University of Technology Sydney

976411 Contemporary France

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

UTS: International Studies: International Studies and Global Societies
Credit points: 8 cp

Subject level:

Undergraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): (976001 Foundations in International Studies AND 24 credit points of completed study in spk(s): CBK90005 Country Choice combined Degrees with BA IntStud) OR ((64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C09089 Bachelor of Communication (Writing and Publishing) Bachelor of Laws (Honours) OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C09091 Bachelor of Communication (Digital and Social Media) Bachelor of Laws (Honours) OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C09093-C09096, and Category Type = Bachelor's Combined Honours OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10359 Bachelor of Communication (Digital and Social Media) Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10361-C10364, and Category Type = Bachelor's Degree OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10365-C10368, and Category Type = Bachelor's Combined Degree OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10369 Bachelor of Communication (Writing and Publishing) OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10370 Bachelor of Communication (Writing and Publishing) Bachelor of International Studies OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10371 Bachelor of Communication (Digital and Social Media) OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10372-C10383, and Category Type = Bachelor's Combined Degree OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10276 Bachelor of Music and Sound Design OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10277 Bachelor of Music and Sound Design Bachelor of International Studies))
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.
Anti-requisite(s): 979512 Contemporary France

Description

The subject provides students with critical skills that allow them to identify major contemporary issues that shape present-day French society. Students gain insights into France's long-term and more recent history and the notion of French identity within and beyond France itself. Topics include: the aftermath of the Second World War; the concept and practice of the French Republic; France's 'revolutionary' aspect; France in the world; and issues relating to contemporary French culture and society. Students develop critical thinking skills relevant to the multidisciplinary nature of the subject and are introduced to theoretical and methodological frameworks for intercultural research.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

a. Reflect on and analyse contemporary France in its historical, political, cultural, social, and economic dimensions.
b. Employ approaches and frameworks to engage in historical, political, cultural, social and economic inquiry.
c. Apply knowledges of France ethically in their reflective and inquiry-based works.
d. Demonstrate critical problem-solving and research-led analytical skills in the context of France.
e. Communicate effectively in English the findings of independent inquiries and reflections in written form.
f. Maintain good academic practice, observing ethics and referencing standards.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject engages with the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs), which are tailored to the Graduate Attributes set for all graduates of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (INT = International Studies CILOs):

  • Evaluate critically theoretical and specialised knowledge of contemporary societies, cultures and workplaces. (INT.2.1)
  • Understand and engage with cultural diversities in Australia and/or internationally. (INT.3.1)
  • Engage critically with current issues to act in socially responsible ways in Australian and international settings. (INT.5.1)
  • Communicate clearly and effectively in written and spoken language using diverse digital technologies. (INT.6.1)

Teaching and learning strategies

Contemporary France combines lectures, tutorials, collaborative in-class learning, self-study and individual research.

Lectures provide students with an overview of important theoretical concepts and historical context. Assigned readings and in-class activities are designed for students to engage with and reflect on these concepts and contexts. Tutorials also provide the training and skills required to complete the assessment tasks: visual analysis, critical reflection, annotated bibliographies, literature reviews and scoping a research topic.

Contemporary France requires student engagement in and outside of class. Multimedia resources will be provided to students in tutorials and online, and these resources can be used to complete assessment tasks where appropriate. Students are encouraged to apply critical thinking skills to their weekly reflections and assessment tasks. Contemporary France also allows students a good degree of flexibility to choose their own topic for their literature reviews in consultation with their tutor based on their individual interests and disciplinary background.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Reflective Learning Journal Part 1

Objective(s):

a, c, d, e and f

Weight: 20%
Length:

2 x 250 word edited reflections. Total: 500 words.

Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Relevance and strength of evidence 20 c INT.2.1
Depth of reflection 30 a INT.3.1
Strength of scholarly analysis 30 d INT.2.1, INT.5.1
Coherence, clarity of expression and presentation 20 e, f INT.5.1, INT.6.1
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 2: Literature Review

Objective(s):

a, b, c, d, e and f

Weight: 40%
Length:

1000 words
Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Relevance and appropriateness of topic 15 a, b, c INT.2.1, INT.3.1
Depth of analysis 55 a, b, c, d INT.2.1, INT.3.1, INT.5.1
Clarity and organisation 15 e INT.6.1
Adherence to ethics and referencing standards 15 f INT.6.1
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 3: Reflective Learning Journal Part 2

Objective(s):

a, c, d, e and f

Weight: 40%
Length:

1 x 500 word global reflection followed by 2 x 500 word edited reflections. Total: 1500 words.
Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Relevance and strength of evidence 20 c INT.2.1
Depth of reflection 30 a INT.3.1
Strength of scholarly analysis 30 d INT.2.1, INT.5.1
Coherence, clarity of expression and presentation 20 e, f INT.6.1
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Required texts

Weekly readings, which provide useful information on the designated topic for that week, are listed in this outline. They are divided into essential and supplementary readings. The essential readings are intended to provide students with a solid grounding in the issues raised and discussed each week.

Students should be aware of the Policies and Procedures for Assessment of Coursework Subjects.