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FREN3041: French Language 4

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Type	Tied
Level	3
Credits	20
Availability	Available in 2025/2026
Module Cap	None
Location	Durham
Department	Modern Languages and Cultures (French)

Prerequisites

French Language 2 (FREN2051) or equivalent.

Corequisites

At least one additional level 3 module in French Studies

Excluded Combinations of Modules

None

Aims

To obtain an excellent standard in written and spoken French, and in the comprehension of spoken and written French at the level of sophisticated, contemporary discourse.

Content

Written language classes are taught and assessed in French. Students will work each week on a range of media covering themes relating to francophone language, culture, and society. Set exercises will include the critical summary of written texts, essay writing, grammar revision and vocabulary work.
Weekly classes with lectures/lectrices: class discussion of pre-arranged topics and linguistic points, presentation of oral 'exposes' on topics related to current affairs, using current French press and TV as source.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

On successful completion of the module, students will have gained enhanced knowledge of the French language and of aspects of life in contemporary France.

Subject-specific Skills:

Students will have improved their comprehension of contemporary French idiom and their oral and written communications skills in terms of accuracy, fluency and appropriate linguistic register.

Key Skills:

Extended development of general written and oral communication skills.
The ability to discuss topical or general issues with a high degree of fluency.
An extended ability to gather, process and evaluate critically information and evidence from a variety of paper, audiovisual and electronic sources.
An extended ability to read complex and multivalent text with intellectual nuance, and a sensitivity to context and genre.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

Two weekly classes. Students are required to attend all classes for written and spoken language and to prepare written work as detailed in this guide. This module is taught and assessed in French.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total	Monitored
Oral	20	1 per week	1 hour	20	Yes
Tutorial	20	1 per week	1 hour	20	Yes
Preparation and Reading				160
Total				200

Summative Assessment

Component: Written Assessment		Component Weighting: 50%
Element	Length / Duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Continuous assessment of written skills		25	No
Written Examination (in person)	2 hours	75	No

Component: Oral Assessment		Component Weighting: 50%
Element	Length / Duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Continuous assessment of oral skills		25	No
Oral Examination (in person)	15 minutes	75	No

Formative Assessment

Regular language exercises.

More information

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