Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2006-2007 (archived)

Module LANG3341: ADVANCED COMMUNICATION SKILLS IN FRENCH

Department: LANGUAGE CENTRE

LANG3341: ADVANCED COMMUNICATION SKILLS IN FRENCH

Type Open Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2006/07 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Year abroad in France.

Corequisites

  • LANG3331: Area Studies in French

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • No other French language module available within the Language Centre or MLAC

Aims

  • To develop high level language interpreting and translation skills.
  • To familiarise students with the language and culture of public and private sector organisations in France.

Content

  • The content of this module will focus on the development of translation and interpreting skills in a vocational and business context.
  • The focus of this module will be on oral and interpreting skills but the syllabus also includes translation from and into French.
  • Internet and external database resources will be used by students to find the appropriate information and materials they require.
  • Consecutive and simultaneous interpreting skills will be developed through situational role-plays, such as dealing with customers, selling to clients and meeting suppliers.
  • Dissemination of professional materials will be by students translating from and into French various texts such as newspaper articles, company reports and product promotional literature.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
    Subject-specific Skills:
    • On successful completion of this module learners will be able to:
    • translate from and into French a wide range of text types to a high standard, using appropriate reference material.
    • interpret accurately and fluently from and into French in a general social context.
    • interpret accurately and fluently from and into English in a general social context.
    Key Skills:

      Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

      • This module is delivered through a combination of seminar style classes and language laboratory interpreting exercises, supplemented by one-to-one tutorial sessions.
      • In preparation for each session students will be expected to prepare a set of material, either individually or in small groups, which will be presented and discussed during class time, thus fostering students' development as independent learners.
      • Interpreting skills will be developed and assessed through simulated language laboratory role-play exercises.
      • The assessment scheme for this module is designed to test students' communication skills and the level of attainment in language production (speaking and writing) and reception (listening and reading).
      • In order to reflect the continuous nature of language learning, the module will be assessed by a combination of formative and summative in-course assessment and by formal examination.
      • Summative assessments will also fulfil a formative function since feed-back on all summative in-course assessment will be made available to students.

      Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

      Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
      Tutorials 2 1 Per Term 20 Minutes 0.66
      Seminars 22 Once Per Week 1 Hour 22
      Lab Sessions 22 Once Per Week 1 Hour 22
      Preparation and Reading 155.34
      Total 200

      Summative Assessment

      Component: Examination Component Weighting: 50%
      Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
      two-hour written examination 100%
      Component: Interpreting Examination Component Weighting: 50%
      Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
      interpreting examination 100%

      Formative Assessment:

      Two formative assignments. In addition, students will be given regular assignments in preparation for seminars.


      Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University