FR1L3-Advanced French Language I

Module Provider: Languages and Cultures
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: A level in French or equivalent.
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: FR1L2 Intermediate French Language and FR1L1 Beginners French Language
Current from: 2020/1

Module Convenor: Dr Marine Orain

Email: m.orain@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module aims to develop the language skills of students who have already achieved Advanced Level or equivalent in French. Students with an excellent AS Level qualification in French may also be considered for this module.



The course will provide the necessary basis for the study of French to Honours degree level, but will also be an effective study and career tool for students who are not intending to continue with French after Part 1. 

Students who successfully complete this module will have achieved a level of competence in French comparable to level B1/B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference.

Aims:

This module aims to develop students' linguistic ability by building on their work at A/AS Level. The course is structured so as to offer students opportunities to consolidate their knowledge of French grammar and syntax, broaden the registers of their spoken and written language, and extend their reading abilities. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• demonstrate a good understanding and appropriate use of French grammar and syntax;

• demonstrate an understanding of both written and spoken French , in different registers and styles;

• express themselves clearly and fluently in both written and spoken French in both formal and informal situations;

• show familiarity with an appropriate range of French vocabulary and an ability to use it.

Additional outcomes:

This modules aims to enable students to:



• actively reflect on their learning processes and preferences so as to independently develop 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.);

• develop an awareness of current issues in French -speaking countries through the use of contemporary material;

• plan, manage and deliver work in a team.

Outline content:

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



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



The course will include a Language Skills component, which will allow students to focus on activities that promote and advance their awareness of language structures in general, and on the active exploration of ways of applying such awareness to the learning of the French language. 

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	25	5
Practicals classes and workshops	10
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (directed)	27	25	4
Advance preparation for classes	10	10	4
Preparation for seminars	10	10
Completion of formative assessment tasks	2	2
Revision and preparation	2	2
Group study tasks	10	12
Total hours by term	101	86	13
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Oral assessment and presentation	20
Practical skills assessment	70
Class test administered by School	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will take an oral exam worth 20% of the final mark for this module.

Progression of language practical skills and competence will be assessed over three terms through class tests and/or coursework projects. Students’ continuous assessment work is worth 70% of the module mark.

The Language Skills component will be assessed by a class test, worth 10% of the final mark for the module.

 

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

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convenor 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 2-hour written test, in August, in the event of failure in this module and of failure in Part 1, or (for compulsory modules only) of failure to qualify in Part 1. 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: Information provided in the module reading list.

Last updated: 16 October 2020