LA1FP3-IWLP French 3 with academic placement in France

Module Provider: International Study and Language Institute
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: FR1L3 Advanced French Language I and FR2L4 Advanced French Language II and FR3L6 Advanced French Language III and FR3LMB French Language for Management & Business II and FR3L6C Advanced French Language III and LA1PF4 IWLP French 4
Placement opportunity: Maxi placement
Current from: 2019/0

Email: l.pasuljevicshimwell@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module is intended for students with an entry level of CEF (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) A2 or equivalent.  This module gives students the opportunity to study the French language at Université Grenoble Alpes in France for a 2 week intensive period, usually in early April or early September.Upon their return to the UK, students would then take the usual IWLP placement test and continue their studies with one of the standard courses until Christmas.  All assessments will be completed in Reading during the Autumn term.

This module will develop the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing.

It is taught at level 4 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. Reading University allows students from the second year onwards to take this module, Students will exercise autonomy and judgement by developing independent learning skills. They will gain understanding of different perspectives and cultural differences in approaching a variety of situations.

IWLP language modules are communicative in nature and students are required to work in small groups. Also, students should be aware that spelling, grammar and sentence structure are assessed. In this respect the IWLP assessment is exempted from the University’s requirement to take specific learning difficulties into account when marking. For queries, contact iwlp@reading.ac.uk.

Aims:

This module aims to enable students:-

• to cope in straightforward, everyday situations in a French-speaking country, including those they would typically meet while studying there.  It will focus on themes and topics related to university life and students’ interests;


• to develop their knowledge of French-speaking countries and people;


• to develop strategies for coping with unpractised linguistic, social and cultural situations.


• to extend their cultural awareness

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module students will be able to:

• Give a short presentation and write a report in French, based on their experiences in Grenoble, including some evidence of cultural awareness


• Communicate in French by speaking at a relatively simple level/intermediate level about a selection of defined everyday topics;


• Communicate in French in writing about a selection of defined everyday topics and within a defined range of genres;


• Use a range of French vocabulary as required within the topics covered, and further improve skills in using dictionaries and online sources of vocabulary;


• Achieve competence in the use of the most important grammatical structures of the language for their level in both speaking and writing.

Additional outcomes:

Through this international placement, students will experience at first hand living and studying in France.  They will practise their language in authentic situations on a daily basis, both inside and outside the classroom.  Students will be involved in regular group activities and pair work and will gain experience in simple oral presentations and joint activities. They will make progress through developing skills of self-study and application.

Outline content:

Students will learn:-

- to discuss topics of personal interest;

- to express and justify opinions orally and in writing;

- to make simple arrangements and transactions in a social and practical context;

- to give simple accounts of events using past, present and future tenses

- to develop greater fluency and complexity of expression.

Global context:

Part of this module will take place in Grenoble, France.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module provides a systematic approach to acquiring essential grammar structures in a communicative context. Teaching methods are based on interactive language development tasks, such as group work and pair work, and include the study of short texts, oral development work and listening comprehension exercises. Learning activities are supported by various media such as audio and, where appropriate, computer software. The module is taught as far as possible in the target language.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Autumn term week 8: Oral presentation about placement(including slides), plus question/answer conversation (45%) ( 25 minutes maximum)

Autumn term week 10: Foundation test (25%)

Autumn term week 11: Written report about Placement in controlled conditions (30%) (400 words)

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40% overall for UG students, 50% overall for PGT students

Reassessment arrangements:

If the student fails the placement part of this module, they will be given the opportunity to resubmit the presentation with a writing element,(60%) and will also have a second oral exam.(40%)

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

This module involves substantial additional costs, currently around £1000, as detailed below, for the placement in France:

1.Tuition fees in Grenoble (€460 for 2 weeks in 2019-20)

2.Travel to and from Grenoble

3.Accommodation in Grenoble (currently €250 in hall of residence for 2 weeks)

Study abroad bursary may be available – currently €300. 

There may also be a few free  places available for students from low income households who are currently in receipt of a Reading bursary.

Last updated: 19 September 2019