Overview
This language module is designed for students with an A1+ standard of the language in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). It is for students who have completed Level 902/002 Beginners 2 or who have some knowledge of the language, like a rusty GCSE. Through a variety of methods students will develop an elementary competence in reading, writing, listening and speaking and an understanding of elementary grammar. At the end of this 12 weeks module students will be half-ways towards an A2 proficiency level in the CEFR and will be able to carry out everyday tasks in the language and to attempt unfamiliar ones. Students will be able to follow and hold a simple conversation and function in daily life using the language through listening exercises alongside both spontaneous and prepared full class discussions on various topics in a friendly, relaxed learning environment. They will have a good understanding of life and culture of some of the countries where the language is spoken and the intercultural skills necessary for their language proficiency level.
Schedule
Week 1: Talking about connected devices and their uses – Describing items (colour, shape, material and use); relative clauses with qui, que, and où.
Week 2: Discussing and evaluating various recycling initiatives - Revision of passé composé and its negation; Using comparatives (plus, moins, autant, aussi).
Week 3: Weighing up the pros and cons of online shopping – Demonstrative pronouns (celui, celle, ceux, celles).
Week 4: Comparing different types of health practitioners in France; describing symptoms of illness – Using the superlative.
Week 5: Speaking about the difficulties in seeing a doctor/consultant – Imperfect past tense (imparfait).
Week 6: Assessing the (dis)advantages of alternative medicine – Indirect personal pronouns; expressing discontinuity with ne…plus.
Week 7: Describing food from across the globe– Giving opinions; using the pronoun en
Week 8: Talking about new culinary ‘fads’ – Expressing progression (de moins en moins; de plus en plus); Interrogative pronouns (lequel; laquelle; lesquels; lesquelles).
Week 9: Discussing French etiquette – Imperative mood (commands); expressing opinions; using adverbs of intensity.
Week 10: Evaluating the benefits of different sports – Future tense (futur simple); using ne…jamais.
Week 11: Speaking about prejudice and discrimination in sport (sexism, homophobia, and ableism) – Forming and using the conditional present; expressing cause and consquence
Week 12: Written and speaking tests will take place this week. Completing the assessment is required for students taking the course as part of their degree, or if they would like to have the course recorded in their HEAR.
For all other students, taking the tests is also strongly recommended, as a measure of your progress and learning.
Textbook details:
Défi actuel 2 - Livre de l’élève - Edition hybride
ISBN: 9788411571548
£30 approx (this book is also used in Level 4)
Study Hours
The total number of study hours for this module is 150 hours, in line with undergraduate university modules. This includes class meetings, assessment preparation and self-directed study in line with guidance from the course lecturer.
If you are studying on the extracurricular option we recognise that the total number of hours that you may be able to study every week may depend on your availability and previous experience studying languages, however, expected contribution to classes, homework completion, and learning outcomes will not vary.
Course Lecturer: Dr John McInally
John completed his PhD at the University of Liverpool in early 2024. A specialist in Belgian colonialism in Africa and cultural production about the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, he has held the position of Research Fellow in Francophone African Studies at the University of St Andrews since March 2024. Having previously been a French and German teacher in secondary schools, John taught both these languages alongside undergraduate cultural modules at the University of Liverpool from 2018 to 2024. John has lived, worked and studied in both France and Germany and has a passion for the language of both countries as well as a deep interest in the history and cultures of the areas in which they are spoken.
Fees for language courses are £190/£95.
Please note that the ‘last date available to book’ date is only a guide. We reserve the right to close bookings earlier.
In order to avoid disappointment, please be sure enrol as soon as possible. Registrations will not be processed until the following day if received after 3pm.
Visit our fee bands page to see which fee applies to you.
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