ML5023 - French Core Language and Communication Skills 2 (A)

What will I learn on this module?

You will extend your knowledge of lexical, morphological, semantic and syntactical structures in French whilst applying this knowledge in increasingly complex situations with well-developed contextual and cultural awareness. You will practice evaluating, synthesising and organising information from a variety of academic sources. You will enhance your applied translation skills, working with French and English sources, transferring meaning into the target language whilst respecting the register of the original text. You will develop your ability to recognise and compose in different styles and registers; you will also develop your ability to express complex ideas and refine your command of spoken French. You will engage in interactive language seminars and directed study focusing on debating, commenting and writing about issues relating to modern France. You will analyse and translate relevant authentic, contemporary texts, and make use of academic sources as you develop your language and research skills, thus you will develop your ability to use e-learning materials effectively. You will enhance your proficiency in written and spoken French and refine your knowledge of French by improving grammatical and structural accuracy in listening, oral and writing skills. You will expand your grasp of the applied language relevant to Area Studies, French culture and business environments in the French-speaking world. You will be encouraged to find your own critical voice and your French language skills will empower you and open the doors to understanding the French-speaking world in a wider global context, allowing you to engage fully in debates on key issues.

How will I learn on this module?

You will attend interactive and engaging language seminars and workshops (five hours per week) and academic tutorials by arrangement. In addition to written, oral and aural sources, other media will be used in order to consolidate and refine your knowledge of the French-speaking world and your French language skills. You will work on authentic, contemporary materials, which are edited in-house, in the multi-media laboratories using ICT, cutting edge software and online materials. You will gain a critical understanding of the events, attitudes and cultures that are relevant today and the recent historical events that have shaped modern France. You will also be required to undertake directed and independent study, and you will be given weekly preparation guidelines to actively engage in informed discussions in seminar groups. While academic tutors adopt a wide range of different methods and approaches to language teaching, in general a communicative approach is adopted in oral/ aural skills and you are expected to engage fully in order to boost your oral fluency in preparation for semester two and the placement abroad.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

The materials used on this module will be made available to you by your tutors and you will be supported by access to a wide range of translation materials, exercises and draft fair copies for your own independent learning. You also have access to materials in the Language Zone in the Library, IPTV (Internet provided TV) and VoD (Video on Demand). Your directed learning will take the form of preparation for seminars (including reading, translation, listening, presentation preparation and rehearsal) both individually and in small groups. Your independent learning will consist of further directed reading and investigation of sources, the consolidation of seminar materials, and revision/ preparation for the assessment included in the module. Throughout the semester you will receive individual attention from your tutors, and you will be able to receive guidance on how to approach your assessment/ examinations. You will be supported in finding your own critical voice in the midst of linguistic and cultural materials. You will be encouraged to gain a solid understanding of the French language and culture and your tutors will be happy to discuss your ideas and interests informed by their own teaching and research profiles.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
• You will become more familiar with French language and culture. You will study texts derived from a wide range of authentic, contemporary political, journalistic and academic sources. You will become increasingly familiar with current affairs in France and the historical background (MLO1).

Intellectual/ Professional skills & abilities:
• You will be able to demonstrate your knowledge of more complex lexical and syntactical structures of French, enhancing your ability to recognise and compose in different styles and registers (MLO2).
• You will develop your applied translation skills, transferring meaning, nuance and style, while respecting register, from French to English (MLO3).
• You will develop the accuracy of your listening comprehension skills and a command of spoken French commensurate with level 5 (MLO4).

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• You will develop a solid understanding of global issues and intercultural communication from a French Studies perspective (MLO5).

How will I be assessed?

30% Translation (French » English) exam (MLOs 1,2,3)

35% Aural Comprehension Exam (1 hour) (MLOs 1, 4, 5)

35% Statistical Commentary in French (MLOs 1, 2, 3, 5)

Your assessment is designed to match course aims and learning outcomes, encouraging you to build on seminar materials with the support of your tutor.

The translation exam and the statistical commentary (coursework) test different skills, including lexical, grammatical and syntactical structures, familiarity with the cultural conventions of the French language, initiative and research skills in a foreign languages and studies context. You will be encouraged to actively engage in discussions on applied language and register in both French and English seminars.

Formative assessment will be an ongoing feature of the module. You will deliver informal, short presentations in some of the seminar hours. You will present your preliminary ideas to the class in a friendly and constructive environment, in order to receive feedback from both your colleagues and your lecturers. You will also develop your listening skills and have access to both directed and independent learning materials as well as IPTV (Internet provided TV) and VoD (Video on Demand).

Formative feedback will be directly relevant to the summative assessment, and will be a feature of the e-Learning Portal.

Pre-requisite(s)

ML4002 and ML4003

Co-requisite(s)

ML5024 (or semester 2 placement)

Module abstract

Please find details of this module in the other sections provided.

Course info

UCAS Code N185

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 4 Years Full Time with a Placement (Sandwich)/Study Abroad

Department Newcastle Business School

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2024 or September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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