Welcome

Welcome to King’s and to the Department of French in the School of Arts & Humanities. As Head of Department and Programme Administrator respectively we would like personally to extend a very warm welcome to all first-year students and an equally warm welcome back to all second- and final-year students as well as our postgraduate students. This handbook is designed to give you essential information about your degree programme and about how the Department, School and College run, but if you find anything unclear or wish to discuss any queries or problems, please do not hesitate to contact your tutor, the Programme Administrator, or any other member of staff. All full-time members of staff have regular office hours that are posted on the doors of offices and notice boards and we may all also be contacted by email.

Your decision to study French at university no doubt reflects considerable enthusiasm for the French language and for French and francophone literature, culture and history. Members of the Department share this enthusiasm. We have spent much of our lives learning about the French language and studying the literatures and cultures which are expressed through it, and we are keen to share what we have learnt with you. Studying French at King’s should be enjoyable as well (of course) as hard work; we hope that you perfect your knowledge of French here, and that you learn as much as you possibly can about the literature, culture and history of France and the French-speaking world.

Although classes within the Department will form the core of your degree (or of the French side of your degree, if you are a joint honours student), your studies in French will be greatly enriched if you make the most of all the opportunities for contact with French culture that are offered by the wonderful location of King’s in central London. Galleries showing French art are close at hand: the Courtauld is literally next door, the National Gallery is at the other end of the Strand, and just across the river is the Tate Modern. You can see French films every day at the Ciné Lumière, part of the Institut français in Kensington, and at the Renoir in Bloomsbury. The British Film Institute at the Southbank and the Institute of Contemporary Arts are both within walking distance of the College. And almost every year there are major productions of French plays in London theatres. In addition, London often hosts events involving francophone writers and public figures. The France in London website is a good place to start for mainstream events in French, but don’t forget that London is also home to many of the world’s francophone cultural delegations as well. Do make the most of the unique opportunities that studying French in the capital can offer.

Professor Patrick ffrench (Head of Department)
Miss Stephanie Mannion (Programme Administrator)