FRE-90008 - Module Specification
Language Centre
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2022/23

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

French 7 or equivalent (e.g. AS-level grade A, A level C, CEF level B1)

Barred Combinations

Description for 2022/23

This module is designed for students who have completed French 7 (or equivalent) and will develop communication skills in everyday situations as well as more complex contexts. In the target language the student will develop arguments and discussions around a range of topical issues, and understanding contemporary France. These competences are further developed and built upon by moving beyond the situations of everyday life to more challenging topics (eg media and politics) and will introduce a more complex grammatical structure characteristic of formal written French. Extensive use is made of French resources available on the internet to consolidate vocabulary, grammatical structures and themes dealt with in class.

The language level of this module corresponds to work leading to Level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR- B2).

This module aims to
- build on students' existing knowledge of French and consolidate all areas of grammar, while at the same time expanding the vocabulary base
- enable students to confidently discuss various aspects of contemporary French society, such as education and social and political questions.
- enable communication, in both written and oral mode, in more formal areas of French.
- develop the student's ability to engage with a wide range of situations of everyday life in a French speaking context as well as to gain a more in depth understanding of French culture and society.

Intended Learning Outcomes

understand some TV news and current affairs programmes: 1,2
take an active part in discussion in familiar contexts: 1
present clear, detailed descriptions on a wide range of subjects related to their field of interest: 1,2
write clear text, expressing points of view: 2
demonstrate very accurate usage of the language with regard to register, vocabulary, grammar and style: 1,2
understand and discuss with reference to sources a variety of cultural issues that have shaped contemporary France and the French speaking world: 1
exploit resources to research topics (online newspapers, French webpages, current affairs programmes etc): 2
understand contemporary literary prose: 1,2

Study hours

20 hours of synchronous and asynchronous class time
100 hours class preparation and revision and private study
22 hours revision for and completion of written exam
8 hours preparation for and attendance at spoken interaction exam

School Rules

Admission to the module must be confirmed through completion of a language level self-assessment form
Students are only allowed to take one French module per semester.

Description of Module Assessment