Aims

In consonance with the overall aims of the degrees offered in the SML, this module will:

- Focus on developing the students' written communicative and oral communicative competences in the target language (including fluency, grammatical and lexical accuracy and range, register and pronunciation);
- Facilitate students' ability to establish and maintain effective social and working relations with
speakers of the foreign language in written and spoken media. This includes students’ ability to use and understand authentic material and produce their own written and spoken output.
- Prepare students for the future study of the target language (including written and oral communicative skills, and intercultural awareness) and for their future learning experience (including independent learning and study skills; reflective skills and self-regulation);

This module is available to all students with an A-level or equivalent in the target language.

Outline Of Syllabus

Students cover a variety of topics related to contemporary French (and Francophone) society, and / or relevant to Contemporary societies and cultures. Depending on student feedback, these may include:
-       Social media
-       Literary genres
-       Cinema / Music / Visual arts
-       Culture and Traditions
-       Student Life
-       Current affairs and current issues
-       Press / Media / Advertising
-       Travel and Tourism
-       French languages and registers / Francophonie

THIS COURSE WILL BE TAUGHT AND ASSESSED IN FRENCH

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Teaching in the language seminars and practicals in the language labs will focus on communication skills while the grammar lectures will focus on key study skills and the formal structures of the language. All four skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking are fully integrated in the language seminars and associated guided work and preparation.

Independent learning and learner autonomy are further developed through the means of grammar-related activities, online guided tasks, pair and group work, assessment preparation and completion, and self-study at home, via the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and in the Language Resource Centre. Particular initiative is expected from students at this level, e.g. course participants will be asked to contribute their own materials to the classes and activities.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

- The Written Examination at the end of Semester 1 (30%) will enable students to produce a 250 to 300-word written piece of work. This will be based on a text of 1000-1500 words. It will test students’ ability to read and understand written sources in the target language and to respond appropriately in written (or typed) form in the target language. [Students may be allowed to type their own answers provided that spell check / grammar check has been disabled]. Students will receive feedback so that they can assess their progress and identify their strengths and areas for improvement before the final written examination in Semester 2.

- The content of the 3-4 minute oral component (30%) will be based on 6-8minutes of video material. This oral component will test students’ ability to listen and understand video sources (excluding written text) and to respond appropriately by producing and present their own output orally in the form of a video. This assessment provides summative information to staff and student on students’ achievement in speaking and listening in the module.

- The final written exam at the end of Semester 2 (40%) will test the students’ reading, grammar and written skills. Students may be allowed to type their own answers provided that spell check / grammar check has been disabled. This formal examination provides summative information to staff and student on student's achievement in reading / grammar and writing in the target language in this module.