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French Language & Society III - LAN00008H

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  • Department: Language and Linguistic Science
  • Module co-ordinator: Ms. Geraldine Enjelvin
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23

Module summary

This module focuses on the recent debates surrounding the legacy of France’s colonial past such as its impact on contemporary French society and the evolving notions of collective memory, national identity and history.

Related modules

Pre-requisite modules

  • None

Co-requisite modules

  • None

Prohibited combinations


Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23 to Summer Term 2022-23

Module aims

Building on the skills acquired while studying French language and society II (LAN00003I) and also, if applicable, during the time studying in a Francophone country, this module will aim to increase proficiency in the practice of different styles of French, both written and spoken. It will also enable students to master the techniques of extended essay writing in French. Particular emphasis will be given to developing students' ability to present and analyse sources from a critical perspective.

The medium of instruction is French.

Module learning outcomes

Satisfactory completion of the course should enable students to:

  • demonstrate an in depth understanding of some of the aspects of modern French culture and society
  • demonstrate an ability to undertake personal research
  • present sources from a critical perspective and develop arguments effectively in both spoken and written French
  • achieve a high level of accuracy in the production of both written and spoken French

Additionally, by the end of the module, students should have developed the following employability skills:

  • general oral/written communication skills (in class and in assessments)
  • general ICT skills
  • general self- and time-management (organising one's studies)
  • team work
  • social and intercultural awareness

Module content

All the lessons are conducted as seminars in order to encourage discussion and interaction. Therefore, completing tasks in preparation for class discussion is an essential part of students’ commitment. The classes will cover a range of themes related to current issues: the French nation, French national identity, France's colonial past and its impact on today's society (from memories to official history, evolving "lieux de mémoire", memory wars, memory laws, the French "banlieues" etc)

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
3000 word essay		 N/A 60
Oral presentation/seminar/exam
20 minute oral presentation		 N/A 40

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
3000 word essay		 N/A 60
Oral presentation/seminar/exam
20 minute oral presentation		 N/A 40

Module feedback

This module complies with the University's Policy on assessment feedback turnaround time.

Feedback on formative work

Oral work

  • Immediate constructive oral feedback/ feed-forward provided in class- both to individuals and groups. Key issues highlighted (language, content, structure, argumentation etc)
  • Comments and mark on University mark scale given to individual students for practice oral presentations. Key issues highlighted (language, content, structure, argumentation etc) and feed-forward provided.
  • Individual feedback provided during office hours, when necessary.

Written work

  • Written comments and mark on University mark scale given to groups for formative collaborative dissertations. Key issues highlighted (language, content, structure, argumentation etc) and feed-forward provided.
  • Written comments and mark on University mark scale given to individuals for dissertation chapter. Key issues highlighted (language, content, structure, argumentation etc) and feed-forward provided.
  • Opportunity for individual consultation, when necessary.

Feedback on summative assessment

Oral presentation

  • At an appointed date, individual students will be allowed to see the feedback form completed by both examiners (covering pronunciation, quality of language, accuracy, structure, argumentation, content knowledge etc) as well the mark on the university marking scale.

Dissertation

  • Individual students will be allowed to see the feedback form completed online by the first marker (covering quality of language, accuracy, structure, argumentation, content knowledge etc) as well the mark on the university marking scale confirmed by the second marker

Indicative reading

Teaching materials, recommended texts and video extracts will be supplied during the course and uploaded onto the module VLE, which is the main port of call.

Reading, watching and listening to French news on a regular basis is essential for students to keep up to date with current issues.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.