French Language and Literature
Language is not only a tool for communication, but also a key to understanding culture. In an increasingly globalized world, French — the language of culture, art, and diplomacy — plays an ever more important role across many fields.
The French Language and Literature program not only equips students with language proficiency but also broadens their global outlook, laying the foundation for international academic and career opportunities.
Program Introduction
The Master's Program in French Language and Literature aims to cultivate high-level talents with a solid language foundation, broad international vision, strong research ability, and cross-cultural communication skills.
Students will systematically study French language, literature, culture, and relevant interdisciplinary knowledge to comprehensively improve their skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and translation, while also gaining in-depth understanding of the history, politics, society, and culture of Francophone countries and regions to serve global communication and cooperation needs.
Training Objectives
This program is committed to cultivating research-oriented and application-oriented interdisciplinary professionals with the following qualities:
- A solid theoretical foundation and professional knowledge of French language and literature, as well as familiarity with the socio-cultural backgrounds of Francophone countries;
- Strong cross-cultural communication skills, humanistic literacy, and international perspectives;
- The ability to read and understand academic materials in English related to the field, and basic English oral and written communication skills;
- Mastery of relevant research methods, with independent thinking, critical analysis, and innovation capabilities;
- The ability to engage in teaching, research, translation, cultural communication, foreign affairs, and other related work in universities, research institutions, international organizations, and multinational companies;
- A thesis with original insights, reflecting the academic frontier and having theoretical and practical significance.
Who is this program suitable for?
This major is especially suitable for students who:
- Are passionate about the French language, literature, and Francophone cultures;
- Enjoy the humanities, reading, text analysis, and exploring diverse cultural perspectives;
- Aspire to work in education, diplomacy, media, translation, or international organizations;
- Have strong language learning ability and intercultural communication skills.
Mode and Duration of Study
- Duration: Full-time, 3 years; maximum allowed study period is 4 years.
- Early Graduation: Outstanding students who complete all required credits with excellent grades and obtain thesis writing qualifications may apply for early graduation (up to 1 year early).
- Extension: Students unable to complete their studies on time for special reasons must apply 3 months before the scheduled graduation. Upon approval, the extension period may not exceed 1 academic year.
Curriculum
|
No. |
Course Title |
Credits |
|
1 |
Theory and Practice of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics |
2 |
|
2 |
Marxism and Methodology of Social Sciences |
1 |
|
3 |
Second Foreign Language I |
2 |
|
4 |
Second Foreign Language II |
2 |
|
5 |
Introduction to Literature |
2 |
|
6 |
General Linguistics |
2 |
|
7 |
Introduction to Linguistics |
2 |
|
8 |
Studies in French Syntax |
2 |
|
9 |
Ancient Greek and Roman Rhetoric |
2 |
|
10 |
French Rhetoric |
2 |
|
11 |
Foreign Language Teaching Methodology |
2 |
|
12 |
Seminar on Foreign Language Teaching and Learning |
2 |
|
13 |
19th Century French Literature Research |
2 |
|
14 |
Contemporary French Literature Studies and Criticism |
2 |
|
15 |
French Classic Literature Studies and Criticism |
2 |
|
16 |
Studies in Sino-French Comparative Literature |
2 |
|
17 |
Francophone Literature |
2 |
|
18 |
Intellectual History of France |
2 |
|
19 |
Translatology |
2 |
|
20 |
Translation between Chinese and French |
2 |
|
21 |
Interpretation between Chinese and French |
2 |
|
22 |
French-Chinese Consecutive Interpretation |
2 |
|
23 |
French-Chinese Simultaneous Interpretation |
2 |
|
24 |
Introduction to Political Science |
2 |
|
25 |
Francophone Studies: Methodology and Practice |
2 |
|
26 |
European Studies |
2 |
|
27 |
Introduction to European Union Law |
2 |
|
28 |
French Politics |
2 |
|
29 |
Studies on French Economy |
2 |
|
30 |
Contemporary Chinese Studies: An Introduction |
2 |
|
31 |
History of Sino-French Relations |
2 |
|
32 |
International Politics |
2 |
|
33 |
Chinese Literature |
2 |
|
34 |
Theory of Literature |
2 |
|
35 |
Selective Readings of Original Texts in the History of Chinese Thought |
2 |
|
36 |
Translation Studies |
2 |
|
37 |
Studies in Applied Linguistics |
2 |
|
38 |
Studies in Theoretical Linguistics |
2 |
Professional Practice
Students are expected to participate in relevant internships or social practice activities in the second or third year. Based on their area of specialization, they may engage in teaching, translation, foreign affairs, or cultural exchange. A practice report must be submitted and evaluated by the advisor. This accounts for 1 credit.
Training Approach
- A comprehensive training model combining coursework, literature reading, academic research, and practical experience;
- Under the guidance of a supervisor, students will develop their study plan, determine a thesis topic, participate in research projects and academic activities, and complete the writing and defense of their thesis.
Research Directions
- French Linguistics and Pedagogy
- French Literature
- Theory and Practice of French Translation
- Francophone Studies
Degree Awarding
Students who fulfill the required credits and successfully pass the thesis defense will be awarded the Master of Arts degree upon approval by the Academic Degree Evaluation Committee.
Career Prospects
Graduates of this program may pursue careers in:
- Teaching and research in universities or secondary schools;
- International organizations, diplomatic services, or global enterprises engaging in translation, foreign affairs, or international cooperation;
- Multinational companies in roles such as public relations, translation, and global communications;
- Media, publishing, and cultural industries as editors, translators, or cultural liaisons.
Related Programs
- Foreign Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
- Comparative and World Literature
- Translation Studies
- Education (Foreign Language Teaching)
Leading Chinese Universities in this Field
- Peking University
- Beijing Foreign Studies University
- Shanghai International Studies University
- Heilongjiang University
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University
- Nanjing University
- Zhejiang University
- Guangdong University of Foreign Studies
- Tsinghua University
- Beihang University
Evaluation of the French Language and Literature Program
Pursuing a Master's degree in French Language and Literature in China is a promising choice for international students passionate about languages, culture, and global affairs. The program offers a well-structured curriculum combining in-depth theory with practical applications, aiming to enhance students’ linguistic competence, critical thinking, independent research, and intercultural communication skills.
As international organizations expand, the demand for French-speaking professionals is growing in fields such as diplomacy, education, media, tourism, translation, and global cooperation. Studying this major in China — a country with increasing ties to Francophone countries — provides students with strong academic advantages and diverse career prospects.
The above provides an overview of the Master’s program in French Language and Literature. Visit the “Major Search” section to explore more details about study programs in China!
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