Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2024-2025

Module FREN2051: French Language 2

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (French)

FREN2051: French Language 2

Type Open Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2024/2025 Module Cap 100 Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • French Language 1 (FREN1011) or an equivalent qualification to the satisfaction of the Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.

Corequisites

  • At least one additional level 2 module in French Studies

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To develop student's knowledge of and ability to express themselves in French
  • To develop students' ability to write effectively in French and to translate fluently and accurately from French into English, whilst also consolidating grammar knowledge and vocabulary acquisition
  • To develop students' spoken French as they take part in informal conversation and discussions and give presentations
  • To develop students’ knowledge and understanding of French culture and their awareness of cultural issues.

Content

  • The module is taught in two weekly one-hour classes: translation/essay and oral. The translation/essay class is taught in English and French; the oral class is taught in French
  • Work in the translation/essay class is based on current press articles, with an emphasis on cross-cultural themes and issues of current interest
  • Work in the oral class is based on the broad theme of Aspects of contemporary France, with a particular emphasis on the working environment in France and the French education system
  • Course materials have been developed to help students to prepare both for the end-of-year examinations, for the year abroad in year three, and for final year study.
  • The teaching and resources in this module reflect a commitment to linguistic and cultural diversity. It positions the richness of the French-speaking world at the core of its syllabus.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Students will have acquired a greater knowledge and understanding of French culture and an increased awareness of cultural issues.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Students will have consolidated the skills and knowledge acquired in the first-year core language module in speaking and writing, in listening to and reading contemporary French, in translating from French.
Key Skills:
  • The further development of general written and oral communication skills.
  • The ability to discuss topical or general issues with fluency.
  • The ability to gather and process information and evidence from a variety of paper, audiovisual and electronic sources.
  • An ability to read complex and multivalent texts with developed intellectual nuance.

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.
  • The end-of-year written examination should take place in person, on campus

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Translation Class 21 1 per week 1 hour 21
Oral Class 21 1 per week 1 hour 21
Student preparation and reading time 158
Total SLAT hours 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Continuous Assessment Component Weighting: 20%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Continuous Assessment of Written Skills 45 minutes 80%
Continuous Assessment of Oral Skills 10 minutes 20%
Component: Written Examination Component Weighting: 60%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written Exam (in person) 2 hours 100% Yes
Component: Oral Examination Component Weighting: 20%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Oral Exam (in person) 10 minutes 100% Yes

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