French 4 for finalists (LL342)
Summary
Level
Prerequisite: prior knowledge of French
- B1 of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference)
- or a high grade at AS-level
- or equivalent in International Baccalaureate
- or Language Centre French 3
- or equivalent
Main Objectives
- To understand ideas in complex text, and produce text on a wide range of topics.
- To research, analyse and reflect on cultural contexts, enhancing cultural knowledge, as well as intercultural and cross-cultural competencies.
- To work towards B2 standard of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference).
Credits
30 CREDITS.
Teaching and Learning
- One weekly blended session for 21 weeks consisting of a two-hour face-to-face class on campus
- Four online workshops, each lasting ninety minutes, spread across terms 1 and 2
- Some independent study will also be set
Students will take part in an online exchange with the Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
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 2: portfolio (15%)
Term 3: one reading/writing test (30%) + one speaking test (40%) + one independent project (15%)
Main tutor
Mélanie Jolivet-Bâlon
Course Text (must be bought by student)
Perrard, M. & Heu, E. (2022), Edito B2 - Méthode de français, Didier, ISBN-13 : 978-2278104307
Course Description
This module will strengthen reading and writing skills and will also reinforce the communicative skills acquired during previous study of the French language. Students will gain further insights into the culture and civilisation of French-speaking countries. The module will offer a more advanced study of language structure and syntax, and will concentrate on using the target language for discussing and analysing aspects of French society. This module will also help students develop a critical understanding of cultural contexts, analytical and reflective abilities in cross-cultural settings, as well as autonomous learning and effective resource management.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- apply knowledge of grammar appropriate to the level
- understand the main ideas and some detail of complex texts on concrete and abstract topics
- interact with fluency and spontaneity, and account for and sustain viewpoints
- write clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects; explain viewpoints on topical issues
- develop strategies to communicate information coherently and effectively and work independently on an open-ended project
- Critically analyse and reflect on cultural contexts, demonstrating enhanced intercultural and cross-cultural competencies.
- Conduct and present independent research into Francophone culture(s) and society(ies).
- Self-monitor and self-regulate their own learning and manage resources.
By the end of the course, students should be able to perform many tasks at Level B2 Independent user (vantage) of the Common European Framework of Reference.
Syllabus
This module will allow students to develop strategies for self-directed and autonomous learning, as well as an understanding of diverse cultural contexts and the ability to engage with and communicate on them thoughtfully and respectfully.
The syllabus will include the following:
Topics
Activities will be centred on literary/non-literary texts and audio-visual material focusing on the following themes: la France et les Français; les voyages/l'exploration; la santé; l'environnement; l'art et la culture; le monde du travail; la technologie et la vie quotidienne; le monde de demain.
Grammar
Consolidation and focus on the following: revision of all tenses in the indicative; uses of the subjunctive; the present participle and its uses; hypotheses; demonstrative pronouns; direct and indirect object pronouns; relative pronouns; comparatives and superlatives; conjunctions to improve oral skills and written style.
Subject-specific and transferable skills
- Strategies for understanding gist and specific information
- Strategies to communicate effectively both in writing and orally in French
- Intercultural Awareness, Professionalism, Digital Literacy, Teamwork, Problem-solving, Critical Thinking
Can count towards the Warwick Award
