Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2011-2012 (archived)
Module FREN1011: FRENCH LANGUAGE 1
Department: Modern Language and Cultures (French)
FREN1011: FRENCH LANGUAGE 1
| Type | Open | Level | 1 | Credits | 20 | Availability | Available in 2011/12 | Module Cap | 250 | Location | Durham |
|---|
Prerequisites
- Grade B or above in French at A level (or its equivalent).
Corequisites
- None.
Excluded Combination of Modules
- None.
Aims
- To further improve the skills acquired at A-level in speaking and listening, reading and writing.
Content
- The module is taught in two strands: in the grammar/translation class, students consolidate their grammar knowledge and develop their translation skills through a variety of grammar-based language exercises and the translation of texts from French into English.
- in the oral class, students develop their speaking skills through a range of oral exercises (conversation, discussion and individual presentations), their aural comprehension skills through related online listening exercises and their reading and writing skills through text-based comprehension and writing exercises.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- Consolidated knowledge regarding the structure of the French language and an understanding of a range of basic translation issues.
Subject-specific Skills:
- Increased confidence, fluency and accuracy in both productive (spoken and written) and receptive (listening and reading) skills in French.
Key Skills:
- The development of general written and oral communication.
- The ability to discuss topical or general issues.
- The ability to gather and process information and evidence from a variety of paper, audiovisual and electronic sources.
- The ability to read complex and multivalent texts.
- The ability to use ICT effectively both as a means of communication and as an aid to learning.
- The ability to work independently.
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- The module is taught in two strands: in the grammar/translation class, students consolidate their grammar knowledge and develop their translation skills through a variety of grammar-based language exercises and the translation of texts from French into English
- in the oral class, students develop their speaking skills through a range of oral exercises (conversation, discussion and individual presentations), their aural comprehension skills through related online listening exercises and their reading and writing skills through text-based comprehension and writing exercises.
- In each strand, student preparation and class work, formative exercises and feedback are precisely modelled on the summative assessments which have been devised to meet the learning outcomes.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practicals | 42 | 2 Per Week | 1 Hour | 42 | ■ |
| Preparation and Reading | 158 | ||||
| Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Written examination - 1.5 hours | Component Weighting: 50% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Translation | 50% | Yes | |
| Resume & paraphrases | 50% | Yes | |
| Component: Online Grammar Test | Component Weighting: 25% | ||
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Online Grammar Test | 30 mins | 100% | Yes |
| Component: Oral examination | Component Weighting: 25% | ||
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Oral presentation | 10 mins | 100% | Yes |
Formative Assessment:
Regular exercises for written and oral; online exercises (duo).
■ 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