Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2016-2017 (archived)

Module FREN3041: FRENCH LANGUAGE 4

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (French)

FREN3041: FRENCH LANGUAGE 4

Type Open Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2016/17 Module Cap Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • French Language 2 (FREN2051) or equivalent.

Corequisites

  • Modern Languages, Combined Honours and all Joint and 'with' programmes: at least one other Level 3 French cultural module. Other: see Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.French Language .

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • French Language 4 (following Year Abroad) (FREN3351)

Aims

  • To obtain an excellent standard in written and spoken French, and in the comprehension of spoken and written French at the level of sophisticated, contemporary discourse.

Content

  • Essay and comprehension - Students will work each week from an article in the contemporary press and from current television programmes (the topics covered will be relevant to modern French culture and current affairs).
  • The set exercises will comprise: resume of the article in French, paraphrase and explanation of vocabulary and phrases within the article.
  • Free composition on a theme related to the topic, revision of grammar.
  • The module is conducted in French.
  • Oral.
  • Weekly classes with lectures/lectrices: class discussion of pre-arranged topics and linguistic points, presentation of oral 'exposes' on topics related to current affairs, using current French press and TV as source.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • On successful completion of the module, students will have gained enhanced knowledge of the French language and of aspects of life in contemporary France.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Students will have improved their comprehension of contemporary French idiom and their oral and written communications skills in terms of accuracy, fluency and appropriate linguistic register.
Key Skills:
  • Extended development of general written and oral communication skills.
  • The ability to discuss topical or general issues with a high degree of fluency.
  • An extended ability to gather, process and evaluate critically information and evidence from a variety of paper, audiovisual and electronic sources.
  • An extended ability to read complex and multivalent text with intellectual nuance, and a sensitivity to context and genre.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Two weekly classes. Students are required to attend all classes for written and spoken language and to prepare written work as detailed in this guide. This module is taught and assessed in French.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Classes 42 2 per week 1 hour 42 ■
Preparation and Reading 158
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Written Examination Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written Examination 2 hours 100% No
Component: Oral Examination Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Oral Examination 20 minutes 100% No

Formative Assessment:

Regular language exercises.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University