Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

1-1-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. in Modern Languages

First Advisor

Daniel E. O'Sullivan

Second Advisor

Sara L. Wellman

Third Advisor

Elodie Tantet

Relational Format

dissertation/thesis

Abstract

The teaching of culture is important in any foreign language classroom. This thesis will analyze what and how different aspects of French and Francophone culture are taught in elementary-level French textbooks: one French-produced and one North American-produced. The definition of culture is provided by several sources however one definition discusses the definition of culture in its entirety. A brief history, over the course of 60 years, of the teaching of French culture is discussed and analyzed in the first part of this thesis. The development of teaching French culture in the foreign language classroom is seen. Then, the teaching of French culture taught in the textbooks is explored by analyzing how and what aspects are taught. Finally, the section on Francophone culture investigates how and what aspects- as well as countries- are taught. While teaching French and Francophone culture is an undeniably important component in a beginning French class, there are both positive and negative outcomes inherent in the curriculum.

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