Module FREN3041: French Language 4

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (French)

FREN3041: French Language 4

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.
• 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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

Summative Assessment

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