ULFR51002 - LEAP Introduction to French
- Credits: 10
- Pre-requisite: None.
- Co-requisite: Open to students not following Honours courses in French. If you are studying a Modern Languages Degree, either single or joint honours, please refer to the course unit selection guidance, which includes information about eligibility for LEAP units, on your programme structure.
- Anti-requisite: Students taking the unit for university credit as part of their degree must not have already taken the unit LEAP French 1.
- Taught during: Semester two.
- Timetable: Timetable for the course
Description
This course is for absolute beginners.
It introduces students to the fundamentals of French grammar, reading and writing while developing some basic communicative skills.
It aims to teach students simple structures, lexis and phrases which will enable them to communicate in a limited number of common everyday situations in French-speaking countries.
The introductory course differs from LEAP French 1 in length, topics covered and learning outcomes.
Both courses start at the same level (absolute beginner), but LEAP French 1 is a full-year course, and goes further and deeper into the language as it is approximately double the number of teaching hours plus double the number of self-study hours whereas the introductory level, Introduction to LEAP French is only one semester long.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
- handle some of the basic grammatical structures of French;
- understand and read, some familiar and daily expressions used in common everyday situations and write very simple messages;
- communicate orally at a basic level in a limited number of common everyday situations;
- have some understanding of ways of life in French-speaking countries.
By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A1.1 of the Common European Framework.
Transferable skills
Pair and teamwork, focussed listening, informal presentations, language awareness, cultural appreciation.
Teaching and learning methods
One three-hour seminar per week, delivered through blended learning which integrates on-campus and online instruction as necessary.
This will also include online digital learning available via Blackboard and supplemented by extra online resources to aid students in their independent learning.
Assessment
Semester 2:
- Week 11- Listening 10% & Written Exam 50%
- Week 12 - Oral Exam 40
Listening Exams may be incorporated into the speaking exams if necessary
Teaching hours
36 hours (3 hours per week) including assessment time
Independent study hours
~ 62 hours (not including assessment time)
Nature and timing of feedback
Feedback will include a combination of
- informal ongoing oral and written feedback resulting from homework and class-based learning activities;
- formal written feedback will be given following every assessment.
Convenor
Dr Annie Morton
Taught by
see timetables.
Maximum entry
22 per group.
Set texts
To be announced on Blackboard.
Pathway
Students may be able to proceed to LEAP French 2 subject to:
- achieving a mark over 75%
- Agreeing to study independently the material recommended by the language tutor to reach the Common European Framework level required at the end of LEAP French 1 – A1/A2
- an entry-level assessment carried out by the tutor.
* By taking this option students agree to cover the material recommended by the language tutor independently. They will be taking this at their own risk. They are not allowed to take LEAP French 1 or ask for a refund.
Employability
Successful completion of this course unit will enhance your curriculum vitae and your employability by showing that you have the capacity to learn other languages and the desire to engage with other cultures.