98820 - FRENCH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE

Learning outcomes

The course will develop the four skills of reading, listening, writing and speaking through practice and a communicative and action-oriented approach. The course will focus on reading comprehension of documents chosen in the light of current themes in French society; oral comprehension of radio and television extracts; written production of texts from a range of contexts; speaking skill exercises to enhance language expression; expansion of vocabulary for different situations in everyday life.

Course contents

The 60 hours course will focus on grammar, written and oral skills of the students. Through a various typology of exercises and using every possible support to present topics (frontal lecture, readings, video, film and tv extracts etc.) the student will be confronted to the whole grammar and lexical program from A2 to B1/2 and to various French culture’s topics regarding social and political life in France, arts, and actuality. The concept of francophonie will also be presented in class.

For complete beginners, a laboratory will take place during the first weeks of the lecture. Six sessions will be opened to every student who wants or need to participate and the whole A1 program will be covered during those sessions.

Readings/Bibliography

• Fafa, Loiseau, Petitmengin, Exercices de grammaire & conjugaisons du français A1, Didier FLE, 2020.
• Miquel, Vocabulaire progressif du français – Niveau débutant (A1), 3ème édition, CLE International, 2017.
• Glaud, Lanier, Loiseau, Grammaire essentielle du Français – A2, Didier FLE, 2015.
• Goliot-Lété, Miquel, Vocabulaire progressif du français – Niveau intermédiaire (A2/B1), 3ème édition, CLE International, 2017.
• Meyer, Clés pour la France en 80 icônes culturelles, Hachette FLE, 2010.

Teaching methods

The course will include:

• Lessons and grammar exercises designed to consolidate the knowledge already acquired and to reach the B1/B2 level. Homework will be given on a weekly basis
• Numerous written and oral exercises to deepen knowledge and skills in grammar
• The presentation of some topical themes of the contemporary French context: an active participation of the students will be required through research to be carried out autonomously

Attendance and participation are highly encouraged.

Assessment methods

Assessment will be based on two written mid-term tests and a final oral exam. Both mid-term tests include a reading comprehension with multiple choice and open questions, and a grammar test.

The oral exam will consist in a presentation on a selected topic.

10% of total: compulsory and active participation in classes

40% of total: final oral exam

50% of total: written mid-term tests

Evaluation grid

30-30L excellent test that demonstrates very broad, thorough and in-depth knowledge of the subject matter, a solid ability to apply theoretical concepts and an excellent command of exposition, as well as an excellent capacity for analysis, synthesis and elaboration of interdisciplinary connections
27-29 above average test that demonstrates precise and thorough knowledge of the subject matter, good ability to apply theoretical concepts, and capacity for analysis and synthesis, accurate and correct exposition
24-26 good test that demonstrates appropriate knowledge of the subject matter, a fair understanding of the application of theoretical concepts, and an articulate presentation of the subject matter
21-23 adequate test that demonstrates appropriate but not in-depth knowledge of the subject, only partial capacity to apply theoretical concepts, and an acceptable presentation of the content
18-20 barely sufficient test that demonstrates adequate but general knowledge of the subject matter, simple exposition, uncertainties in the application of theoretical concepts Insufficient test that does not demonstrate adequate acquisition of knowledge of the subject matter that is fragmentary and superficial, with errors in the application of concepts, and poor exposition.

Teaching tools

Extra class material will be available on Virtuale.

Office hours

See the website of Walter Julien Alberisio