# Introduction

This course offers you around six hours of study in French at an advanced level on the topic of French crime fiction. Learning Outcomes include becoming familiar with important authors and texts in French crime fiction, being able to analyse some literary techniques used by authors, having an understanding of differences between formal written French and informal spoken language, becoming aware of issues in translating French crime fiction into other languages, and developing your ability to understand and communicate in written and spoken French.

The material includes authentic video recordings and texts that underpin the interactive study activities which aim to develop your knowledge of contemporary French and your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.

Studying this course should give you a basic overview of the importance of crime fiction in French society and the work of some prominent authors. You will also have the opportunity to extend your knowledge of French vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation and develop some key academic skills.

This OpenLearn course is an adapted extract from the Open University course L332 French Studies 3: language and culture of the French-speaking world.

Most of the material in this course is in French. The language level is Advanced, equivalent to C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for languages.

OpenLearn - Crime fiction in French: le polar français
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