Module Code - Title:
FR4101
-
FRENCH FOR BEGINNERS 1
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module is set at A1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The beginners' course aims to provide the student with a solid knowledge of French language and Francophone cultures.
The course is designed to enable the student to understand and use basic structures of French grammar; to expose the student to a range of vocabulary and expressions which will allow them to present themselves to, and communicate with native speakers of French; to foster autonomous language learning skills; to introduce the student to French and Francophone cultures; to develop listening and speaking skills in French, and to equip the student with basic writing skills.
Syllabus:
This syllabus is set at A1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Lectures and tutorials will cover the following with particular reference to the historical and socio-cultural backgrounds of contemporary France and other Francophone countries; the concepts of noun gender and number, and verb systems, and the basic structures of French grammar and syntax.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Engage with, and respond appropriately to, spoken and written French texts on every day topics.
2. Express themselves appropriately and accurately in spoken and written form on topics relating to their own lives including basic conversations.
3. Identify basic aspects of French and Francophone cultures and societies.
4. Monitor and assess their own learning using feedback they receive.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
5. Demonstrate some awareness of cultural and linguistic differences between the use of French and English;
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
6. Pronounce words accurately enough to be understood, with appropriate intonation.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module uses a combination of lectures, language tutorials and laboratory classes to develop students' knowledge of French language through input and practice with aspects such as vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, communication skills such as speaking and listening, as well as developing students' awareness of contemporary France and French- speaking countries. Students will be engaged in active learning both inside and outside the classroom and will be encouraged to develop autonomous learning strategies. A wide range of pedagogic strategies will be used to nurture the development of three key UL Graduate Attributes, namely 1) Articulate, through collaborative work and formative feedback; 2) Agile, through the promotion of intercultural awareness and communication ; 3) Responsible, through the fostering of an ethical world view based on principles of inclusivity and sustainability.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Collectif (2021)
À VOUS ! A1 Méthode de français
1 livre + 1 appli
, Presses Universitaires de Grenoble
O'Sullivan, Hilda (2008)
French verbs - Regular and irregular
, Folens
Other Relevant Texts:
Grégoire, Maia (2010)
Grammaire progressive du français - Niveau débutant - 2e édition
, Clé International
HarperCollins (2020)
Collins Robert French College Dictionary, 10th Edition Paperback
, HarperCollins
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BAAPLAUFA - APPLIED LANGUAGES
BAEUSTUFA - EUROPEAN STUDIES
BAULARUFA - ARTS
BACODAUFA - CONTEMPORARY DANCE
BAVOICUFA - VOICE
CTMUDAUFA - MUSIC AND DANCE
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
stephanie.oriordan@ul.ie