Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2023-2024 (archived)

Module FREN2111: French Language 2B

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (French)

FREN2111: French Language 2B

Type Open Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2023/24 Module Cap Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • French Language 1B (FREN1012) or equivalent

Corequisites

  • At least one additional level 2 module in French Studies

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • French Language 2A (FREN2051) OR any Level 1 FREN-coded content module OR French modules offered in CFLS

Aims

  • To develop students’ expertise in the French language by extending their knowledge of grammar and vocabulary, and to develop their skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking
  • To provide accelerated attainment of a level equivalent to B2 (CEFR) in all aspects of the French language, including reading, writing, listening and speaking skills - understanding of the grammatical system, and ability to use grammatical structures appropriate to this level - A solid grounding in vocabulary appropriate to B2 (CEFR), building on the level attained in French Language 1B
  • To deepen students’ awareness of the culture(s) of the target language, in order to support their study of French literature, history, film, etc.

Content

  • A systematic review of major areas of French grammar, appropriate to Level B2 of the CEFR
  • Oral and written exercises in groups and individually
  • The development of translation skills
  • Students will undertake a broad range of written, spoken and audiovisual activities, with a view to developing their proficiency in all areas of French language competency, appropriate to Level B2 of the CEFR.
  • The teaching and resources in this module reflect a commitment to linguistic and cultural diversity. It positions the richness of the (language area)-speaking world at the core of its syllabus.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of this module, students should have acquired:
  • a range of French vocabulary and a knowledge of French grammar which corresponds to Level B2 of the CEFR
  • the ability to understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics
  • the ability to interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with fluent users of the language quite possible without strain for either party
  • the ability produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options
  • further knowledge of some aspects of the cultures of the francophone countries, building on the foundational knowledge attained in French Language 1B.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of this module, students should be able to converse, write and read in French at a level of fluency appropriate to CEFR B2, and will have consolidated their knowledge of key grammatical points, and developed their ability to use these in a wide range of contexts.
Key Skills:
  • By the end of this module, students will have developed their skills as language learners, their communication and presentation skills, their ability to organise their own study and, should have attained an ability to communicate in French at a level equivalent to CEFR B2 in the target language, across the four key areas of speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

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

  • So that students achieve competence in all key language skills, a variety of methods will be employed, including oral practice, grammatical exercises, reading and listening comprehension, and translation practice.
  • These methods will allow students to develop their familiarity with a wide range of grammatical structures and vocabulary and to use these appropriately across a range of contexts, and will facilitate engagement with a broad variety of cultural artifacts.
  • The end-of-year written examination should take place in person, on campus

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Oral class 21 1 Weekly 1 Hour 21
Grammar class 21 1 Weekly 1 Hour 21
Workshop 21 1 Weekly 1 Hour 21
Preparation and Reading 137
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Continuous Assessment Component Weighting: 20%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Two written summative assessments 80%
Summative oral presentation 10 minutes 20%
Component: Written Examination Component Weighting: 60%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Writen Examination (on campus) 2 Hours 100% Yes
Component: Oral Examination Component Weighting: 20%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Oral Exam (on campus) 10 Minutes 100% Yes

Formative Assessment:

Assessed exercises across all areas of language, to include regular grammar and vocabulary tests, written tasks and listening and reading comprehension 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