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French Language and Cultures: Lower Intermediate - LAN00096H

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  • Department: Language and Linguistic Science
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • 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. This course is aimed at students who already have a good basic level of competence in French, i.e. students who have completed the LFA Elementary course or their higher GCSE in French (or equivalent). The module will take students to level A2+ of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), in the understanding and use of written and spoken French.

Related modules


Higher GCSE French, some experience of living in a French-speaking country or successful completion of the module French Language and Cultures: Elementary 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 lower intermediate 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:

  1. reception activities (oral, audio-video and reading comprehension);

  2. production activities (oral and written production);

  3. 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:

  • understand short texts dealing with everyday topics (e.g. lifestyle, hobbies, sports, weather) and to read short, simple stories involving familiar, concrete situations described in everyday language.

  • produce simple texts (e-mails, short letters etc) on familiar topics and give their impressions and opinions (e.g. lifestyles and culture, stories), using relevant everyday vocabulary and expressions.

  • give a short presentation and to manage simple, routine exchanges of ideas and information on familiar topics.

  • recognise cultural conventions associated with everyday social exchanges (e.g. different greetings, celebrations, festivals, social/regional traditions, etc) and to apply them appropriately

  • reflect upon language use and justify linguistic choices

  • self-monitor and self-regulate their own learning and resources

  • identify and apply adequate strategies to prevent or overcome breakdowns in interaction and production activities.

Module content

Topics may include:

  • introducing oneself (routine, holiday preferences, hobbies, language learning)

  • talking about language learning, about learning and learning processes; about past learning experiences

  • talking about accommodation

  • talking about ways of life now and in the past, the environment, what type of consumer you are and long-term goals

  • talking about past historical events; how society has changed, recounting and asking about past life events; narrating a past anecdote

  • talking about sports and their health benefits, unhealthy habits and health problems

  • talking about new technologies and their toll on health, health in the future

  • finding out about social etiquette in various countries and in various situations, politeness, good neighbourly relationships, giving advice

  • talking about work, job satisfaction and ideal jobs and wishes, avoiding conflicts at work

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 60
Oral presentation/seminar/exam 40

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

Written exam will include one or two questions aimed at assessing students’ ability to reflect on language use and justify their responses and choices when using the language (in English) and a task related to students’ ability to monitor their own learning.

Oral exam will include strategic competence in the target language among the assessment criteria in production and interaction activities.

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

  • Formative tasks done individually or in groups throughout the module

  • Feedback will include written comments for written formative work

  • 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.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.