Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2025-2026
Module FREN3041: French Language 4
Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (French)
FREN3041: French Language 4
| Type | Tied | Level | 3 | Credits | 20 | Availability | Available in 2025/2026 | Module Cap | 130 | Location | Durham |
|---|
| Tied to | R002 |
|---|---|
| Tied to | RV91 |
| Tied to | RV92 |
| Tied to | T102 |
| Tied to | T202 |
| Tied to | LA01 |
| Tied to | LA02 |
| Tied to | LA03 |
| Tied to | LMV0 |
| Tied to | LMVA |
| Tied to | LMVP |
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
- Written language classes are taught and assessed in French. Students will work each week on a range of media covering themes relating to francophone language, culture, and society. Set exercises will include the critical summary of written texts, essay writing, grammar revision and vocabulary work.
- 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:
- On successful completion of the module, students will have gained enhanced knowledge of the French language and of aspects of life in contemporary France.
Subject-specific Skills:
- Students will have improved their comprehension of contemporary French idiom and their oral and written communications skills in terms of accuracy, fluency and appropriate linguistic register.
Key Skills:
- Extended development of general written and oral communication skills.
- The ability to discuss topical or general issues with a high degree of fluency.
- An extended ability to gather, process and evaluate critically information and evidence from a variety of paper, audiovisual and electronic sources.
- An extended ability to read complex and multivalent text with intellectual nuance, and a sensitivity to context and genre.
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 | 20 | 1 per week | 1 hour | 20 | ■ |
| Tutorial | 20 | 1 per week | 1 hour | 20 | ■ |
| Preparation and Reading | 160 | ||||
| Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Written Assessment | Component Weighting: 50% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Continuous assessment of written skills | 25% | No | |
| Written Examination (in person) | 2 hours | 75% | No |
| Component: Oral Assessment | Component Weighting: 50% | ||
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Continuous assessment of oral skills | 25% | No | |
| Oral Examination (in person) | 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