2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

FREN2017 French Language Skills (B1/B2 of the CEFR)

20 creditsClass Size: 30

Module manager: Karima Gaci
Email: k.gaci@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

FREN1013 (or equivalent qualification to A2 in French CEFR)

Pre-requisites

FREN1013

Pre-Intermediate French (A2 of the CEFR)

This module is mutually exclusive with

FREN1010	Language Awareness and Skills
FREN2010	Language in Contexts
FREN2015	Language in Contexts
FREN2016	French Language Skills (B1/B2 of the CEFR)

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module enables students with Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) A2+ in French (eg a pass in FREN1013 or similar level of linguistic competence in French), to further develop their language skills up to CEFRL B1+, which will prepare them for a successful period of residence abroad in a French-speaking environment. Language learning in this module is student-centred and task-based. It is an intensive programme. The classroom is conceived as a social space for communication. Listening, reading, writing, speaking interaction and mediation tasks will be set.

Objectives

This module aims to:
- Take students from level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) to consolidated level B1, and bring level B2 within reach of completion, for example during a Year Abroad.
Besides, the following skills will be developed to at least B1 level:
- Develop students’ skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing in French.
- Establish a good grasp of basic and advanced French grammar focusing on grammar in context and the usage of grammar in authentic communicative situations.
- Develop students’ skills to analyse the usage of language in different contexts and registers, creating language awareness
- Encourage students to reflect on their own use of language as well as their language learning strategies
- Broaden students’ general and topic specific vocabulary
- Engage students with authentic French language materials and topics relevant to modern French speaking countries
- Prepare students linguistically and culturally for a Year Abroad in a French-speaking environment.

Learning outcomes
By the end of this module, students should be able to demonstrate the following skills in French at Level B1 of the CEFRL:
1. write and speak with grammatical and lexical accuracy in French
2. communicate ideas and arguments in written and spoken French
3. Show awareness of the appropriate use of the French language in different contexts and communicative situations
4. demonstrate an understanding of French-speaking cultures
5. critically reflect on their own learning
6. Engage in authentic French communicative situations, which they may encounter on their Year Abroad.

Syllabus

This is a largely language skills-orientated module. Materials and exercises are chosen with a view to preparing students for the linguistic and cultural requirements of interaction with native speakers of French and the use of French in academic and/or professional contexts.
A key focus in the module is on the consolidation of basic and advanced grammar and language awareness. The language work in the seminars is based on a structured coursebook to scaffold the transition to a more independent academic learning style. Hence, authentic materials from contemporary French life and culture will be studied and cover a range of areas of language and culture-related learning. Topics include social and cultural issues relevant to understanding French-speaking societies. The overall aim is to enable students to interact with and participate in French speaking educational, administrative and cultural environments, notably when starting a Year Abroad.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Seminar	40	2.00	80.00
Private study hours			120.00
Total Contact hours			80.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Weekly homework, with tutor feedback, both written and oral. Feedback on the portfolio is also formative for the exam.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Portfolio	Narrated PowerPoint (integration of several linguistic skills)	20.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		20.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Open Book exam	2 hr 00 mins	50.00
Practical Exam / OSCE	0 hr 10 mins	30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		80.00

Speaking exam re-sit on campus or via videoconference in August resit period

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 12/09/2024

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