French Studies

The study of the French Language and Culture is offered at Bachelor’s and Master’s level. It has a pragmatic character and is composed of three groups of subjects:

A. linguistics (with an applied interpretation) – phonology and corrective phonetics, morphology and syntax, lexicology and vocabulary

B. civilization – the geography and history of France and Francophone countries, French culture and literature

C. linguistic skills – spoken and written French, text condensation, specialized and literary translation, consecutive and simultaneous interpreting

Students have the choice to focus more on translation (specialized or literary) or on interpreting depending on their own inclinations. Tuition is mostly undertaken in French; therefore, knowledge of the French language to at least level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is required.

Graduates can seek employment in social institutions, diplomacy, European institutions, editorial offices and publishing houses, and in the business sector in both Slovak and foreign companies. Alternatively they can forge a freelance career as registered interpreters or translators. After completing the required teaching qualification, graduates can also forge a career for themselves in education.

Students enrolled in the French Language and Culture programme within the study specialization of Translation and Interpreting are trained to use the French language in an environment where an emphasis is placed on practical linguistic competence and the applied use of specialized techniques of communication (specialized and literary translation, consecutive interpreting, round-table discussions, conferences and electronic media). Students acquire mastery in the French language in both its written and spoken forms. Communicative and translation abilities are acquired from the study of texts dealing with current affairs, law, economy, social sciences and literature. In accordance with these requirements, students acquire knowledge of comparative linguistics theory, theory of literature, specialized and literary translation theory. In addition, they master the rules of the French language and their mother tongue on a grammatical, lexical and stylistic level as well as the basic methods and procedures of textual analysis and lexicographical practice, which they will be able to use in the formation and management of their own terminological databases.

Entrance requirements

1. The entrance exam in general academic prerequisites

2. The entrance exam in specific academic prerequisites

The exam in specific academic prerequisites focuses on the evaluation of the linguistic ability of the applicant. The entrance exam is taken in written form and is divided into a morphosyntactic part and a part covering French history, literature and culture. The morphosyntactic part of the exam is taken in French and assumes the applicant has acquired language skills corresponding to four years of study of the language at the secondary school level. The second part of the exam focuses on the applicant’s knowledge of the theory and history of French literature and history of France. Knowledge of basic cultural, historical and literary facts about France at a secondary school level is required, as is knowledge of current events in France and francophone countries (accessible through media and periodicals).