FRE-90010 - 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 9 or equivalent (e.g. A level A or A*, CEF level B2)

Barred Combinations

Description for 2022/23

This module is designed for students with advanced French language abilities who have completed French 9 (or equivalent) This module 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.

The language level of this module corresponds to work leading to Level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR - C1).

The course follows on from French 9, and assumes a corresponding level of competence and consolidates the skills acquired at that level.
Students will continue to develop their comprehension and compositional skills through exposure to texts dealing with intellectually stimulating topics, such as 'immigration in Franc&© or 'France and Europe', but without neglecting more practical skills like writing formal letters, including lettres de motivation.
Students will also be encouraged to work independently on their oral and aural skills by viewing and discussing live or online French TV programmes.
The course aims to build on the knowledge and skills acquired in French 9, through exposure to materials of a more formal nature.
It aims to provide students with:
1. Mastery of the main areas of French grammar.
2. The ability to understand texts with an intellectual content written in formal French.
3. The ability to summarize such texts in correct French.
4. The ability to translate such texts from and into French.
5. The ability to compose French in the same formal register.

Intended Learning Outcomes

understand most films in standard dialect: 2
express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions: 1,2
present clear, detailed descriptions of complex subjects: 1,2
write an essay or report, passing on information and giving reasons in support of or against a particular point of view: 2
demonstrate accurate usage of the language with regard to register, vocabulary, grammar and style: 1,2
discuss contemporary issues with reference to the cultural context of French speaking countries: 1
understand specialised articles: 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