BA History with French

UCAS code: V1R1
Course length: 3 years

Summary of course aims

The multi-disciplinary approach of this course produces graduates who are good communicators in spoken and written French, as well as having a sound knowledge of French culture, history and society.Graduates are able to place France in the context of broader global and European patterns of historical development, as well as possessing skills in identifying and analysing both political and cultural change.

The History element combines broad chronological range with the opportunity to specialise in particular periods or topics within European, British and American history.Thus this combination of subjects provides graduates with excellent skills for working in fields such as publishing and international business, as well as in the cultural and heritage industries.

Course content

The course is divided in three parts (years).

Part 1 introduces the disciplines. The History modules focus on historical causation and contextualisation and the use of sources in the discipline. The French modules explore French Contemporary history and politics, cinema and culture, literature and theatre, and develop students' language skills.

Part 2. In History, students taking this degree programme choose two areas for in-depth study.These may be chosen by time-period, by geographical region, or by themes (for instance, Women in medieval Europe, Europe of the Ancien Regime or American State and Society). In French, students' language abilities are developed and they study thematic aspects of French history, literature and cinema (i.e. the French Novel, Medieval Love Literature, Francophone Literature of the Maghreb, France in the Age of Revolutions, 20th century French Drama, French poetry). In addition in Part 2, students are introduced to Career Management Skills.

Part 3. In this final year, students work in-depth on their chosen topics in History and in French culture (for instance, 17th century Tragedy, France and Europe, French Caribbean, French chanson, Samuel Beckett) as well as on their linguistic skills (i.e., French for managers, translation). History modules available include: Medieval Magic; the French Revolution; Integrating America; and The Nuremberg Trial and the Third Reich. Students also research and write a 10,000 word Dissertation, focusing on History, and developing expertise in the handling of evidence and the interpretation of complex bodies of material.

For a full description of this degree course with the required compulsory and optional modules, please download the programme specification. Please note that you are advised to check that this course is running for the next academic year.

http://www.info.reading.ac.uk/progspecs/prog-index.asp

Career prospects

Graduates in History and French are trained in independent thinking, language skills, and the ability to understand people and situations in the world at large. They are experienced in analysing complex information, and in presenting the results of their research. Moreover, they are accustomed to doing this across cultural and linguistic boundaries. Thus, they are sought after by employers.In addition they are given specific vocational training and orientation through a second year Career Management Scheme in conjunction with the Careers Advisory Service.

Past graduates have used their degree as a springboard for employment both in Britain and abroad. Jobs have included banking and commerce, law, publishing, museum work, teaching and social work. Many also enter the business world through management training schemes operated by international companies in retailing, marketing, sales, or computing; while others go into the civil service and local government. Some use their specialist linguistic skills to teach English as a Foreign Language abroad, work as translators, or in the travel industry. Some graduates also go on to postgraduate study in either History or French, both at MA and PhD level, at Reading and elsewhere.