French grammar

Aims

Aims

After satisfactorily completing the module, students should be able to show:

• an increased understanding of the structures of the French language;
• the ability to analyse grammatical points, understand and produce them in context;
• an increased awareness, acquired through revision, practice and intensive self-study, of the use of the grammatical structures used in spoken and written French and of grammar-related issues of particular note in French.

Prerequisites

Prerequisites

Students must have successfully completed:

•  A-level French, grade A or B, or equivalent.

Programme

Programme

Contact hours

The module lasts the whole year, with teaching continuing until Week 4 of the Summer term. There are two hours of contact time per week. Regular self-study (in the library and/or at home) will be required: students are expected to work on their grammar skills through the materials available on the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Teaching programme

All the lessons are conducted as seminars in order to encourage discussion and interaction. The two hours of contact time will be devoted to a formal presentation of the essential aspects of French grammar and syntax, as well as the completion of related exercises (from the course book and/or other resources).  The VLE course also provides explanations and answers to key exercises, allowing students to organise their self-study more efficiently and concentrate on their particular needs.

The medium of instruction is French.

Teaching materials

Essential:

• A good notebook to record vocabulary, idiomatic phrases etc.
• Set textbook:
  • Hawkins, R., Towell, R., & Lamy, M.N. (2015). French Grammar and Usage (4th edition). London: Routledge.

Assessment and feedback

Assessment and feedback

Formative assessment and feedback

Students are expected to complete and submit exercises regularly and to present some of the work in seminars.

• Oral commentary and dialogue within class on grammar exercises given immediately both to individuals and the whole class.
• Online answers and explanations provided with the VLE tasks.
• Model answers may be given for class exercises/past exam papers, with class discussion of difficulties.

Assessment and feedback

• Paper 1: A grammar test (1-hour closed exam)  
  • Date: Term 2, Week 1
  • Weight: 30%
  • Feedback: Individuals will be allowed to see their exam paper with comments, under supervision, at an appointed date after the external examiner has reviewed the papers.
• Paper 2: A 2-hour closed exam
  
  • Date: Term 3, Weeks 5-7
  • Weight: 70%
  • Feedback: Individuals will be allowed to see their exam paper with comments, under supervision, at an appointed date after the external examiner has reviewed the papers.