module specification

In this module, students will develop advanced language skills and work towards becoming autonomous users of French (CEFR Level B1/B2).  Students will learn how to use French in a wide range of contexts both personally and professionally, through practical class activities focusing on authentic language use. There will be a particular emphasis on developing reading and writing skills, as well as oral, listening and intercultural skills.  The module extends students’ ability to use a wide range of grammatical structures and vocabulary accurately. In addition, cultural aspects of French speaking countries will be studied.
The module is structured around class time, autonomous learning and guided WebLearn materials. The module is adaptable to the language abilities of students and can be taught to students studying in different years.

Completion of OFL074 OR equivalent competence

The course is structured around class time, autonomous learning and guided WebLearn materials. Indicative contents will include:

• Development of listening skills including note taking LO1
• Development of writing and reading skills including the study of genre and register in written texts LO2
• Further development of a wide range of lexis LO1, LO2
• Extension and expansion of grammatical control (new and revised structures) LO1, LO2
• Development of oral fluency and accuracy LO1
• Development of linguistic devices to improve cohesion and coherence LO1, LO2

Learning and teaching strategies will be delivered through a blended learning approach. Learners will actively participate in individual and group activities in class and autonomously, using online resources and tools available on WebLearn, as well as paper - based materials. They will receive teacher and peer feedback to enable them to reflect on their learning.

The learning outcomes of this module are calibrated to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.  By the end of the module students should be able to:

1. Speaking and Listening :

• Understand the main points of clear messages and conversations.

• Ask and answer questions and respond to statements, maintaining the flow of conversation.

• Interact, describing and expressing opinions on general topics in a fluent manner.

2. Writing and Reading :

• Write simple connected texts on familiar topics as well as texts expressing experience and impressions.

• Read and write about everyday life, work , events , feelings  and

wishes.

The module will be assessed through a written assignment (coursework) and an oral test.   The written coursework will assess learning outcomes 2, while the oral test will assess learning outcome 1.

• Formative assessment supports students in developing for summative assessment.

• Feedback on assessment is timely, constructive and developmental.

• Processes for marking assessments and for moderating marks are clearly articulated and consistently operated by those involved in the assessment process.

Dollez, C. and Pons, S. (2007) Alter ego 3 : livre de l'élève + CD audio. Vanves: Hachette.

Boularès, M. and Frérot, J.-L. (2017) Grammaire progressive du français, niveau  avancé: livre + CD.   2nd ed. Paris: CLE International.

Ribière, M. and Marriott, T. (1998) Help Yourself to Advanced French Grammar: A Grammar Reference and Workbook. 2nd ed. Harlow: Longman.

Online resources:

https://www.lepointdufle.net/

http://apprendre.tv5monde.com/en

https://savoirs.rfi.fr/en/apprendre-enseigner

http://www.wordreference.com/

https://conjugaison.lemonde.fr/conjugaison/

WebLearn.