This is an intensive study of the language, designed to improve vocabulary, pronunciation and grammar, with a view to developing self-expression both in writing and speaking. It introduces students to authentic short texts (literary and other) and provides listening practice to enable students to deal with more everyday situations as well as to develop and share a critical understanding of French culture and society.

As a student, this course will develop your ability to:

• tell others about what you did or will do and report on what others have told you; going beyond simple communication about yourself and your environment  into more complex discussions on a variety of topics such as expressing your point of view on a news item, write an advertisement and other activities to highlight the main topic in a short text; (Assessment 1, 3 & 5)
• to compose short texts in their appropriate structure. These will include messages, invitations, instructions, reports and fictional texts such as short narratives and poems. (Assessment 2 & 4)
• improve your listening skills and show through an oral summary an understanding of extracts of broadcasted news and films (Assessment 1, 3 & 5)
• to summarise written content such as  extracts of newspaper articles, short texts and a longer piece of writing such as a story of a few pages using the correct grammatical structures and simple sentences. (Assessments 2, 4 & 5)
• learn to read with the correct pronunciation, intonation and rhythm short authentic texts (e.g. newspaper articles, extracts from books and novels, etc.) and poetry for enjoyment (not for detailed literary study) using visual cues to influence vocal inflections and increase fluency; (Assessment 4 & 5)
• demonstrate an understanding of aspects of contemporary French societies by identifying them in written, oral and aural tasks; (All assessments)
• discuss differences and similarities between your first culture and French-speaking cultures. (Assessments 1 & 2)

• On-going assessment (60%): 

1. Two listening comprehension tests (10% + 10%) 
2. Two written tests (15% + 15%)
3. One role play (10%).

• End of semester assessment (40%): 

1. Written summary of a small book (following the example of the ones studied in class during the semester) (20%)
2. Oral presentation on a movie or extract of a movie in conjunction with the reading (20%).

5 hours of classes per week

Introductory French I FREN6501 or equivalent, as demonstrated by test results.

Latitudes 1, Méthode de français, Didier 2008

Latitudes 1, Cahier d'exercices, Didier 2008