LA1PF9-IWLP French 1 with listening and speaking workshops

Module Provider: International Study and Language Institute
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: FR1L3 Advanced French Language I FR1L2 Intermediate French Language FR2L4 Advanced French Language II FR3L6 Advanced French Language III LA1PF2 IWLP French 2 LA1PF3 IWLP French 3 LA1PF4 IWLP French 4 LA1PF5 IWLP French 5 LA1PF6 IWLP French 6
Current from: 2019/0

Email: a.m.nader@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is intended for students with no knowledge of French and specifically aims to support international students with a non-European linguistic background so that they can achieve their best in their studies.

On successful completion of the course students will have achieved CEF (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) Level A1/A1+.

This module aims to provide students with an introduction to the French language, concentrating on its communicative use in everyday situations. It will develop the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing.  The module will be taught alongside students taking LA1PF1 (French 1) and the curriculum and final outcome are the same for both modules.  LA1PF9 offers students some additional support with listening and speaking in French in the form of targeted workshops focusing on these skills.

This module is taught at level 4 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.  Reading University allows students from any year to take this module.  Students will identify and use relevant understanding, methods and skills to address problems that are well defined but complex and non- routine. In language learning this means acquiring knowledge of grammar and vocabulary, developing strategies for learning and practising the language in the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking, in order to communicate within defined situations while developing tools to enable students to respond to unexpected events.  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.

Support is given and adjustments are made for students with disabilities. However, 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 course aims to provide students with:-

-           the ability to survive in typical situations met by visitors when travelling in French speaking countries for a short time;

-           an introduction to the nature of language and language learning;

-           an insight into aspects of everyday life in France

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• Communicate in French by speaking at a simple survival 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;


• Read and understand simple texts on a variety of everyday topics including obtaining specific details from signs, notices, short texts, etc


• Recognise and use a range of basic French vocabulary and obtain skills in using dictionaries and online sources of vocabulary


• Understand simple passages, conversations and announcements when spoken by sympathetic native- and non-native speakers of French


• Apply simple grammatical structures in both speaking and writing

Additional outcomes:

Students will be involved in regular group activities and role playing to develop oral skills. They will make progress through developing skills of self-study and application and will develop an awareness of and sensitivity to a foreign culture. 

Outline content:

Students will learn:-

- to give, request and understand personal information;

- to express and understand simple opinions;

- forms of address, greeting and leave-taking;

- to make simple arrangements and transactions on a practical level. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The course 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 role playing, 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.

Recommended textbook:

French 1 (pub Palgrave Foundations Languages, 3rd edition) by Bissar, D; Phillips, H; and Tschirhard, C.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summer final Written exam (Reading and Writing) 2 hours – 40%

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Autumn Term Week 10– Foundation Test, 1 hour = 15%

Spring Term week 4- In class test – listening test, 1 hour = 7.5%

Spring Term week 11- In class test – listening test, 1 hour = 7.5%

Summer Week 2 - Oral exam, 10 minutes = 30%

Formative assessment methods:

In order to consolidate and develop their language learning, students are encouraged to complete regular tasks – in class and outside – on which feedback is provided. 

Penalties for late submission:

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40% overall for UG students,

50% overall for PGT students. 

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-sit in August/September examinations period on the basis of examination only (relative percentages: oral examination 40%, written paper 60%)

 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 8 April 2019