Module CFLS1F31: French Stage 3

Department: Centre for Foreign Language Study

CFLS1F31: French Stage 3

Prerequisites

• Successful completion of French Stage 2, Grade B or above in AS Level French, or an equivalent proficiency, corresponding to A2 of the Common European Framework (CEFR). No higher French entry qualification permitted. In borderline cases, consultation with the module convenor is required to determine the appropriate level.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Any language module offered by the School of Modern Languages and Cultures.

Aims

• To consolidate and widen further the knowledge of the French language, including grammar and lexis.
• To enhance communicative proficiency in French, in both writing and oral interaction.
• To develop further listening and reading skills.
• To broaden the knowledge of contemporary French -speaking societies.
• To develop intercultural awareness.
• To gain a language proficiency level in French equivalent to B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Content

• Most functional and notional topics studied at this level will be determined by the main course book. Class materials will be supplemented by online resources.
• Oral activities will promote the basis for developing confidence, flexibility and fluency in conversations.
• This module aims to consolidate and extend students’ competence in the French language while fostering intercultural understanding and reflective learning. Building on prior study, this module develops learners’ ability to communicate with increasing accuracy, independence, and sensitivity to context. Through engagement with authentic materials, collaborative projects, and critical reflection, students enhance their linguistic skills, deepen their awareness of French-speaking cultures, and strengthen key graduate attributes such as open mindedness, curiosity, creativity and intellectual ambition and rigour.

Learning Outcomes

• On successful completion of the module, learners should be able to:
• Demonstrate the ability to carry out basic research in the target language and present an oral and written summary;
• Demonstrate some knowledge of the main aspects of social, economic and political structures in the French -speaking world;
• Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the cultures and societies in French-speaking countries gained through the study of cultural products;
• Demonstrate a reasonable knowledge and understanding of the main French linguistic principles, structures and registers.

• On successful completion of the module, learners should be able to:
• Communicate with some confidence on familiar topics.
• Deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken.
• Produce a variety of texts including creative texts and argument-based texts demonstrating the ability to organise ideas in a logical and coherent sequence in sustained prose.
• Enter unprepared into conversation and issues related to topics of general interest.
• Understand the main points of selected media outlets on current affairs or topics of personal or professional interest.
• Understand and report on the main points of clear standard speech and authentic aural passages on current affairs, customs and social issues of French-speaking contexts.
• Relate a series of events and take part in semi-structured discussion on current affairs, customs and social issues.
• Apply a range of grammatical principles at an intermediate level of proficiency.
• Make effective use of references material such as grammars and dictionaries.
• Use a range of language learning techniques and skills effectively by independently developing strategies to extend their lexis and knowledge of grammar.

• On successful completion of the module, learners should be able to:
• Have a structured discussion in French.
• Summarise and discuss the plot of a book or a film.
• Organise ideas in a logical and coherent sequence and critically analyse arguments both orally and in writing.
• Communicate information, ideas and arguments both orally and in writing.
• Gather, process and reference information from a variety of paper, audio-visual and digital resources.
• Reflect on personal language learning progress and identify areas for improvement.
• Independently use digital tools and online resources to expand lexical range and reinforce grammatical accuracy, applying strategies for autonomous language learning in line with CEFR descriptors for learner autonomy.

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

• This module is delivered through seminar style classes.
• Contact time will be used to introduce new material and provide the students with high quality target language input from the module tutor and multimedia sources.
• In preparation for each session students will be expected to revise new material and complete formative language exercises.
• The assessment scheme for this module is designed to test students' level of attainment in language production (speaking and writing) and reception (listening and reading).
• To reflect the continuous nature of the language learning process the module will be assessed by a combination of formative and summative in-course assessment. Summative assessments will also fulfil a formative function since feedback on summative in-course assessments will be made available to students.
• In alignment with the Principles for Learning, Teaching & Assessment teaching and learning take place through a combination of interactive language classes and guided independent study. Activities are designed to promote active use of the target language, engagement with authentic and creative materials, and development of critical and reflective skills. Assessment is based on integrated performance tasks that test reading, writing, listening, and speaking, together with reflective components that support students’ awareness of their learning process.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Regular homework/assignments will be given to the students to practise and consolidate what they have done in class and to prepare the following session, some of which will be submitted and marked as formative assignments and regular feedback will be given to the students accordingly.

■ Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.