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French Language and Cultures: Elementary - LFA00251L

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  • Department: Language and Linguistic Science
  • Module co-ordinator: Information currently unavailable
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: F
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25

Module summary

The key aim of the course is to enable students to develop their language skills so that they are able to communicate effectively and confidently in the target language in everyday, predictable situations.

Students will then have the basis for continuing their studies at a higher level, should they choose to progress to the module French Language and cultures: Lower Intermediate.

Related modules

The course is aimed at learners with a rusty or basic knowledge of the target language, foundation GCSE or those who have successfully completed the module French Language and Cultures: Beginner or equivalent.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2023-24
B Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

This module will steadily build the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to communicate and interact in French over the course of a semester. It will focus on developing a communicative competence at elementary level, to about A2-level standard of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Students will engage, individually and/or in groups, in communicative activities and tasks emphasising three modes of communication:

  1. reception activities (oral, audio-video and reading comprehension);

  2. production activities (oral and written production);

  3. interaction activities (oral, written and online interaction).

The mediums of instruction are English and French.

Module learning outcomes

On completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • understand phrases and expressions related to areas of most immediate priority (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment)

  • produce short, simple texts (including letters) describing people, living or working conditions, daily routines, likes/dislikes, places, everyday life and culture, etc. and/or expressing opinions

  • communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters to do with work and free time and to handle very short social exchanges.

  • recognise and apply basic (albeit appropriate) cultural conventions associated with everyday social exchanges (e.g. different greetings, rituals).

Module content

The course will include topics such as:

  • understanding key phrases used to give personal information, talk about yourself and your family, finding out and talking about somebody else’s family, giving basic facts about marriage and relationships in France

  • giving basic descriptions of changes in terms of trends and habits; describing daily routines, nationalities and associated stereotypes

  • giving and finding out basic facts about Belgium/ France/ or other countries; asking and answering basic questions about tourist attractions;

  • understanding adverts about accommodation; enquiring about accommodation

  • talking about leisure activities; describing what you did on holiday, what it was like on holiday

  • talking about shopping for food and world cuisine

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
French Language and Cultures: Elementary		 2 hours 60
Oral presentation/seminar/exam
Oral Exam		 N/A 40

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

None

Module feedback

Students’ performance will be monitored through formative work throughout the semester and assessed via end of semester exams.

Formative assessment and feedback

  • Formative tasks done individually or in groups throughout the module

  • Feedback will include written comments for written formative work

  • Oral feedback during class discussions.

Summative assessment and feedback

Students will be given written feedback and marks for their work within the University mandated schedule.

Indicative reading

Course materials and guided readings will be provided by the module convenors via the VLE at the start of the semester.


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.