This special topics course invites students of advanced French to reflect critically on historical and sociocultural aspects of France, the Francophone world, and the French language through texts and materials from a variety of sources. The medium of instruction and assessment will be French. Specific topics covered will vary.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. critically analyse primary texts, especially in terms of their aesthetic, linguistic, and sociohistorical elements;
2. compare and contextualise viewpoints in French;
3. formulate, present, and evaluate an original argument in French; and
4. engage in critical dialogue with classmates in French.

Research-Led Teaching

The idealized perception of the Pacific Islands as serene paradises has overshadowed the grim historical realities of various forms of violence – cultural, physical, environmental, and political – imposed by European empires. This course will delve into the ways in which the native peoples of the Pacific are reclaiming their cultures, languages, knowledge, and political autonomy in response to the enduring effects of contact and colonization since the late 19th century.

The course will analyze how artists, writers, intellectuals, and politicians from French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, and Wallis & Futuna represent and commemorate this tumultuous history. It will specifically focus on their interactions with French colonialism and indigenous culture as they navigate a decolonized future. These individuals play a pivotal role in reflecting on the past and shaping new trajectories as Pacific peoples strive for sovereignty and chart their postcolonial destinies.

This course will include interviews with artists, writers, and intellectuals from the Francophone Pacific. It will focus on the connections between literature, arts, and politics. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to visit the Australian National Library to study primary archives from the Cold War period and explore the internationalist movements and solidarity in Australia for the residents of the Francophone Pacific. Consequently, this class will make a substantial contribution to Francophone, Pacific and Postcolonial Studies, actively supporting the ongoing endeavors for cultural decolonization in the region and the Francophone world.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. critically analyse primary texts, especially in terms of their aesthetic, linguistic, and sociohistorical elements;
2. compare and contextualise viewpoints in French;
3. formulate, present, and evaluate an original argument in French; and
4. engage in critical dialogue.

Field Trips

Visit to the Australian National Library

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Lecture: Introduction to the Francophone Pacific: Exploring Colonization, Culture, and ChangeTutorial: Le Mariage de Loti, Pierre Loti
2	Lecture: Colonization of New Caledonia: From Penal to Settler ColoniesTutorial: Cannibale, Didier Daenickx
3	Lecture: The 1878 Kanak Revolt: Contexts and ConsequencesTutorial: Pacifique, Eric Michel
4	Lecture: World War I in the Francophone Pacific (1914-1918)Tutorial: Les Sanglots de l'aigle pecheur, Alban Bensa, Adrian Muckle, Kacué Yvon Goromoedo
5	Lecture: The Role of Free France in the Pacific War: Tropical StrategiesTutorial: Articles on the support of the Royal Australian Navy to Free France on 19 September 1940
6	Lecture: The Emergence of Polynesian Political Culture Post-WarTutorial: Film about Pouvanaa A. Oopa, Père de la culture politique tahitienne	Oral presentation
7	Lecture: The Impact of Nickel Mining on the Kanak Community in New CaledoniaTutorial: Documentary about the nickel industry and the Kanak people in New Caledonia
8	Lecture: The Consequences of French Nuclear Testing in the PacificTutorial:  L'île des rêves écrasés, Chantal T. Spitz
9	Lecture: Advocating for Rights: Transnational Solidarity Movements in the PacificTutorial: Analysis of newspapers and posters regarding solidarity movements in the Pacific against nuclear testing and the Rainbow Warrior.	Important: Visit to the National Library of Australia
10	Lecture: The Ouvea Drama and the Noumea Agreements: Steps Toward ReconciliationTutorial: Kanaky: Sur les traces d'Alphonse Dianou, Joseph Andras
11	Lecture: Geopolitical Tensions and the Quest for Stability in the Francophone PacificTutorial: Analysis of discourses from political actors in the Pacific
12	Lecture: Conclusion: A Reflection on the Pacific's Rich History, Arts, and Cultural HeritageTutorial: In pursuit of acknowledging Kanak identity, women's rights, and reconciliation: Déwé Gorodey's Legacy in the Pacific	Written Task

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
1. Presentation	30 %	[LO 1,2,3,4]
2. Written tasks (3500 words)	60 %	[LO 1,2,3]
3. Participation	10 %	[LO 1,2,3,4]

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Attendance at classes is strongly recommended; full participation in classes is essential to serious study of the language. Participation accounts for 10% of FREN3021; criteria for participation grades will be presented in Week 1. If you are absent for medical reasons, send your tutor your medical certificate. If you are absent for other reasons, you may submit your written notes for the week for feedback.

Examination(s)

None.

Assessment Task 1

1. Presentation

Value: 30%

Due: Wednesday 28 September, 4pm

The student is tasked with producing a five-minute French podcast that embarks the listener on a concise journey of discovery, exploring intriguing facts and insights related to artworks, literature, artists, and authors from the Francophone Pacific, thereby enriching the academic understanding of this culturally rich region.

Assessment Task 2

2. Written tasks (3500 words)

Value: 60%

Due: Wednesday 23 October, 4pm

3500-words research essay (20%).

The student is tasked with composing a journalistic essay in French focusing on the domain of artworks, literature, artists, and authors emanating from the Francophone Pacific. This endeavor is not just an academic exercise, but a meaningful exploration aimed at amplifying the academic comprehension concerning this culturally vibrant region. The essay is expected to weave in insights on the historical, political, and public policy aspects of the Francophone Pacific. Given its target audience, which spans a wide array of geographical locations and professional backgrounds, the essay should engender a nuanced dialogue, contributing significantly to the existing discourse on the Francophone Pacific.

Important: Students are not permitted to ask for help from native speakers, tutors, family or friends if the task is to be submitted for assessment. Improper collaboration of this nature constitutes academic misconduct and will be dealt with in accordance with ANU policy.

Assessment Task 3

3. Participation

Value: 10%

Due: throughout semester

Class participation extends beyond merely being present during sessions; it encompasses active engagement in preparing for each class, as well as rigorous personal study outside the classroom. This holistic approach to learning involves contributing to discussions, collaborating with peers, and conducting independent research, thereby facilitating a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Criteria will be provided in Week 1.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Presentation: students will receive written feedback the week after their presentation.

Essay: students will receive an annotated version of their essay via Turnitin.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students