Module MLAN1101: FRENCH FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Department: Modern Language and Cultures (Languages)

MLAN1101: FRENCH FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Prerequisites

• A2 level of the CEFR (i.e. GCSE grade A or B, IB ab-initio grade 6 or 7 or equivalent). No higher French language qualification

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

Aims

• To 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 subject-specific topics (i.e. related to politics and international relations).
• To gain a basic understanding of the French political system and institutions, as well as that of European -and other international- institutions where French is used.
• To develop presentation skills in French on topics related to international affairs
• To develop intercultural awareness.

Content

• 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 an environment with a strong international and intercultural dimension. Most topics will be connected to intercultural communication and politics in the French-speaking world and international relations (with a focus on written and oral interactions within this domain but also including some knowledge of French, European and International institutions).
• 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

• Sound knowledge of the main aspects of French and of certain international political structures;
• Knowledge and understanding of the cultures and societies in France and French-speaking countries gained through the study of cultural products;
• Sound knowledge and understanding of the main French linguistic principles, structures and registers used in the field of politics and international relations.

• Conducting independent research in the target language;
• Critical analysis and discussion of features of current world affairs related to politics or international relations, including the presentation of views in the target language;
• Understanding of, and reporting on, the main points of clear standard speech and authentic aural passages on French politics or international affairs;
• Application of a range of grammatical principles;
• 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.

• Written communication skills, including the ability to organise ideas in a logical and coherent sequence in sustained prose and critically analyse arguments;
• Oral communication skills, gained through the delivery of presentations on a wide range of mainly French and European political issues;
• 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.

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