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

Programme/Approved Electives for 2020/21

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 2020/21

The course is designed for students with an advanced knowledge of French and will develop their advanced communication skills in French in everyday situations as well as in more complex contexts, in particular in discussing a range of topical issues in French or understanding contemporary France.
By the end of this course you be able to understand extended vocabulary and complex phrases concerning a French speaking environment. You will understand complex sentences, for example those used in French speaking media. You will be able to interact in a more elaborate way with French people. You will be able to ask and answer a range of questions on familiar topics and discuss issues of contemporary France. You will be able to use complex phrases and sentences to describe your everyday life and life in your country. You will be able to write texts in French on a range of issues in the French speaking world.
In French 8, we continue from French 7 and you will both consolidate the skills you have acquired at that level and build on them by moving beyond the situations of everyday life to more challenging (and stimulating) topics. You will extend your vocabulary base and be introduced to the more complex grammatical structures characteristic of formal, written French.
We will make an extensive use of French resources available on the Internet to consolidate vocabulary, grammatical structures and themes dealt with in class.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will reach level B2 of the Common European Language Framework (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