Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2020-2021 (archived)

Module FREN3041: FRENCH LANGUAGE 4

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (French)

FREN3041: FRENCH LANGUAGE 4

Type Open Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2020/21 Module Cap Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • French Language 2 (FREN2051) or equivalent.

Corequisites

  • At least one additional level 3 module in French Studies

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To obtain an excellent standard in written and spoken French, and in the comprehension of spoken and written French at the level of sophisticated, contemporary discourse.

Content

  • Essay and comprehension - Students will work each week from an article in the contemporary press and from current television programmes (the topics covered will be relevant to modern French culture and current affairs).
  • The set exercises will comprise: resume of the article in French, paraphrase and explanation of vocabulary and phrases within the article.
  • Free composition on a theme related to the topic, revision of grammar.
  • The module is conducted in French.
  • Oral.
  • Weekly classes with lectures/lectrices: class discussion of pre-arranged topics and linguistic points, presentation of oral 'exposes' on topics related to current affairs, using current French press and TV as source.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of this module students should have:
  • Detailed practical and analytical knowledge and effective understanding of the lexis, structures, registers, and varieties of French (equivalent to CEFR level C1/C2).
  • The ability to demonstrate a reasoned awareness and a critical, comparative understanding of the culture and society of the country or countries in which French is used.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of this module students should have:
  • The ability to communicate fluently and appropriately, maintaining a high degree of grammatical accuracy, in writing and in speech, with other users of French (equivalent to CEFR level C1/C2).
  • The ability to understand and analyse written and spoken discourse in French, and to mediate between languages
  • Experience of independent research, including the ability to identify, evaluate, and organise relevant primary and secondary cultural material.
Key Skills:
  • By the end of this module the students should be able to demonstrate:
  • The ability to identify, describe, and analyse problems of language use in general, and work out strategies for interpretation.
  • The ability to communicate ideas and information orally and in writing, devise and sustain coherent and cogent arguments.
  • The ability to employ the sophisticated reading skills they have acquired to gather, sift, process, synthesise and critically evaluate information from a variety of sources (print-media, audio-visual, and electronic).
  • Responsiveness to the disciplines of working alone, and with others as part of a group.
  • The ability to write and think under pressure and to manage time.
  • The ability to demonstrate a high degree of agility and flexibility in the work place, a skill derived from their experience of the wide diversity of techniques required to pursue the programme successfully.

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

  • Two weekly classes. Students are required to attend all classes for written and spoken language and to prepare written work as detailed in this guide.
  • This module is taught and assessed in French.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Oral 21 1 per week 1 hour 21
Tutorial 21 1 per week 1 hour 21
Preparation and Reading 158
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Written Assessment Component Weighting: 60%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Continuous assessment of written skills 25% No
Written Examination 2 hours 75% No
Component: Oral Assessment Component Weighting: 40%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Continuous assessment of oral skills 25% No
Oral Examination 15 minutes 75% No

Formative Assessment:

Regular language exercises.


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