French 7 for Contemporary France (LL307)
This module runs in Term 1. Please also see French 7 for Enterprise for Term 2.
Summary
Level: Advanced
Prerequisite - Prior knowledge of French
- approximately C1 level of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)
- or advanced knowledge of French: i.e. a good A level or equivalent + 2 years of further study
- or successful completion of Language Centre level 6 equivalent module (e.g. French for Business 2, French 6 through Translation, French 6 through Films)
- or equivalent
Main Objectives
This module is designed to help students maximise fluency and accuracy in written and oral/aural French and understanding of French society by
analysing aspects of language and institutions, the way of life, culture, history and politics of France. This is the highest level of French you can study at the Language Centre.
Successful completion of French Language for Contemporary France qualifies students to progress to French 7 for Enterprise: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/languagecentre/academic/french/ll308/
Credits
15 CREDITS, also available for 12 CREDITS.
Teaching and Learning
One weekly blended session for 9 weeks, organised as:
- Two-hour class face to face on campus
- Some independent study will also be set.
If health & safety restrictions are required, teaching may move online.
Students are reminded that 1 credit = 10 hours of study, therefore for a 30 credit module, the minimum expected amount of study is 300 hours, which averages over 10 hours per week. A substantial amount of independent study is therefore required. Students can make use of Moodle to facilitate this.
Assessment
Term 1 - Week 10
- one reading/writing test (50%)
- one speaking test (50%)
Tutor:
Magali Toscan
Course Text
No textbook is required. Selected texts will be provided.
Course Description
The module:
- is taught entirely in French
- is organised around studying and debating aspects of contemporary France (socioeconomic forces, political
scene, controversies...). - requires students to keep up with the news, read a selection of documents and produce synthèses and essays
related to the themes.
Successful completion of French Language for Contemporary France qualifies students to progress to French Language for Enterprise.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module, students will have to:
- Demonstrate a high level of language proficiency by articulating more fluently, confidently and spontaneously in
French in a variety of contexts. - Produce clear and well-structured oral and written texts about complex subjects, expanding and supporting
points of view and relevant examples, and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion. - Identify and synthesise core arguments in texts and discussions, even on complex unfamiliar topics.
- Respond to questions and comments fluently, spontaneously and convincingly.
- Apply high critical analytical, linguistic and socio-cultural awareness to the analysis of contemporary written and
aural documents.
By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level C1.2 Proficient user (operational proficiency) of the Common European Framework of Reference.
Syllabus
Topics
Indicative list of themes:
What does the sterotypical French person look like?
France: a land of “joie de vivre” or melancholy?
Is France a country of revolution or immobility?
Is France egalitarian or elitist?
Are French Presidents elected monarchs?
Is debating about immigration possible in France?
The French obsession with their language: myth or reality?
In addition, topics in the news will be introduced for discussion and comment, in spoken and written form, to emphasise the contemporary character of the module.
Grammar
Consolidation and extension of existing language skills.
Subject-specific and transferable skills
- Strategies for understanding gist and specific information
- Strategies to communicate effectively both in writing and orally in French
- Using appropriate resources (linguistic or technological) to produce accurate written assignments
- Communication skills: writing and oral presentation, defending one’s point of view
- Intercultural Awareness, Professionalism, Digital Literacy, Teamwork, Problem-solving, Critical Thinking
Can count towards the Warwick Award:
