Overview

The module is devised to suit 'ab initio' and post-GCSE students of French and focuses on the development of basic speaking, listening and written communicative skills.

The module involves an introduction to and [in the case of those with GCSE knowledge of the language] a revision of key areas of grammar.

Students will acquire general vocabulary and key expressions relating to a variety of topics, in part through role-play situations. Using appropriate audio/visual aids, students will also be introduced to modern and contemporary French culture and society.

Key texts:

Action Grammaire! 3rd edition by Phil Turk & Geneviève García Vandaele (Hodder Education, 2006).

The French Experience 1 Marie Therese Bougard, Daniele Bourdais (BBC Publications, 2003)

Students are given the following advice about purchasing a dictionary:

“You may be able to manage with a concise one (not a pocket dictionary), but you should consider a ‘proper’ translating dictionary such as the Collins-Robert or Oxford-Hachette, and learn to use it effectively and regularly.”

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -40-49%: A limited knowledge of vocabulary and grammar and a limited ability to translate and paraphrase the prescribed range of texts. Basic oral and aural competence.

-good -50-60%: A good knowledge of vocabulary and grammar and a good ability to translate and paraphrase the prescribed range of texts. Good oral and aural competence.

-excellent -70+%: An excellent knowledge of vocabulary and grammar and an excellent ability to translate and paraphrase the prescribed range of texts. Excellent oral and aural competence.

Learning Outcomes

• To be able to produce short essays and other pieces of continuous writing in a concise manner using basic tenses and vocabulary and key grammatical constructions.

• To communicate competently in French on basic, everyday issues.

• To read and pronounce a given French text competently and confidently.

• To understand basic information and instructions in French in both formal and informal registers.