French Intermediate Accelerated for finalists (LL355)
Summary
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Prior knowledge of French.
- A2 of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference)
- Or a high grade in GCSE or equivalent
- Or equivalent in International Baccalaureate
- Or Language Centre French 2 or Beginners Accelerated
- Or equivalent
The module is designed to enable students who have demonstrated higher linguistic skills to fast-track two levels, (levels 3 and 4), in one year instead of two.
Main Objectives
The 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 French language for discussing and analysing aspects of French society.
Additionally, students will research, analyse and reflect on cultural contexts, enhancing their cultural knowledge, as well as intercultural and cross-cultural competencies. Throughout the module, students will be working towards a B2 standard of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) depending on skill area.
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 Texts (must be bought by student)
- Elodie Heu-Boulha & Marie Gatin (2023), Edito B1 - Méthode de français, 3eme édition, Didier, ISBN-13 : 978-2278108541
Selected texts and resources will also be provided by the tutor.
Course Description
The emphasis of the module will be on improving the following skills:
- To understand ideas in complex text, and produce text on a wide range of topics
- To work towards B2 of the CEFR (Common European Framework of reference)
- A critical understanding of cultural contexts
- Analytical and reflective abilities in cross-cultural settings
- Autonomous learning and effective resource management.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module, students will 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
- Use strategies to work independently on an open-ended project
- Use strategies to communicate some information coherently and effectively to a specific audience within an open-ended project
- Perform many tasks at Level B2 Independent user (vantage) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
- 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.
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: Origins/family/social relations, Employment, Consumer society, the French language, Media and the news, the Environment, France and the French, Travel and Adventure, Health + Fitness, the Arts, Technology, Tomorrow's world.
Grammar
Revision of basic tenses: present, perfect, imperfect, future and conditional; compound tenses: ie. pluperfect and conditional perfect; the subjunctive; adjectives; adverbs; comparatives and superlatives; direct and indirect object pronouns; demonstrative and emphatic pronouns; relative pronouns and more complex sentences; question forms; idioms; prepositional phrases; pronominal verbs; making a hypothetical statement; conjunctions to develop oral and written skills
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
