Module MLAN3021: FRENCH IN ITS CONTEXT 3

Department: Modern Language and Cultures (Languages)

MLAN3021: FRENCH IN ITS CONTEXT 3

Prerequisites

• • MLAN 2071 (French in its Context 2) or A-level in French (or its equivalent).

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

Aims

• To further develop knowledge of the French language.
• To enable students to improve their French language skills effectively.
• To enable students to communicate competently on a variety of general and some more specific topics.
• To deepen their understanding of contemporary French society and institutions.
• To further develop presentation skills in French.
• To further develop writing skills.

Content

• Most functional and notional topics studied at this level will be determined by the main course book and will address issues such as French politics, socio-economical aspects of contemporary France, popular culture in France etc.
• Course book materials will be supplemented with multimedia sources Group discussion exercises will promote the basis for developing confidence, flexibility and fluency in conversations.

Learning Outcomes

• Advanced knowledge and understanding of a range of key aspects relating to French social, economic and political structures;
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of the cultures and societies in France and French speaking countries gained through the study of cultural products;
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of the main French linguistic principles, structures and registers.

• Critical skills in the analysis of cultural products, including the expression and discussion of views relating to a wide range of cultural, social or political issues;
• Entering unprepared into conversation regarding issues related both to familiar and unfamiliar topics (current affairs, customs and social issues);
• Understanding of, and reporting on, the main points of clear standard speech and authentic aural passages on current affairs, customs and social issues in France and other French-speaking countries;
• Application of a range of grammatical principles;
• Conducting an independent research project in the target language;, including the presentation of an oral and written summary of the research;
• Effective use of references material such as grammars and dictionaries;
• Effective 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 the delivery of presentations;
• Written communication skills, including the ability to organise ideas in a logical and coherent sequence in sustained prose and critically analyse arguments;
• 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 on summative in-course assessments will be made available to students.
• As part of this module students are required to complete a small project which will include an oral presentation and a written component.

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