FRE-90007 - Module Specification
Language Centre
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

French 6 or equivalent (e.g. AS-Level grades 6-9 / A-B, CEFR level B1)

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

This module is designed for students who have completed French 6 (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 will consolidate all areas of grammar, while at the same time expanding their vocabulary base. It will:
- enable students to confidently discuss various aspects of contemporary Francophone 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 students' ability to engage with a wide range of situations in everyday life in a French speaking context as well as to gain a more in depth understanding of Francophone cultures.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Understand the main points of clear standard speech including radio or TV programmes on current affairs or topics of personal or professional interest when the delivery is relatively clear: 1,3
Interpret, summarise and extract key information from a variety of written texts that consist of everyday or job-related language and description of events, feelings and wishes: 1,2
Interact and enter unprepared into conversations on topics that are familiar, of personal interest or pertinent to everyday life (e.g. family, hobbies, work, travel and current events): 3
Write clear coherent texts on topics which are familiar, of personal interest, describing experiences and impressions or expressing points of view: 1,2
Recognise and use different complex linguistic structures in the target language and compare them to the English language: 1,2,3
Demonstrate awareness of cultural issues, as well as accurate use of the language with regard to vocabulary, grammar, register and style, and of different varieties of French.: 1,2,3

Study hours

22 hours of contact time in class.
40 hours assessment preparation and completion.
88 hours guided independent study.

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