French

The following modules are available to incoming Study Abroad students interested in French.

Alternatively you may return to the complete list of Study Abroad Subject Areas.

FREN100: Part I French Studies (Beginners to CEFR: A2)

  • Terms Taught:
    • Full Year module
    • Michaelmas Term only
    NOTE: If you are studying with us for a Full Academic Year and you select a module that has full year and part year variants, you will not be allowed to take only part of the module.
  • US Credits:
    • Full Year module - 10 US semester credits
    • Michaelmas Term only - 4 US semester credits
  • ECTS Credits:
    • Full Year module - 20 ECTS credits
    • Michaelmas Term only - 8 ECTS credits
  • Pre-requisites: None; evidence of language-learning ability; entry at A1 level within the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)

Course Description

If you have never learnt French, this module is for you. It provides an intensive introduction to the language and will equip you grammatically and linguistically for further study. The module covers reading, writing, the foundations of grammar, plus speaking and listening skills for four hours per week. In addition, weekly or fortnightly lectures and seminars will focus on French culture and its European context. Assessment of language is by written and oral examination in the Summer term in conjunction with coursework and regular assessments in class. Language in context is also assessed by examination and coursework.

Educational Aims

The module is devised to enable you to:

  • Speak, understand read and write the relevant language at a A2 level in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)
  • Develop your understanding of the principles of grammar (in both English and the relevant language)
  • Develop techniques and strategies in learning a language
  • Develop your confidence in using the language in various settings
  • Acquire initial awareness of current affairs in the country where the language is spoken

Outline Syllabus

This module combines work in French Language with a History, Culture and Identity module that looks at how key moments in French history have shaped contemporary French culture (film, plays, novels etc.).

The language component of FREN100 is an intensive module which takes students from beginners' level to high A2/B1 level standard in 25 weeks of study. There are four language seminars per week, of which at least one is normally conducted by a French native speaker. Tutorials are based on a textbook, and emphasis is placed on the acquisition of vocabulary and a firm grasp of French grammatical structures. Listening and speaking skills are developed under the guidance of French native speakers using audio and video materials. In addition, one independent language hour is dedicated to computer-based exercises.

Assessment is divided between coursework and examination. Language coursework assessments during the year include a wide variety of speaking, listening and written exercises. Culture is assessed by coursework and examination. Marks received for these are combined with the June examination marks in spoken and written language to produce the overall result.

Students are encouraged to watch French films on DVD/television or at the cinema, to visit French-speaking countries during the vacation, and to take every opportunity of listening to and speaking the language.

Assessment Proportions

  • Coursework: 60%
  • Exam: 40%

FREN101: Part I French Studies (Advanced/CEFR: B1)

  • Terms Taught:
    • Full Year module
    • Michaelmas Term only
    NOTE: If you are studying with us for a Full Academic Year and you select a module that has full year and part year variants, you will not be allowed to take only part of the module.
  • US Credits:
    • Full Year module - 10 US semester credits
    • Michaelmas Term only - 4 US semester credits
  • ECTS Credits:
    • Full Year module - 20 ECTS credits
    • Michaelmas Term only - 8 ECTS credits
  • Pre-requisites: Good French language; entry at B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Course Description

If you already have a good knowledge of the language, this module is designed to help you achieve higher levels of oral fluency and written accuracy while extending your knowledge of 20th century literature, thought and history. You will attend three hours of language seminars per week. In addition, weekly or fortnightly lectures and seminars will focus on French culture and its European context. Assessment of language is by written and oral examination in the Summer term in conjunction with coursework and regular assessments in class. Culture is also assessed by examination and coursework.

Educational Aims

This module aims to:
  • Consolidate and develop language skills already acquired at Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level B1
  • Enable you to speak and write accurately in French at an advanced level and to acquire advanced skills in reading and listening comprehension.
  • Reinforce and expand the knowledge of French grammar, and increase your awareness of the way English works so that you can make comparisons.
  • Enable and encourage you to learn about and appreciate the relevant contemporary culture and to form (and express in target language ) your own views on certain topics and issues.
  • Assist you to improve your ability to learn a language and to absorb information systematically and to contribute to your personal, social and cognitive development.

Outline Syllabus

The Part I module in French Studies at Lancaster combines work in French Language with a History, Culture and Identity module that looks at how key moments in French history have shaped contemporary French culture (film, plays, novels etc.).

The FREN101 module will give you the opportunity to undertake a range of language work that will consolidate your work in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) B level, taking you from B1 through to high B1/B2. The module will focus on equipping you with an understanding of language necessary for more advanced study. There are three language seminars per week, of which at least one is normally conducted by a French native speaker. Tutorials are based on a textbook, and emphasis is placed on the acquisition of vocabulary and a firm grasp of French grammatical structures. Listening and speaking skills are developed under the guidance of French native speakers using audio and video materials.

Assessment is divided between coursework and examination. There are six language coursework assessments during the year, comprising a wide variety of speaking, listening and written exercises. Marks received for these are combined with the June examination marks in spoken and written language to produce the overall result. Culture is assessed by coursework and examination.

Students are encouraged to watch French films on DVD/television or at the cinema, to visit French-speaking countries during the vacation, and to take every opportunity of listening to and speaking the language.

Assessment Proportions

  • Coursework: 60%
  • Exam: 40%

FREN200: French Language: Oral Skills (CEFR: B2)

  • Terms Taught:
    • Full Year module
    • Michaelmas Term only
    NOTE: If you are studying with us for a Full Academic Year and you select a module that has full year and part year variants, you will not be allowed to take only part of the module.
  • US Credits:
    • Full Year module - 4 US semester credits.
    • Michaelmas Term only - 2 US semester credits.
  • ECTS Credits:
    • Full Year module- 7.5 ECTS credits
    • Michaelmas Term only - 3.75 ECTS credits
  • Pre-requisites:
    • This module must be taken with FREN201:  French Language:  Written Skills
    • Extensive French language; entry is at high A2/B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Course Description

Modules 200 (oral and aural skills) and 201 (written and reading skills) are two integrated components of the module that cannot be taken independently. The general aim of the 200/201 module, comprising three hours per week, is to consolidate and build on the linguistic skills already acquired. Assessment is by coursework, regular assessments in class and an end of year written and oral examination.

Educational Aims

FREN200 and FREN201 aim to:

  • Enhance students' comprehension of the spoken language, as it is used both in relatively formal speech, and in everyday "real-life" situations of the kind that one will encounter in French-speaking countries
  • Develop both general and accurate listening comprehension skills, especially via exposure to radio or television programmes, to introduce computer-based aids and resources for language learning
  • Develop good, accurate pronunciation and intonation as well as fluency, accuracy of grammar and vocabulary when speaking and writing the language
  • Encourage expression of views, articulate arguments and foster confident conversational work
  • Equip students with vocabulary, phrases and appropriate structures
  • Enhance students' ability to understand and translate texts accurately from a variety of (mainly contemporary) sources, and to explore characteristic features of different styles and registers
  • Increase awareness of the structure and variation of the language studied
  • Develop sensitivity to a range of stylistic norms and varieties
  • Help students read, comprehend and summarise the language accurately, in a variety of texts
  • Improve the knowledge of grammar
  • Produce written target language that is fluent, expressive, well-formed and grammatically accurate for this level
  • Enhance students' understanding and awareness of some of the current issues in French-speaking countries

Outline Syllabus

The FREN200 element comprises of oral and aural skills and is taken with the FREN201 element, the writing and reading skills. The units cannot be taken separately. FREN200/201 consists of three hours per week covering oral and listening skills as well as grammar, translation and writing skills.

FREN200/201 will consolidate and build on the linguistic skills already acquired and equip students with the level of competence and confidence they will require in order to familiarize themselves with the culture and the society of countries where French is spoken. The module aims to enhance students' linguistic proficiency, with particular emphasis on speaking and listening (prepared and spontaneous) in a range of formal and semi-formal settings. It will also focus on reading a variety of sources and on writing fluently and accurately in the language, in a variety of registers. A systematic study of the vocabulary, grammar and syntax of the language forms a specific component of the module. Contemporary written and audio-visual materials in French are used throughout the module.

The module also aims to broaden and deepen students' knowledge and understanding of different aspects of modern society, politics and culture, and contemporary issues and institutions. It is expected that students studying on the FREN200/201 modules will attain a high B2 level (Independent User/Vantage) in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

The module also aims to broaden and deepen students' knowledge and understanding of different aspects of modern society, politics and culture, and contemporary issues and institutions. It is expected that students studying on the FREN200/201 modules will attain a B2 level (Independent User/Vantage) in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Assessment Proportions

  • Coursework: 60%
  • Exam: 40%

FREN200i: French Language: Oral skills (post-Beginners/CEFR: B1))

  • Terms Taught:
    • Full Year module
    • Michaelmas Term only
    NOTE: If you are studying with us for a Full Academic Year and you select a module that has full year and part year variants, you will not be allowed to take only part of the module.
  • US Credits:
    • Full Year module - 4 US semester credits.
    • Michaelmas Term only - 2 US semester credits.
  • ECTS Credits:
    • Full Year module - 7.5 ECTS credits
    • Michaelmas Term only - 3.75 ECTS credits
  • Pre-requisites:
    • This module must be taken in conjunction with FREN201i
    • Good French language; entry is at high A2/B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Course Description

Modules 200i (oral and aural skills) and 201i (written and reading skills) are two integrated components of the module that cannot be taken independently. The general aim of the 200i/201i module, comprising four hours per week, is to consolidate and build on the linguistic skills already acquired. Assessment is by coursework, regular assessments in class and an end of year written and oral examination.

Educational Aims

FREN200i and FREN201i aim to:

  • Enhance students' comprehension of the spoken language, as it is used both in relatively formal speech, and in everyday "real-life" situations of the kind that one will encounter in French-speaking countries
  • Develop both general and accurate listening comprehension skills, especially via exposure to radio or television programmes, to introduce computer-based aids and resources for language learning
  • Develop good, accurate pronunciation and intonation as well as fluency, accuracy of grammar and vocabulary when speaking and writing the language
  • Encourage expression of views, articulate arguments and foster confident conversational work
  • Equip students with vocabulary, phrases and appropriate structures
  • Enhance students' ability to understand and translate texts accurately from a variety of (mainly contemporary) sources, and to explore characteristic features of different styles and registers
  • Increase awareness of the structure and variation of the language studied
  • Develop sensitivity to a range of stylistic norms and varieties
  • Help students read, comprehend and summarise the language accurately, in a variety of texts
  • Improve the knowledge of grammar
  • Produce written target language that is fluent, expressive, well-formed and grammatically accurate for this level
  • Enhance students' understanding and awareness of some of the current issues in French-speaking countries

Outline Syllabus

The FREN200i (Intensive) element comprises the oral and aural skills and is taken with the FREN201i element; writing and reading skills. FREN200i/201i consists of 4 hours/week covering oral and listening skills as well as grammar, translation and writing skills.

The general aim of FREN200i is to consolidate and build on the linguistic skills acquired in the first year and to equip students with the level of competence and confidence they will require in order to familiarize themselves with the culture and the society of countries where their studied language is spoken.The module aims to enhance students' linguistic proficiency; with particular emphasis on speaking and listening (prepared and spontaneous) in a range of formal and semi-formal settings. A systematic study of the vocabulary, grammar and syntax of the language forms a specific component of the module. Contemporary written and audio-visual materials in the L2 language are used throughout the module.

The module also aims to broaden and deepen students' knowledge and understanding of different aspects of modern society, politics and culture, and contemporary issues and institutions and to prepare students for residence abroad.

It is expected that students studying on the FREN200i/201i modules wishing to attain a good (2.i/first) level will have elements of B1 (Independent User/Threshold level) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Assessment Proportions

  • Coursework: 60%
  • Exam: 40%

FREN201: French Language: Written Skills (CEFR: B2)

  • Terms Taught:
    • Full Year module
    • Michaelmas Term only
    NOTE: If you are studying with us for a Full Academic Year and you select a module that has full year and part year variants, you will not be allowed to take only part of the module.
  • US Credits:
    • Full Year module - 4 semester credits
    • Michaelmas Term only - 2 semester credits
  • ECTS Credits:
    • Full Year module - 7.5 ECTS credits
    • Michaelmas Term only - 3.75 ECTS credits
  • Pre-requisites:
    • This module must be taken in conjunction with FREN200 French Language: Oral Skills
    • Extensive French language; entry is at high A2/B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Course Description

Modules 200 (oral and aural skills) and 201 (written and reading skills) are two integrated components of the module that cannot be taken independently. The general aim of the 200/201 module, comprising three hours per week,is to consolidate and build on the linguistic skills already acquired. The module aims to enhance your linguistic proficiency, with particular emphasis on speaking and listening (prepared and spontaneous) in a range of formal and semi-formal settings. A systematic study of the vocabulary, grammar and syntax of the language forms a specific component of the module. Contemporary written and audio-visual materials in the target language are used throughout the module. The module also aims to broaden and deepen your knowledge and understanding of different aspects of modern society, politics and culture, and contemporary issues and institutions

Assessment is by coursework, regular assessments in class and an end of year written and oral examination.

Educational Aims

FREN200 and FREN201 aim to:

  • Enhance students' comprehension of the spoken language, as it is used both in relatively formal speech, and in everyday "real-life" situations of the kind that one will encounter in French-speaking countries
  • Develop both general and accurate listening comprehension skills, especially via exposure to radio or television programmes, to introduce computer-based aids and resources for language learning
  • Develop good, accurate pronunciation and intonation as well as fluency, accuracy of grammar and vocabulary when speaking and writing the language
  • Encourage expression of views, articulate arguments and foster confident conversational work
  • Equip students with vocabulary, phrases and appropriate structures
  • Enhance students' ability to understand and translate texts accurately from a variety of (mainly contemporary) sources, and to explore characteristic features of different styles and registers
  • Increase awareness of the structure and variation of the language studied
  • Develop sensitivity to a range of stylistic norms and varieties
  • Help students read, comprehend and summarise the language accurately, in a variety of texts
  • Improve the knowledge of grammar
  • Produce written target language that is fluent, expressive, well-formed and grammatically accurate for this level
  • Enhance students' understanding and awareness of some of the current issues in French-speaking countries

Outline Syllabus

The FREN201 element comprises of the writing and reading skills and is taken with the FREN200 element oral and aural skills. The units cannot be taken separately. FREN200/201 consists of three hours per week covering oral and listening skills as well as grammar, translation and writing skills.

FREN200/201 will consolidate and build on the linguistic skills already acquired and equip students with the level of competence and confidence they will require in order to familiarize themselves with the culture and the society of countries where French is spoken. The module aims to enhance students' linguistic proficiency, with particular emphasis on speaking and listening (prepared and spontaneous) in a range of formal and semi-formal settings. It will also focus on reading a variety of sources and on writing fluently and accurately in the language, in a variety of registers. A systematic study of the vocabulary, grammar and syntax of the language forms a specific component of the module. Contemporary written and audio-visual materials in French are used throughout the module.

The module also aims to broaden and deepen students' knowledge and understanding of different aspects of modern society, politics and culture, and contemporary issues and institutions. It is expected that students studying on the FREN200/201 modules will attain a B2 level (Independent User/Vantage) in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Assessment Proportions

  • Coursework: 60%
  • Exam: 40%

FREN201i: French Language: Written Skills (post-Beginners/CEFR: B1)

  • Terms Taught:
    • Full Year module
    • Michaelmas Term only
    NOTE: If you are studying with us for a Full Academic Year and you select a module that has full year and part year variants, you will not be allowed to take only part of the module.
  • US Credits:
    • Full Year module - 4 US semester credits.
    • Michaelmas Term only - 2 US semester credits.
  • ECTS Credits:
    • Full Year module - 7.5 ECTS credits.
    • Michaelmas Term only - 3.75 ECTS credits.
  • Pre-requisites:
    • This module must be taken in conjunction with FREN200i
    • Good French language; entry is at high A2/B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Course Description

Modules 200i (oral and aural skills) and 201i (written and reading skills) are two integrated components of the module that cannot be taken independently. The general aim of the 200i/201i module, comprising four hours per week, is to consolidate and build on the linguistic skills already acquired. Assessment is by coursework, regular assessments in class and an end of year written and oral examination.

Educational Aims

FREN200 & FREN201 aim to:

  • Enhance students' comprehension of the spoken language, as it is used both in relatively formal speech, and in everyday "real-life" situations of the kind that one will encounter in French-speaking countries
  • Develop both general and accurate listening comprehension skills, especially via exposure to radio or television programmes, to introduce computer-based aids and resources for language learning
  • Develop good, accurate pronunciation and intonation as well as fluency, accuracy of grammar and vocabulary when speaking and writing the language
  • Encourage expression of views, articulate arguments and foster confident conversational work
  • Equip students with vocabulary, phrases and appropriate structures
  • Enhance students' ability to understand and translate texts accurately from a variety of (mainly contemporary) sources, and to explore characteristic features of different styles and registers
  • Increase awareness of the structure and variation of the language studied
  • Develop sensitivity to a range of stylistic norms and varieties
  • Help students read, comprehend and summarise the language accurately, in a variety of texts
  • Improve the knowledge of grammar
  • Produce written target language that is fluent, expressive, well-formed and grammatically accurate for this level
  • Enhance students' understanding and awareness of some of the current issues in French-speaking countries

Outline Syllabus

The FREN201i element comprises of the writing and reading skills and is taken with the FREN200i element; oral and aural skills. These units cannot be taken separately. FREN200i/201i consists of 4 hours/week covering oral and listening skills as well as grammar, translation and writing skills.

The general aim of FREN201i is to consolidate and build on the linguistic skills acquired in the first year and to equip students with the level of competence and confidence they will require in order to familiarize themselves with the culture and the society of countries where their studied language is spoken.The module aims to enhance students' linguistic proficiency; with particular emphasis on reading a variety of sources and writing fluently and accurately in the language, in a variety of registers.A systematic study of the vocabulary, grammar and syntax of the language forms a specific component of the module. Contemporary written and audio-visual materials in the L2 language are used throughout the module.

The module also aims to broaden and deepen students' knowledge and understanding of different aspects of modern society, politics and culture, and contemporary issues and institutions and to prepare students for residence abroad.

It is expected that students studying on the FREN200i/201i modules wishing to attain a good (2.i/first) level will have elements of B1 (Independent User/Threshold level) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Assessment Proportions

  • Coursework: 60%
  • Exam: 40%

FREN233: Shaping Contemporary France: Moments and Movements

  • Terms Taught: Full Year module
  • US Credits: 4 Semester Credits
  • ECTS Credits: 7.5 ECTS Credits
  • Pre-requisites: None

Course Description

‘Shaping Contemporary France: Moments and Movements' provides students with awareness of the ‘must-know’ historical moments as well as political and aesthetic movements that have shaped French and Francophone cultures, while systematically enhancing their skills of cultural analysis in diverse media. The course will hone their close-reading skills, yet also provide a broad awareness of French modernity through a thematic approach that casts back to key nineteenth-, twentieth-, and twenty-first-century texts, songs, and films that have come to define French contemporary society.

Through the topics of ‘Resistance, trauma, and memory’; ‘Colonies and conflicts, identity and alterity’; ‘The postmodern condition’; and ‘Digital art and society,’ the module takes students on a journey through key moments and movements across two centuries of French cultural history, encountering along the way some of the most radical thinkers, writers, filmmakers and creative artists that make the intellectual tradition of France so distinctive. From plays to popular songs, students will experience a stimulating range of cultural forms and be equipped with the skills to reflect critically on them as expressions of France's multi-faceted, nuanced societies.

The main aim of the module is twofold: to build students' reading knowledge of French while giving them a flavour of the rich cultural output that has defined the Francophone realm over the past two hundred years.

Educational Aims

This module aims to:

  • Develop students' knowledge and understanding of the written and spoken French language
  • Introduce students to key concepts and methods in the interpretation of different kinds of text in their socio-historical context
  • Enable students to engage with a history of ideas and forms focused through a series of significant moments and movements
  • Develop students’ abilities to independently research, write, and present creative work
  • Develop students’ abilities to participate actively in class and small group discussion

Assessment Proportions

100% coursework

CWA1: 750 word commentary on creative work* OR 1500 word comparative essay (Mich): 35%

CWA2: Learning Journal on sub-modules 1 and 2 (Michaelmas): 10%

CWA3: feed-forward session on essay plan (Lent, optional): 0%

CWA4: Learning Journal on sub-modules 3 and 4 (Lent): 10%,

CWA5: 2,500-word essay (Lent/Summer): 45%

*Students are to work on a creative response to material covered in Michaelmas. Examples of pieces may include but are not limited to: audio-visual work, i.e. videos, recordings, animation; collage; drawing or other art work, e.g. graphic fiction/comic; musical piece; creative writing; interviews; performances; quiz. The creative work must be accompanied by a 750 word summary of how their piece responds to the course material.

FREN300: French Language: Oral Skills (CEFR: C1/C2)

  • Terms Taught:
    • Full Year module
    • Michaelmas Term only
    NOTE: If you are studying with us for a Full Academic Year and you select a module that has full year and part year variants, you will not be allowed to take only part of the module.
  • US Credits:
    • Full Year module - 4 semester credits
    • Michaelmas Term only - 2 semester credits
  • ECTS Credits:
    • Full Year module - 7.5 ECTS credits
    • Michaelmas Term only- 3.75 ECTS credits
  • Pre-requisites:
    • This module must be taken in conjunction with FREN301
    • Extensive French language; entry is at C1 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Course Description

Modules 300 (oral and aural skills) and 301 (written and reading skills) are two integrated components of the module that cannot normally be taken independently. NB: native speakers should take the written component (FREN301) only. The modules consist of three hours tuition per week, taught in the target language, often by a native speaker. Both the oral and written components cover topics of cultural and contemporary interest, with a particular focus on translation from and into the target language. Assessment is by coursework, regular assessments in class and an end of year written and oral examination.

Educational Aims

The module aims to:

  • Enable and encourage students to learn about current affairs in French-speaking countries and to form and express (in French) their own views on certain topics and issues

  • Increase their awareness of society and culture of contemporary French-speaking countries

  • Encourage students to explore, and become familiar with, different areas of the culture of French-speaking countries

  • Extend students’ knowledge and competence in the French language

  • Enable students to speak French at a level as close as possible to near-native standard and to acquire equivalent skills in oral and written language by increasing vocabulary, grammatical accuracy in spoken French and improve pronunciation and intonation

  • Encourage the progressive integration of authentic, idiomatic structures into the spoken language

  • Equip students with the strategies for presenting critical ideas and defending them effectively to different audiences.

Outline Syllabus

Normally, FREN300 and FREN301 cannot be taken independently. Both the oral (FREN300) and the written language (FREN301) modules focus on particular topics of cultural and contemporary interest. Together they consist of 3 hours tuition per week. The general aim of FREN300 is to maintain the momentum and progress achieved during the second year and the year abroad and to bring intellectual rigour and critical awareness to the content of the spoken language.

By the end of the module, students should not only have developed an informed interest in the society and culture of the French speaking world, but they should also have acquired near-native abilities both in written and spoken language (C1/C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference, CEFR).

Assessment Proportions

  • Coursework: 60%
  • Exam: 40%

FREN301: French Language: Written Skills (CEFR: C1/C2)

  • Terms Taught:
    • Full Year module
    • Michaelmas Term only
    NOTE: If you are studying with us for a Full Academic Year and you select a module that has full year and part year variants, you will not be allowed to take only part of the module.
  • US Credits:
    • Full Year module - 4 semester credits
    • Michaelmas Term only - 2 semester credits
  • ECTS Credits:
    • Full Year module - 7.5 ECTS credits
    • Michaelmas Term only - 3.75 ECTS credits
  • Pre-requisites:
    • This module must be taken in conjunction with FREN300
    • Extensive French language; entry is at C1 on the Common European Framework (f Reference (CEFR).

Course Description

The module has two main aims. Firstly to enhance students' linguistic proficiency with particular reference to: (a) the understanding of spoken and written French in a variety of registers and dealing with a range of contemporary issues; (b) the speaking of French (prepared and spontaneous) in a range of formal and semi-formal settings; (c) the writing of French (notes, reports, summaries, essays, projects etc.) including from and into French; and (d) the systematic study of French lexis, grammar and syntax. Secondly, it aims to increase students' awareness, knowledge and understanding of contemporary French-speaking countries.

Educational Aims

The module aims to:

  • Enable and encourage students to learn about current affairs in France and to form and express (in French) their own views on certain topics and issues
  • Increase their awareness of society and culture of contemporary France
  • Encourage students to explore, and become familiar with, different areas of French culture
  • Extend students knowledge and competence in the French language
  • Enable students to speak French at a level as close as possible to near-native standard and to acquire equivalent skills in oral and written language by increasing vocabulary, grammatical accuracy in spoken French and improve pronunciation and intonation
  • Encourage the progressive integration of authentic, idiomatic structures into the spoken language
  • Prioritise accuracy in written language highlight the value of authenticity both when constructing students own style in writing in French as well as when rendering French into English
  • Further improve writing skills by aiming at greater fluency, grammatical accuracy, use of idiomatic French and appropriate style
  • Further improve reading skills by dealing with complex authentic texts, by identifying register, styles and idiomatic language
  • Further improve translation skills from L2 to L1
  • Further improve translation skills from L1 to L2
  • Further improve summary writing skills
  • Develop critical commentary writing skill
  • Integrate ideas and issues relating to contemporary French society and thus reinforce language as a vehicle for greater cross-cultural awareness
  • Enhance cultural background knowledge by mainly working with topical newspapers and magazine articles
  • Develop an analytical and critical attitude when dealing with ideas and issues in the foreign language

Outline Syllabus

Normally, FREN300 and FREN301 cannot be taken independently. Both the oral (FREN300) and the written language (FREN301) modules focus on particular topics of cultural and contemporary interest. Together they consist of 3 hours tuition per week. The general aim is to build on the enthusiasm and expertise garnered during the second year and the year abroad whilst channelling this enthusiasm and expertise quite consciously towards improving your French language skills even further.

By the end of the module, students should not only have developed an informed interest in the society and culture of the French-speaking world, but they should also have acquired near-native abilities both in written and spoken language (C1/C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference, CEFR).

Assessment Proportions

  • Coursework: 60%
  • Exam: 40%