Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2019-2020 (archived)

Module CFLS1F61: FRENCH STAGE 6

Department: Centre for Foreign Language Study

CFLS1F61: FRENCH STAGE 6

Type Open Level 1 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2019/20 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Successful completion of French Stage 5 or an equivalent qualification, subject to decision by the module’s language coordinator. No higher entry French language qualification permitted.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • Any Core Language Module offered by the School of Modern Languages and Cultures

Aims

  • To consolidate and widen further the knowledge of the French language, including grammar and lexis;
  • To enhance communicative proficiency in French, both in writing and orally (presentation and interaction);
  • To develop further listening and reading skills;
  • To broaden the knowledge of contemporary France and the Francophone world;
  • To develop intercultural awareness

Content

  • The development of the students' language skills (reading, writing, listening, spoken production and interaction) will be integrated into a framework focussing on various aspects of contemporary France and other French-speaking countries (culture, politics, everyday life, social issues, etc);
  • Teaching materials will be supplemented with handouts and digital resources;
  • The module is conducted in French.
  • There will be two one-hour seminars each week which will be used to consolidate and develop grammatical and lexical knowledge as well as to practice oral, aural and writing skills.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • On successful completion of this module learners will be able to:
  • demonstrate the ability to carry out research in the target language and present an oral and written summary;
  • demonstrate a sound broad knowledge of some aspects of contemporary France and the French-speaking world;
  • demonstrate a good knowledge and understanding of the cultures and societies in France and French-speaking countries gained through the study of cultural products;
  • demonstrate a sound broad knowledge and understanding of the main French linguistic principles, structures and registers used in various types of documents (essays, newspaper articles, songs, adverts, websites, etc.).
Subject-specific Skills:
  • On successful completion of the moudle learners will be able to:
  • write on a wide range of various contemporary French issues, expressing and discussing views;
  • enter unprepared into conversation and issues related both to familiar and unfamiliar topics;
  • understand and report on the main points of clear standard speech and authentic aural pasages on various topics;
  • apply a range of grammatical principles;
  • make effective use of reference material such as grammars and dictionaries;
  • use a range of language learning techniques and skills effectively by independently developing strategies to extend their lexis and knowledge of grammar.
Key Skills:
  • On successful completion of this module learners will be able to:
  • Give an oral presentation in French;
  • Discuss topical or general issues with a high degree of fluency;
  • Write an essay demonstrating the ability to organise ideas in a logical and coherent sequence in sustained prose and critically analyse arguments;
  • Extensively communicate information, ideas and arguments both orally and in writing;
  • Gather, process and evaluate critically information and evidence from a variety of paper, audiovisual and electronic sources.;
  • 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

  • This module is delivered through seminar style classes;
  • Contact time will be used to introduce new material and provide the students with high quality target language input from the module tutor and multimedia sources.
  • In preparation for each session students will be expected to revise new material and complete formative language exercises.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Seminars 40 2 per week 1 hour 40
Preparation and Reading 160
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Individual Project Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Individual Project (Week 18) 2000 words 100% Yes
Component: Oral Examination Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Individual Oral Assessment (Weeks 21-22) 15 mins 100% Yes

Formative Assessment:

Regular homework/assignments will be given to the students to practise and consolidate what they have done in class and to prepare the following session, some of which will be submitted and marked as formative assignments and regular feedback will be given to the students accordingly.


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