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Ab initio French grammar - LAN00047C

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  • Department: Language and Linguistic Science
  • Module co-ordinator: Ms. Geraldine Enjelvin
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
    • See module specification for other years: 2021-22

Module summary

This module is intended to help students to develop a deep(er) understanding of grammatical knowledge and structures in the French language. The focus will be on the active use of the language in a wide range of culturally and meaningful contexts.

Related modules

This module is to be taken together with the two other Ab initio French modules (Ab initio French Language Skills and Ab initio French Language & Society).

Module will run

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

Module aims

This module aims to introduce grammatical structures of French at a very quick pace in order to develop the students' understanding and production of the systems of the language.
The grammar seminar will cover most grammatical aspects of the French language and you will see and use them in context. By analysing grammatical structures you will become more aware of their meaning and use in oral and written communication and you will familiarize yourself with the necessary grammatical terminology. You will use interactive exercises or practice materials provided by the tutor and you will work through the grammar book and use online materials.

Module learning outcomes

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

  • Increased understanding of the structures of the French language;
  • The ability to analyse grammatical structures and understand and produce them in context;
  • Increased familiarity with grammar terminology;
  • Independent language learning skills and techniques that enable you to acquire the language through self-study.

Grammar analysis and intensive self-study of the grammatical aspects discussed should lead to an increased awareness of their
use in spoken and written French.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
Ab initio French Grammar (Paper 2)		 2 hours 70
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
Ab initio French Grammar (paper 1)		 1 hours 30

Special assessment rules

Non-compensatable

Additional assessment information

The module is reassessed at the component level.

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
Ab initio French Grammar (Paper 2)		 2 hours 70
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
Ab initio French Grammar (paper 1)		 1 hours 30

Module feedback

Formative work and feedback

  • Weekly formative exercises completed in class
  • Weekly formative exercises set as homework
  • Written comments given to individual students for practice work, with opportunity for individual consultation.
  • Model answers may be given for class exercises with class discussion of difficulties.
  • Formative written work will be returned within 2 weeks.
  • Oral commentary and dialogue within class on oral and written work given immediately both to individuals and to the group.
  • Oral commentary and dialogue on seminar presentation, written feedback sheet given to the individual presenter following the
  • seminar.

Students will receive feedback on their formative open paper no later than week 3 of term 2. Individual feedback forms convey information on levels of attainment and advice for improvement on each section of the exam: reading comprehension, grammar and writing. In addition, regular homework tasks and quizzes provide opportunities for individual ongoing feedback on achievement and progress.

Summative assessment and feedback
There are two components to the final assessment:

  • Online exam (Paper 1), in week 1, Term 2: Weight: 30%
  • Online exam (Paper 2), taken in Term 3: Weight: 70%

Written feedback to be provided within 20 working days.

Indicative reading

Teaching materials

  • Compulsory grammar book:
    Heminway, Annie. Practice Makes Perfect: Complete French Grammar - Premium Fourth Edition, McGraw-Hill Education (16 Jun.2020), ISBN: 978-1260463170
  • Recommended book:
    Morton, Jacqueline. English grammar for students of French, 7th edition. Olivia and Hill Press (27 Nov. 2013), ISBN: 978-0934034425
  • Other study materials will be provided by the tutor.


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.