Module MLAN0031: FRENCH LANGUAGE CONSOLIDATION (short-fat module)

Department: Centre for Foreign Language Study (MLAN)

MLAN0031: FRENCH LANGUAGE CONSOLIDATION (short-fat module)

Prerequisites

• • Successful completion of Beginners' French (MLAN0061) or GCSE French at Grade A or equivalent

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Any Core Language Modules offered by the School of Modern Languages & Cultures

Aims

• To develop reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in the target language.
• To enable students to function effectively in a general social context.
• To extend lexis and knowledge of grammar.
• To develop basic essay writing skills.
• To promote intercultural awareness.

Content

• The first part of this module aims to rapidly review 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 printed course materials and will be supplemented with topic-related sources from on-line resources and the media
• Free role-plays and group discussion exercises will promote the basis for developing confidence, flexibility and fluency in conversations.

Learning Outcomes

• On successful completion of the module students will have:
• A grasp of the major topics of French grammar covered, being able to put these basic principles to use accurately in grammatical exercises, written work and in verbal communication;
• a broadened vocabulary based upon the topics covered;

• On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
• extract relevant information from mainly descriptive written sources containing a high proportion of everyday language;
• write short compositions in French related to both personal and social spheres, expressing and discussing views;
• understand the main points of clear standard speech and authentic aural passages on familiar topics from typical everyday situations;
• relate a series of events and take part in a structured discussion on familiar topics;
• apply a range of grammatical principles;
• make effective use of reference materials such as grammars and dictionaries;
• use a range of language-learning techniques and skills by independently developing strategies to extend their lexis and knowledge of grammar.

• At the end of the module students will have enhanced their ability to:
• communicate information, ideas and opinions both orally and in writing;
• give a short class presentation in French;
• gather and process information from a variety of paper, audio-visual and electronic resources;
• narrate a story or relate the plot of a book or a film;
• use IT effectively both as a means of communication and as an aid to learning;
• demonstrate some ability as an independent learner;
• deal with a variety of situations likely to arise whilst abroad.

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 grammar and to provide students with high quality target language input from the module tutor and from recorded material.
• Small group teaching is particularly suitable for the development of oral/aural skills as it offers all students the chance to practice communicative (speaking and listening) skills, e.g. participate in role-plays, discussions and other speaking exercises, thus encouraging students to develop and transfer their skills to different situations and to deal with a variety of everyday situations.
• The use of the multimedia lab and the target language input by the teacher will enable learners to enhance their listening skills relating to familiar matters and standard speech.
• Guided and independent self-study is an important element in order to achieve maximum exposure to the target language and to accelerate the pace of learning.
• In preparation for each session students will be expected to revise new material and complete formative language exercises.
• Formative assessments give students the opportunity to improve their writing, reading and grammar skills. Students will receive feedback on written compositions and reading-comprehension tasks as well as vocabulary and grammar tests.
• Module will be taught intensively in Term 1.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Students will be given assignments to practise and consolidate new skills as well as to assess the students’ ability to transfer their knowledge to new situations. All formative assessments will be submitted to the module tutor and feedback provided. Formative assessment is intended to monitor and develop student progress towards the learning outcomes, and to prepare students for final assessment. Formative assessment will generally comprise weekly informal in-class exercises, fortnightly written tasks to be undertaken in the students’ own time, and formative oral practice conducted throughout the term. In addition there will be one formative assessment under examination conditions for each of the three key aural, written and grammar skills, conducted during the final three weeks of teaching.

■ 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