Module MLAN0071: INTERMEDIATE FRENCH LANGUAGE (short-fat module)

Department: Centre for Foreign Language Study (MLAN)

MLAN0071: INTERMEDIATE FRENCH LANGUAGE (short-fat module)

Prerequisites

• •• Successful completion of French Language Consolidation (MLAN0031).

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

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

Aims

• To review, consolidate and further develop knowledge of main aspects 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 topics.
• To foster an understanding of contemporary society and institutions in France and other French-speaking countries.
• To develop presentation skills in French.
• To develop essay writing.

Content

• Most functional and notional topics studied at this level will be determined by the main course book. Course materials will be supplemented by online resources.
• Oral activities will promote the basis for developing confidence, flexibility and fluency in conversations.
• 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 this module learners will have:
• Consolidated knowledge regarding the structure of the French language and an understanding of how to apply this knowledge to a range both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation.
• A degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.

• On successful completion of the module learners will be able to:
• write compositions related to both personal and social spheres, expressing and discussing views;
• enter into improvised, spontaneous conversation on issues related to the topics studied in class;
• understand the main points of selected radio or TV programmes on current affairs or topics of personal or professional interest;
• understand and report 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;
• relate a series of events and take part in semi-structured discussion on current affairs, customs and social issues;
• apply a range of grammatical principles;
• make effective use of references material such as grammars and dictionaries;
• develop independent strategies to extend their lexis and knowledge of grammar.

• On successful completion of this module learners will be able to:
• give an oral presentation in French;
• discuss the plot of a book or a film;
• write a composition demonstrating the ability to organise ideas in a logical and coherent sequence in sustained prose and critically analyse arguments;
• communicate information, ideas and arguments both orally and in writing;
• gather, process and reference information from a variety of paper, audio-visual and electronic resources;
• use IT effectively both as a means of communication and as an aid to learning;
• deal effectively with a variety of situations in the target language.

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.
• 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 in-course assessment and by formal written examination.
• The module will be taught intensively During Terms 2/3.

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 last 3 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