Overview

This module enables post A-level students to develop written and oral communicative skills in French by extending linguistic competence acquired at A-level. It comprises text-based classes in which students have the opportunity to develop translation and writing skills, as well as oral/aural classes, in which a range of audio and visual aids are employed to stimulate group discussions and debates. Throughout the module, students also have the opportunity to revise and consolidate key areas of grammar. The texts and materials used in this module are chosen from a range of sources in order to familiarise students with variations in tone and register. Through these materials, students will also gain an insight into particular Francophone themes and issues that relate to contemporary life and society in the French speaking world. Learning outside of the classroom is supported through a co-curricular Self-Study Portfolio.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -40-49%: Limited knowledge of French grammar and vocabulary resulting in a limited ability to communicate in writing or translate from French-English and English-French. Basic understanding of aural and written material in French. Basic grasp of French pronunciation and limited ability to converse freely in French and respond to spoken material. Limited ability to present and defend opinions in written and oral French.

-good -50-69%: Good knowledge of French grammar and vocabulary resulting in a good ability to communicate in writing or translate from French-English and English-French. Good understanding of aural and written material in French. Good grasp of French pronunciation and some ability to converse freely in French and respond to spoken material. Ability to present and defend opinions in written and oral French

-excellent -70+%: Excellent knowledge of French grammar and vocabulary resulting in an excellent ability to communicate in writing or translate from French-English and English-French. Excellent understanding of aural and written material in French. Excellent grasp of French pronunciation and clear ability to converse freely in French and respond to spoken material. Clear ability to present and defend opinions in written and oral French.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply new areas of vocabulary to written and oral work.

• Demonstrate an ability to extract and use information presented in French-language sources to answer questions in the target language.

• Employ key grammatical structures in written and oral work.

• Engage with French language in spoken form, understanding, reacting and responding to it in an interactive context.

• Explore and evaluate some of the key themes and debates dominating contemporary French culture

• Produce accurate and idiomatically correct written French

• Understand and translate written texts varying in style and register.