French language and society III

Aims

Aims

Building on the skills acquired during the time studying in a Francophone country, this module will aim to increase proficiency in the practice of different styles of French, both written and spoken. It will also enable students to master the techniques of extended essay writing in French. The content of the module will focus on the recent debates surrounding the legacy of France’s colonial past such as its impact on contemporary French society and the evolving notions of national identity.

Satisfactory completion of the course should enable students to:

• Demonstrate an in depth understanding of some of the aspects of modern French culture and society
• Demonstrate an ability to undertake personal research  
• Present sources from a critical perspective and develop arguments effectively in both spoken and written French
• Achieve a high level of accuracy in the production of both written and spoken French

Prerequisites

Prerequisites

Students must have successfully completed one of the following:

• A study year in a francophone country
• A semester in a francophone country
• Study year in France (for History with French students)

Programme

Programme

Contact hours

Two seminar hours in terms 1 and 2. There will be no timetabled teaching sessions in week 10 of term 2 to allow for individual consultations to discuss the end of year paper. In term 3, there will be one seminar in weeks 1 and 2 focusing primarily on consolidation of knowledge and language skills. Weeks 3 and 4 will focus on oral presentations. 

Teaching programme

All the lessons are conducted as seminars in order to encourage discussion and interaction. Therefore, completing weekly tasks in preparation for class discussion is an essential part of students’ commitment. The classes will cover a range of themes related to current issues in modern France. Using authentic materials from a range of sources (television broadcast, newspaper articles, books, websites), particular emphasis will be given to developing students’ ability to present and analyse sources from a critical perspective. The medium of instruction is French.

Teaching materials

Teaching materials and bibliographical references will be supplied during the course. Consultation of French daily newspapers and weekly magazines is essential for the students to keep up to date with current issues.

Assessment and feedback

Assessment and feedback

Feedback on formative work

• Oral commentary and dialogue within class on oral and written language work, given immediately both to individuals and to group.
• Oral commentary and dialogue on seminar presentation, given to the individual presenter following the seminar.
• Written comments and mark on University scale given to individual students for practice essays, with opportunity for individual consultation. The essays will be returned to students two weeks after the seminar.
• Model answers may be given for class exercise/past exam papers, with class discussion of difficulties.

Summative assessment and feedback

• Oral presentation  in Week 1 of Autumn Term

A ten minute discussion to defend one of the essays written during the year abroad

• Weight: 20%
• Oral presentation  in Summer Term  
  • Weight: 30%
• Research essay  
  Students research a current issue of their choice and write a paper of 3000 words 
  • Due: Summer Term, Week 4
  • Weight: 50%

Feedback: Individuals will be given a feedback sheet for the oral examination, and will be allowed to see their essay with comments, under supervision, at an appointed date after the external examiner has reviewed the papers.

Skills

Transferable skills developed in this module

All modules provide an opportunity to work on general oral/written communication skills (in class and in assessments) and general self management (organising your studies), alongside the specific skills in language or linguistics that the module teaches.

In addition to these, this module will allow you to particularly develop skills in social and intercultural awareness. By investigating current issues in societies where French is spoken, you will learn how historical and political events shape societies, how cultural expectations inform debates and how you can best communicate your understanding in French.

Follow this link to hear how past students use transferable skills from their degree in their current jobs.