Studying at York
French Language and Cultures: Elementary - LAN00079C
- Department: Language and Linguistic Science
- Credit value: 20 credits
- Credit level: C
- Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
Module summary
Learning a language can be a transformative and enriching experience. Both the process and the outcomes are beneficial at various levels, from increased neuroplasticity to improving your overall academic performance, fostering empathy and intercultural awareness, and enhancing your career opportunities. The key aim of the course is to enable students to develop their language skills so that they are able to communicate effectively and confidently in the target language in everyday, predictable situations. Students will then have the basis for continuing their studies at a higher level, should they choose to progress to the module French Language and cultures: Lower Intermediate.
Related modules
The course is aimed at learners with a rusty or basic knowledge of the target language, foundation GCSE or those who have successfully completed the module French Language and Cultures: Beginner or equivalent.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2024-25 |
| B | Semester 2 2024-25 |
Module aims
This module will steadily build the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to communicate and interact in French over the course of a semester. It will focus on developing a communicative competence at elementary level, to about A2-level standard of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Students will engage, individually and/or in groups, in communicative activities and tasks emphasising three modes of communication:
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reception activities (oral, audio-video and reading comprehension);
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production activities (oral and written production);
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interaction activities (oral, written and online interaction).
The mediums of instruction are English and French.
Module learning outcomes
On completion of the course, students will be able to:
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understand phrases and expressions related to areas of most immediate priority (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment)
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produce short, simple texts (including letters) describing people, living or working conditions, daily routines, likes/dislikes, places, everyday life and culture, etc. and/or expressing opinions
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communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters to do with work and free time and to handle very short social exchanges.
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recognise and apply basic (albeit appropriate) cultural conventions associated with everyday social exchanges (e.g. different greetings, rituals).
Module content
The course will include topics such as:
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understanding key phrases used to give personal information, talk about yourself and your family, finding out and talking about somebody else’s family, giving basic facts about marriage and relationships in France
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giving basic descriptions of changes in terms of trends and habits; describing daily routines, nationalities and associated stereotypes
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giving and finding out basic facts about Belgium/ France/ or other countries; asking and answering basic questions about tourist attractions;
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understanding adverts about accommodation; enquiring about accommodation
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talking about leisure activities; describing what you did on holiday, what it was like on holiday
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talking about shopping for food and world cuisine
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 60 |
| Oral presentation/seminar/exam | 40 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 60 |
| Oral presentation/seminar/exam | 40 |
Module feedback
Students’ performance will be monitored through formative work throughout the semester and assessed via end of semester exams.
Formative assessment and feedback
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Formative tasks done individually or in groups throughout the module
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Feedback will include written comments for written formative work
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Oral feedback during class discussions.
Summative assessment and feedback
Students will be given written feedback and marks for their work within the University mandated schedule.
Indicative reading
Course materials and guided readings will be provided by the module convenors via the VLE at the start of the semester.