French Beginners Accelerated for finalists (LL362)
Summary
Level
This module is offered to students with no prior knowledge of French. This module is the equivalent of French 1 + French 2 combined. Due to the 'accelerated' nature of the module, evidence of prior linguistic achievement (e.g. a high GCSE grade or A2 CEFR level in another European language) is essential.
Main Objectives
- To understand and communicate in familiar and routine situations, using frequently used expressions
- To develop strategies for language learning
- To research, analyse and reflect on cultural contexts, enhancing cultural knowledge, as well as intercultural and cross-cultural competencies.
- To achieve A2 of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference)
Credits
30 CREDITS
Teaching and Learning
- One weekly blended session for 21 weeks, organised as a three-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 1: one interim test (10%)
Term 3: one reading/writing test (35%) + one speaking test (40%) + one independent project (15%)
Main Tutors
- Grace Bend: grace.e.bend@warwick.ac.uk
- Mélanie Jolivet-Bâlon: M.Jolivet-Balon@warwick.ac.uk
Course Texts (must be bought by the student)
-
Catherine Hugot, Monique Waendendries, Celine Himber (2023), Mon Alter Ego 1, Méthode de français A1, Hachette, ISBN 13: 9782017153139
- Marlène Dodin, Clémence Fafa et al. (2022), Edito A2 - Méthode de français, Didier, ISBN : 9782278104109
Course Description
For students intending to travel to France or French-speaking countries, either for study or on work placements, this fast-paced module can promote confidence-building for communicating with native speakers abroad and helps students achieve a higher level of proficiency in one year than in non-accelerated modules. 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 a basic knowledge of grammar
- Gain insight into everyday life in the relevant countries
- Apply strategies for understanding gist and short descriptions
- Interact about familiar topics and activities
- Write simple texts giving background information and relating to areas of immediate need
- Critically analyse and reflect on cultural contexts, demonstrating enhanced intercultural and cross-cultural competencies
- Conduct and present independent research into French-speaking 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 at Level A2 Basic user (waystage) of the CEFR (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.
Topics
Items such as shopping; eating out; employment; tourism and travelling; housing; different aspects of French life; etc.
Grammar
Subject-specific and transferable skills
- Written and spoken communication
- Strategies for understanding gist and specific information
- Intercultural Awareness, Professionalism, Digital Literacy, Teamwork, Problem-solving
Can count towards the Warwick Award
