FR3L6-Advanced French Language III

Module Provider: Modern Languages
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites: ML2YL5 Year Abroad Language
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: FR3L3 Advanced French Language I and FR3L4 Advanced French Language II and FR3L6C Advanced French Language III
Current from: 2019/0

Module Convenor: Miss Claudia Francois

Email: c.francois@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is aimed at students who have spent a period of residence abroad and completed the ML2YL5 Year Abroad Language. Students who successfully complete this module will have achieved a level of linguistic competence and proficiency comparable to level C1/C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). 

Aims:

This course aims to build on students' previous knowledge of French, further advancing their skills in both written and spoken French, and in translating from and into French. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:

• demonstrate a sound grasp of the grammatical forms and syntactical structures of the French language;


• demonstrate a knowledge of a wide range of French lexis and idioms; write in French at an advanced level on topics of general and current interest;


• demonstrate a knowledge of a wide range of French lexis and idioms;


• write in French at an advanced level on topics of general and current interest;


• demonstrate the ability to deliver oral presentations and sustain a discussion in French on topics of academic relevance.

Depending on their choice, by the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:

EITHER

• show an awareness of the techniques involved in translating from one language to another;


• translate a range of written texts accurately and fluently at a sophisticated and advanced level both from English into French and French into English;

OR

• have developed their linguistic skills and commercial knowledge;


• summarise, synthesise and analyse documents relevant to business life in the French-speaking world;


• acquire an awareness and some experience of business working practices and environments where French is used, and an acquaintance with current developments in the commercial and economic life of French-speaking countries and the UK.

Additional outcomes:

This modules aims to enable students to:

• actively reflect on their learning processes so as to independently strengthen appropriate strategies and relevant skills to ensure linguistic progression;

• make good use of appropriate reference materials (e.g. dictionaries; online resources; self-study tools, etc.)

• further practise and expand reading, analytical and interpretative skills in relation to written French ;

• consolidate their awareness of current issues in French-speaking countries.

Outline content:

The course will focus on a variety of language exercises that will involve students in the exploration and production of written and oral texts representing a wide range of genres and registers. 

Weekly two-hour classes will provide students with regular practice in free and guided writing, and in presenting, discussing and debating in the foreign language. Classes will also offer the opportunity for students to explicitly analyse grammatical and syntactical features in French.

An extra weekly on-hour class gives students the opportunity to choose between two options:

(A) focus on a variety of exercises in translating from and into French

(B) explore different areas of commercial activity in the UK, or in French-speaking countries.

Students who are already taking the FR3LMB French Language for Management and Business II module can only choose option (A)

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module will use a variety of strategies for teaching and learning, involving a mixture of group-work, class discussion and analysis, and independent work between sessions. Students will complete regular exercises as homework and will also do a variety of exercises in class.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	30	30	4
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (directed)	25	25
Exam revision/preparation			4
Advance preparation for classes	15	15
Preparation for seminars	10	10
Completion of formative assessment tasks	2	2
Revision and preparation	2	2
Group study tasks	12	12
Total hours by term	96	96	8
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	30
Oral assessment and presentation	20
Practical skills assessment	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Students will take a three-hour written examination, worth 30% of the final mark for the module, and an oral exam, worth 20% of the final mark for this module. 

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Progression of language practical skills and competence will be assessed over two terms through class tests and/or coursework projects. Students’ continuous assessment work is worth 50% of the module mark.

Formative assessment methods:
Feedback will be given on assignments and there will be opportunity for class-based discussion.

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment, which will be via a 3-hour written exam, in August, in the event of failure in this module and in the degree as a whole.  Continuous assessment and/or coursework will be carried forward if it bears a confirmed mark of 40% or more.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 8 April 2019