FR1010: Intensive French for Beginners
Course convenor: Dr Avril Tynan
In order to pass the core language unit, students must obtain an overall pass mark (average of the written and oral exam marks) and pass the final written examination.
There will be formative assessments throughout the year.
Students will be given regular homework enabling them to put into practice the theoretical content of seminars and lectures.
Overview:
The aim of the course are to develop all four language skills in French (writing, listening, reading, speaking) for students with no prior knowledge of the language. It is anticipated that by the end of the course students will be able to interact in French, have developed good reading and listening comprehension skills and will be able to write simple texts in French.
There are 5 hours' tuition per week. In addition, students must devote 10 hours per week to guided independent study (your tutor will guide you on these tasks, and there will be material on Moodle to help you). The five hours' tuition develop all four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking Skills).
Classes use French as much as possible with the exception of the grammar class which is taught in English.
The course uses a blended approach: it is based on two coursebooks covering levels A1 and A2 on the Common European Framework for Languages, with additional material on Moodle and as hand-outs based on authentic material. Themes studied vary from year to year but are likely to include every-day life in France, an introduction to French society and culture, the regions and traditions.
Bibliography
You need to buy :
Annie Berthet et al, Alter Ego +, méthode de français, Hachette (latest edition) – Alter Ego + A1 will be required for FR1010. Please note that there are two versions of Alter Ego : Alter Ego and Alter Ego+. Make sure you buy Alter Ego+
And the accompanying exercise books :
Alter Ego+, cahier d’activités (A1 and A2)
Core/essential reading list material (print, electronic, etc.) for the course (6-10 titles only):
Material on Moodle
A good bilingual dictionary (Collins / Robert or Oxford / Hachette)
Also useful to develop grammar and vocabulary:
Claire Miquel, Vocabulaire progressif du français, Niveau débutant, Clé International 2012
Maïa Grégoire, Grammaire progressive du français, Niveau débutant, Clé International 2013