Module MLAN1091: FRENCH FOR ENGINEERS

Department: Modern Language and Cultures (Languages)

MLAN1091: FRENCH FOR ENGINEERS

Prerequisites

• • GCSE French grade C or above, IB ab-initio grade 5 or above or equivalents to either of these )

Corequisites

• • One of the following engineering programmes: MEng Aeronautics (H420) MEng Civil Engineering (H200) MEng Communications Engineering (H640) MEng Design and Operations Engineering (H150) MEng Electronic Engineering (H610) MEng General Engineering (H100) BEng General Engineering (H103) MEng Mechanical Engineering (H300) MEng New and Renewable Energy (H221)

Excluded Combination of Modules

Aims

• To consolidate and revise prior knowledge of basics language structures, vocabulary and grammar.
• To develop reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in French on a variety of general and subject-specific topics (i.e. related to engineering).
• To enable students to function effectively in a general social context as well as in a professional environment related to Engineering.
• To extend lexis (including engineering-related) and knowledge of grammar.
• To develop basic essay writing skills.
• To develop intercultural awareness

Content

• The first part of this module aims to consolidate and revise prior knowledge, which will involve a comprehensive review of basic language structures followed by the further study of key aspects of grammar.
• Most functional and notional topics studied at this level will be determined by the main course book and will be based on social and professional interactions in a French-speaking environment including some engineering-specific aspects.
• Course book materials will be supplemented with topic related sources from satellite TV, internet websites and the press.
• Free role-plays and group discussion exercises will promote the basis for developing confidence, flexibility and fluency in conversations.
• Statistical tables and charts may be used to practise group and individual oral presentations and debates.
• Course book materials will be supplemented with multimedia sources

Learning Outcomes

• Deeper knowledge and understanding of the main French linguistic principles, structures and registers, including lexis specific to Engineering;
• Knowledge and understanding of certain aspects of the French social, economic and political structures;
• A broad overview of certain features of French culture and society gained through the study of cultural topics.

• Improved written and oral communication skills in the target language, gained through writing essays, semi-structured discussions, and class presentations;
• Application of a range of grammatical principles;
• Effective use of references material such as grammars and dictionaries;
• Use of a range of language learning techniques and skills by independently developing strategies to extend their lexis and knowledge of grammar

• Oral communication skills, gained through small group discussions and presentations;
• Written communication skills, including the ability to organise ideas in a logical and coherent sequence in sustained prose;
• Skills in the acquisition and interpretation of information from a variety of paper, audio-visual and electronic resources;
• Information Technology skills, including word-processing, the use of electronic resources, and the use of IT both as a means of communication and as an aid to learning;

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

• This module is delivered through seminar style classes and multimedia lab sessions.
• Contact time will be used to introduce new material and provide the students with high quality target language input from the module tutor and multimedia sources.
• Small group teaching is particularly suitable for the development of oral/aural skills as it offers all students the chance to participate in role-plays and other communicative activities.
• In preparation for each session students will be expected to revise new material and complete formative language exercises.
• The assessment scheme for this module is designed to test students' level of attainment in language production (speaking and writing) and reception (listening and reading).
• In order to reflect the continuous nature of the language learning process the module will be assessed by a combination of formative and summative in-course assessment and by formal written examination. Summative assessments will also fulfil a formative function since feedback will be made available to students.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Regular homework/assignments will be given to the students to practise and consolidate what they have done in class and to prepare the following session, some of which will be submitted and marked as formative assignments and regular feedback will be given to the students accordingly

■ 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