French for teaching degree programs

Overview

The program in French Studies deals with the language, literature and culture in all regions, situations, texts and traditions where French is used. In addition to France, the regional focus of the program is Belgium, Switzerland and Luxembourg, Quebec, the Caribbean and Francophone Africa. During your studies, you will acquire a wide range of skills in dealing with texts and media as well as the ability to assess public and private situations, to judge representations aesthetically and to work on them in oral and written communication in French. You will become experts for the francophone regions of the world.

Contents

In the part of the program devoted to literary and cultural studies, you will become familiar with French literature and culture from the Middle Ages to the present, but also with French-language literature from non-European cultures. In the linguistic part of the program, you will systematically deal with the structure and history of the French language. You can already choose your individual specializations from the second semester onwards. In addition, the examination regulations valid throughout Bavaria guarantee that students can take the State Examination, which is uniform throughout the entire federal state.

An essential component of the program is the deepening and broadening of your own French proficiency. You will choose from a wide range of practical language and cultural courses conducted by native speakers.

A further component of the teaching degree program are modules in subject didactics, in which questions of language acquisition and the teaching of language, literature and culture in school lessons are approached. These areas are also interesting for work outside of school contexts, especially with regard to the promotion of intercultural skills, as is required in adult education, in commercial enterprises or in social institutions.

At the KU, French can be studied for teaching at secondary schools (Gymnasium and Realschule) and is completed with the State Examination. Possible second subjects for teaching at Gymnasium are German, English, History, Latin or Spanish and for teaching at Realschule, French can be combined with German, English or Geography. If desired, students of teaching degree programs can also acquire a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree as part of the ‘Lehramt^Plus’ model.

Facilities

For optimal acquisition and consolidation of foreign language skills, the KU Language Center has set up a multimedia center for students. Regular guest lectures, guided visits to cultural events and organized field trips to French-speaking regions offer additional opportunities to broaden your linguistic and philological horizons while studying.

A semester abroad in France can ideally be completed in the fifth semester. You will gain rich cultural and interpersonal experiences that can be very valuable for your future life and professional career.

The KU Eichstätt has a vast network of partner universities worldwide. In addition, you can spend a self-organized semester abroad at other universities in French-speaking countries.

During the teacher training program, there is also the possibility of spending a practical semester abroad at a school within the framework of the Pädagogischer Austauschdienst (PAD), a German educational exchange service organization. You can find more information on the PAD website (https://www.kmk-pad.org/).

Partner universities

We maintain Erasmus partnerships with the following universities in France:

Angers                        Université Catholique de l'Ouest

Arras                            Université d'Artois

Brest                            Université de Bretagne Occidentale

Clermont-Ferrand     Université Clermont Auvergne

Lille                              Université Charles de Gaulle and Université Catholique de Lille

Montpellier                 Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier 3

Paris                             Université Paris 13 Nord and Institut Catholique de Paris

Reims                           Université Reims Champagne Ardenne

Saint-Etienne              Université Jean Monnet de Saint-Etienne

Toulouse                      Institut Catholique de Toulouse

Further information on the application process and organization of an ERASMUS semester can be found on the website of the International Office of the KU Eichstätt-Ingolstadt.

The teaching degree program also includes practical elements that are accompanied by didactic courses at the University. Some of these can be completed abroad; the International Internship Service provides information on suitable programs and scholarships.

Career prospects

In the course of your studies, you will acquire a differentiated knowledge of the French language and literature as well as practical skills in spoken and written French. In addition, you will develop a critical and structured way of thinking in dealing with texts as well as the ability to dialog with French-speaking cultural spheres in the globalized world.

After completing your program in French Studies you will have access to a broad range of professional fields. In addition to the teaching profession or an academic career, your acquired knowledge will also qualify you for work in the media and journalism. Possible fields of activity include political organizations, press and public relations, cultural institutions, the library and publishing industry, language teaching and adult education.