ULFR51002 - LEAP Introduction to French (A1.1)

  • 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 ULFR51010 - LEAP French 1 (A1/A2).
  • Taught during: Semester two (January to May).
  • Level of attainment: (A1.1) By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A1.1 of the Common European Framework.
  • Timetable: Click here

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 ULFR51010 - LEAP French 1 (A1/A2) in length, topics covered and learning outcomes. Both courses start at the same level (absolute beginner), but ULFR51010 - LEAP French 1 (A1/A2) 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 team work, focussed listening, informal presentations, language awareness, and cultural appreciation.

Teaching and learning methods

One three-hours or two 90 minutes seminars per week, delivered through blended learning which integrates on campus and on-line instruction as necessary.

This will also include online digital learning available via Blackboard and will be supplemented by extra online resources to aid students in their independent learning.

Teaching hours

36 hours (3 hours per week) including assessment time.

Independent study hours

75 hours (not including assessment time).

Assessment

All assessments are summative.

Non-credit students and members of the public need to be aware that written exams will not take place during lesson time.

Semester 2

  • Listening exam; 10% weighting; held in week 11
  • Speaking exam; 40% weighting; held in week 12
  • Written exam; 50% weighting; held in May/June, during the University exams period

Dates to be confirmed.

Nature and timing of feedback

Feedback will include a combination of informal ongoing feedback resulting from class-based learning activities and formal written feedback given following summative assessments.

Convenor

Gaelle Flower

Taught by

Gaelle Flower

Maximum entry

23 per group.

Set texts

Talk French (Book and CD), I. Fournier (BBC Active: 2014), ISBN: 978-1-4066-7890-1. 

Talk French 1 is available as Enhanced eBook (with audio) on Google Play and Apple books store. 

Pathway

Fee-paying students can move on to the ULFR51010 - LEAP French 1 (A1/A2), but should note that much of the material will be a repeat of the introductory unit. For the same reason, degree students cannot take ULFR51010 - LEAP French 1 (A1/A2) for degree credits if they have already completed Introduction to LEAP French. 

Students may be able to proceed to ULFR51020 - LEAP French 2 (A2) 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 ULFR51010 - 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. Once they have enrolled on the course, they are not allowed to move back to ULFR51010 - LEAP French 1 (A1/A2) or ask for a refund.