alphabetical knowledge, sentence construction, and comprehension, as well as basic grammar abilities.
The French curriculum emphasises the development of language abilities, grammar, and vocabulary, as well as knowledge of French culture and literary history. The students are familiar with poems, literature, popular trends, and dramas that have appeared throughout French literature's history. As they tie the language to French culture, the students have a greater understanding of the language. The course is jam-packed with fascinating events that have influenced French literature.
Top Colleges for French
Based on the curriculum, choices of electives offered, and in-house placement opportunities, these are the top colleges for French in India.
| SI. No. | College/University/Institution | Links |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | IGNOU Delhi | To be uploaded soon |
| 2. | JMI New Delhi | To be uploaded soon |
| 3. | MSU Baroda | To be uploaded soon |
| 4. | BHU Varanasi | To be uploaded soon |
| 5. | UNIPUNE (Pune University) | To be uploaded soon |
| 6. | DU Delhi | To be uploaded soon |
| 7. | JNU Delhi | To be uploaded soon |
FAQs on French Subjects
Q. What does BA stand for in French?
A. A BA in French is a three-year undergraduate programme offered by schools to aid students in learning the French language in its entirety, which involves studying French literature, grammar, and oral and writing French abilities for a holistic approach to learning the language.
Q. Is there any particular stream that should be pursued in 10+2 in order to take French as an undergraduate?
A. No, there is no specific path that students must follow in order to enrol in a French course at the undergraduate level. However, students must have a prior understanding of the French language and must have studied French language as a minor subject in high school.
Q. What does a BA in French encompass?
A. French graduates can engage in fields such as translation, teaching, public relations, tourism, and hospitality to help others and receive accolades, honours, and large monetary packages.
Q. Which entrance exams must be passed in order to be admitted to French courses in India?
A. Various university level entrance tests are administered by a number of universities across the country to select students for admission to their French programmes. Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jamia Millia Islamia University, Banaras Hindu University, and others are among the universities that offer popular French courses with entrance exam qualifications.
Q. What are the requirements for a BA in French course?
A. An intermediate degree (10+2) with a minimum score of 50-60% or as determined by the merit list is the minimum requirement for this course. Some universities, such as BHU UET, JNUEE, and others, need students to pass entrance tests in order to be admitted.
Q. What types of professions are available after completing a French course?
A. After completing a French course in India, you can work as a French instructor, lecturer, translator, editor, writer, flight attendant, tour guide, or voice-over artist, among other positions.
Q. What are the general admission exams that institutions in India administer for this programme?
A. BHU UET, DU CET, JNUEE, JMI BA TEST, St. Stephen's entrance test are some of the admission tests for this course programme.
Q. What are the abilities required for improved language proficiency?
A.
Candidates who want to study a language and become proficient in it must have the motivation and desire to do so. Candidates are encouraged to consume as much content in that language as possible in order to learn the language more quickly and effectively. They must practise their language abilities on a daily basis in order to become fluent in that language.
Q. What is the scope of this degree in another country?
A. Graduates of this programme can continue their education by pursuing master's and doctoral degrees in order to work as full-time professors in French colleges or colleges in general, imparting French language and literature education. They can also make money and gain experience by working in sales and translation professions in other countries.
Q. What is the typical compensation for jobs in India after completing a French course?
A. The typical income that may be claimed in India after completing a French course is determined by the work profile and the company that has provided the position. The wage that an individual can earn is determined by his or her ability, qualification, and job experience in the profession. The average compensation in this profession for diverse job profiles, however, is Rs. 5 lakhs per year.
Q. What universities in India are the best for learning French?
A. The colleges listed in the preceding article are all top-notch in terms of curriculum and syllabus. Students are recommended to go over the list and choose the college that best fits their needs.
Q. Do you think it's worthwhile to learn French?
A. Yes, the French curriculum is advantageous in many ways and opens up many new career opportunities in the fields of business, sales, teaching, and translation. As a result, studying French as a real course for career advancement is incredibly advantageous.
Q. What is the difficulty level of learning French?
A. This is entirely subjective and is determined by the individual's desire to learn and perfect any language in a reasonable amount of time.
Q. What is the average time it takes to learn French?
A. This programme is aimed to clarify basic French ideas and provide learners with the information they need to speak and write French successfully. As a result, this is highly subjective and dependent on the individual's desire to study and master the French language.
Popular Exams
Following are the top exams for French. Students interested in pursuing a career on French, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.
Jun '24 | CT SET 2024 Counselling Start TENTATIVE |
Jun '24 | CT SET 2024 Result TENTATIVE |
21 Feb ' 25 | SAT Registration Deadline for March Test |
25 Feb ' 25 | SAT Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, a... |
Feb '25 - Apr '25 | CUET 2025 Application Process TENTATIVE |
Apr '25 | CUET UG 2025 Application Form Correction TENTATIVE |
21 Sep ' 24 | Second Phase of Counselling Begins |
20 Sep ' 24 | Reporting to Respective Colleges |
Most Popular Courses
Following are the most popular French courses, based on alumni reviews. Explore these reviews to choose the best course in French.
Popular Courses
- B.A. (Hons.) in FrenchAmity University, Noida
- Certificate in FrenchRamjas College, University of Delhi
- B.A. in FrenchLoyola College
- B.A. (Hons.) in FrenchDelhi University (DU)
- B.A. in French (Honours / Research)Amity University, Gurugram
- B.A. (Hons.) in FrenchAligarh Muslim University
- M.A. in French (Translation and Interpretation)Pondicherry University
- B.A. in EnglishL.D. Arts College
- B.A. (Hons.) in FrenchAmity University, Jaipur
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)St. Andrew’s College of Arts, Science and Commerce
Popular French Colleges in India
Following are the most popular French Colleges in India. Learn more about these French colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
This course is offered in the second shift by the college.
Popular Private French Colleges in India
This course is offered in the second shift by the college.
Popular French UG Courses
Following are the most popular French UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.
UG Courses
- UG Diploma
59 Colleges
- B.A.
36 Colleges
- B.A. (Hons)
4 Colleges
- B.Sc.
1 College
Popular French PG Courses
Following are the most popular French PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.
PG Courses
- M.A.
29 Colleges
- PG Diploma
16 Colleges
News & Updates
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 weeks ago
Absolutely, learning French in India is worth it for several reasons:
Career Opportunities: Proficiency in French can open doors to careers in international business, tourism, diplomacy, and more. Companies value multilingual employees for global operations.
Education: Many higher education instituti
A
Abhay KUMAR
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 weeks ago
According to the Foreign Service Institute (FSI), French is ranked as a Category I language, meaning it's one of the easiest languages for English speakers to learn as French and English share Latin roots, which means the vocabulary and grammar often feel familiar. This makes the learning process m
I
Ishika Agarwal
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a month ago
There are different types of courses available in India which start from beginner to advanced level including certificate course diplomas and various degree programs, there are several options which are as follows:
Certificate Course (A1, A2): It is the basic level that the premier league focuses on
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SHRUTI TIWARI
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a month ago
Yes, there are some universities that offer is for the ship or some amount of financial aid for different language courses, similarly they also offer facility of scholarship for French courses also.
Different institutions like JNU and DU, offer scholarships but that is basically merit-based scholarsh
S
SHRUTI TIWARI
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a month ago
Yes of course there are some of the French course that include cultural studies, there are some of the institution like Alliance Francaise, include elements for French culture history and literature to provide students with a lot more understanding of the language and to make sure the candidates gra
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SHRUTI TIWARI
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a month ago
In India you can find various range of French courses, in different locations and institutions such as Diploma and certificate program, specialised courses for business French, French for tourism and hospitality, University some language institutes and cultural centres like the alliance Francis offe
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SHRUTI TIWARI
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a month ago
There are different durations of French courses in India and that absolutely depends on the type of force candidate is going to pursue, which is as follows:
- Certificate courses: 6 months - 1 year
- Diploma and Advanced Diploma: 1-2 years
- BA in French: 3 years
- MA in French: 2 years
- Ph.D. in French: 3-5 year
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SHRUTI TIWARI
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a month ago
Let me answer this question for you, Yes! There are many institutions and various online platforms that actually offer online French courses ( you can call it as a virtual class), in which you learn about the basics of front language to intermediate level and then the advance level of French languag
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SHRUTI TIWARI
Contributor-Level 9
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