On successful completion of this module you will be able to:

• engage with native speech with relative ease identifying key details of complex arguments and interact with a degree of fluency, spontaneity, and accuracy in a variety of contexts including academic and scientific environments;
• navigate and analyse the main ideas and essential detail of complex texts from a variety of genres and topics including scientific material and write detailed, well-structured texts and explain viewpoints on a wide range of subjects using complex linguistic structures of b2 level;
• demonstrate an understanding of the target cultures by examining and comparing a range of socio-political practices and perspectives and relating them to your own backgrounds and contexts;
• develop your language learning skills repertoire, using a broad range of digital language learning tools competently to develop your research and presentation skills in the target language and support your independent learning.

In this module, you will cover the following linguistic structures:

• revision of grammatical structures as appropriate;
• revision of past tenses, passive and subjunctive mood;
• construction of complex sentences: subordinate clauses in indicative/subjunctive;
• relative clauses;
• object pronouns;
• dependent clauses of cause, consequence, purpose, opposition, condition;
• expression on comparison;
• connectors;
• summaries;
• essay writing;
• writing and presenting a press review.

Topics:

• the french republic: identification and analysis of its principle values and their evolution;
• freedom of speech and the french media;
• educational system;
• work;
• environmental issues;
• ethics in science;
• current issues in France and Europe as presented in the media.

In line with modern foreign languages communicative and active learning methodologies, the in-class activities you will complete will cover all four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking). These will include pair work and groupwork ( information gap exercises, texts, audio-visual material analysis and discussion); individual tasks (presentations); discovery and formulation of grammatical rules. Homework and coursework tasks will give you the opportunity to revise and consolidate your knowledge and skills and to develop your awareness of how to use language learning tools independently. Our approach not only ensures you engage with a wide range of tasks and activities, but also seeks to support different learning styles.

Your coursework will be marked and returned within two weeks. Rubrics and revision guidance (how-to guides) will be included as needed with each coursework. You will receive detailed feedback alongside suggestions for improvement and an overall percentage showing your provisional grade for that assessment.

• Coursework (15%): Mid-term 1 project-based coursework on the virtual learning environment: listening, reading, writing (300-320 words).
• Coursework (20%): Mid-term 2 project-based coursework: speaking (pre-recorded: 5mn), writing: (320 words approx).
• Examination (15%): In-class test run on the virtual learning environment (bring your own device). This 1-hour test will take place at the end of term 1. It will include: grammar/ listening/writing (300 words approx).
• Examination (20%): In-class test run on the virtual learning environment (bring your own device). This 1-hour test will take place at the end of term 2. It will include: grammar/reading /writing (320 words approx).
• Practical (30%): Oral examination in term 3 including presentation of pre-prepared material and discussion (approx. 20 minutes).

Assessment information for students on a course with a year abroad

• 7.5 ECTS points awarded on successful completion of the module.
• Available to take for credit towards your degree where your department allows. Also available for extra-credit.
• You must be prepared to attend all classes and undertake approximately 3 hours of private study each week in addition to the assessment.

Coursebooks: Edito B2 (éd. 2015) by Elodie Heu and Jean-Jacques Mabilat, Didier 2015, 3ème édition, ISBN: 9782278080984 and Edito B2 cahier d’activités by Jean-Jacques Mabilat, Didier 2015, ISBN: 9782278081127

Grammar support: La Grammaire progressive du français, niveau perfectionnement , CLE INTERNATIONAL, Janvier 2012 . ISBN : 978-2-09-035359-4

Students may also wish to purchase the grammar reference book, French Grammar and Usage, Fourth edition by Roger Hawkins, Richard Towell, Routledge 2015. ISBN: 978-1138851108

Additional material: Articles from the French press, news items. Literary extracts TBC Films. Selected texts on science and technology.

Further information for Year Abroad/Year in Europe StudentsFurther information for BSc Hons and MSc Language for Science Degrees