FREN 3211 - French IIISA: Language

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2014

This course gives tuition in stylistics, advanced grammar and syntax, through regular assignments and class exercises (oral and written). It also seeks to develop research skills for language related questions.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code FREN 3211
    Course French IIISA: Language
    Coordinating Unit French Studies
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Prerequisites 15 units in French including FREN 2212
    Incompatible FREN 2202 or FREN 3011
    Course Description This course gives tuition in stylistics, advanced grammar and syntax, through regular assignments and class exercises (oral and written). It also seeks to develop research skills for language related questions.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Emeritus Professor John West-Sooby

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On the completion of French IIISA Language, students will be able to:

    1. understand, apply and explain the principles governing the structures of the French language, both spoken and written

    2. understand and produce clear and detailed views on a wide variety of topics in both spoken and written French

    3. understand the stylistic differences between French and English and use that understanding to move between the two languages in a way that takes account of those differences

    4. locate, evaluate and apply a variety of sources to further their own understanding of the French language

    5. work both independently and in collaboration with others in the exploration, generation and presentation of ideas and information, and contribute productively and in a timely manner to group-based outcomes

    6. demonstrate an awareness of social and cultural issues in French-speaking contexts and appreciate their wider impact

    7. develop a commitment to the rigorous application of scholarly principles in the exploration of questions relating to French language and its use in a variety of contexts

    8. work independently to improve their language proficiency as well as their knowledge and understanding of the French language and how it functions in a variety of contexts
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1, 2, 3
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 4
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 5
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 5
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 4
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 8
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 7
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 6, 8
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Price, A Comprehensive French Grammar, 5th edition
    Recommended Resources
    While the course is basically self-contained, it is essential to get into the habit of working with a variety of reference texts around you. Here are some suggestions…

    1. Dictionaries
    — The Petit Robert is an essential reference work for this course.
    [Abbreviation: PR]

    — The Collins-Robert French-English English-French Dictionary will also be of great use, although any items found here should then be verified (for meaning and usage) in a French-French dictionary. Note that the new edition (1987 and subsequent re-editions) is particularly useful as it contains a 72 page supplement devoted to specific language functions.

    2. Grammar
    Any reputable grammar is a good starting point for checking on grammatical points which occur in exercises. Price’s A Comprehensive French Grammar is a prescribed text, because it should provide answers to most of the questions that arise and is relatively easy to use. Ollivier & Beaudoin, Grammaire française, 4th edition is also useful because of its revision of key points. If you want to go further, the definitive grammar of French—very detailed but with an excellent index—is Grevisse, Le Bon Usage, Paris, Gembloux-Duculot, 1980 (multiple editions). This magnum opus (1519 pages) is quite expensive; however, there are several copies in the University library. Also of great interest is the “communicative” grammar by Judge, A. and Healey, F., A Reference Grammar of Modern French, London, Arnold, 1985 (also quite an expensive text). For a more concise reference grammar, see H. Ferrar, A French Reference Grammar, Oxford University Press, 1967.

    3. Stylistics & Translation
    The most interesting book on stylistics is that of J.P Vinay & J. Darbelnet, Stylistique comparée du français et de l’anglais, Paris, Didier, 1977. It adopts the perspective of translation difficulties and highlights differences in structure and usage between French and English. This provides valuable insights, as a result, into stylistic matters and is also useful for dealing with translation issues.

    4. Internet
    The French Research Librarian in the Barr-Smith Library, Jennifer Osborn, maintains a page of useful links for students of French. The url is http://www.adelaide.edu.au/library/guide/hum/french/

     The Lexilogos webpage contains a conventional dictionary, as well as a dictionary of slang, synonyms and antonyms, figurative expressions, spelling and conjugations, etymologies, Old and Middle French, and varieties of French throughout the Francophone world. The url is http://www.lexilogos.com/francais_langue_dictionnaires.htm

    Online Learning
    The course requires students to consult the MyUni webpage for this course on a regular basis. All grammar notes, lectures, lesson notes, and previous exam papers are posted in the ‘Course Materials’ section.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    There are three contact hours per week in French IIISA Language: 1 language class, 1 conversation class, 1 language laboratory class.

    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    3 hours of classes each week 3 hours
    6 hours of preparation/follow-up work 6 hours
    3 hours for reading and the preparation of assignments 3 hours
    Average weekly workload 12 hours
    Learning Activities Summary
    Language classes will focus on grammar commentary and translation from English to French. Conversation classes will be devoted to the discussion of topical subjects and also the development of pronunciation skills. The language laboratory session will likewise be devoted to the development of pronunciation skills, through exercises in phonetics, and to grammar revision.
    Specific Course Requirements
    Hurdle requirement
    Students who do not meet the following requirement will be awarded a grade of Fail for the course: 
    - a minimum of 75% attendance in all classes.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Task Type  Due Value Learning Outcomes
    Thème/Analyse Formative Weeks 4, 7, 10 30%
    Test (thème) Summative Week 8 10%
    Exercices de labo Summative Weeks 3, 6, 9, 12 20%
    Oral Formative Class reading task 5%
    Participation Summative Based on contribution to oral work throughout the semester 5%
    Written Examination Summative Examination period 30%
    Assessment Related Requirements
    The guidelines relating to presentation, submission and assessment of work are as follows:

    1.    Presentation of Work
    All work handed in during the year should be clearly labelled with the student’s name and class and also with the name of the staff member for whom it is intended.  It should be written on alternate lines (double spaced and in a font no less than 12 point, if typed), for greater clarity and to allow ample room for correction. For essay work, attention should be given to the correct setting out of quotations and bibliographical material.

    2.    Deadlines
    In all language courses, assignments are a regular part of the learning process.  For this reason, language assignments must be submitted on a regular basis, by noon on the date indicated in each case (a penalty of 5% per working day late will be applied and no mark can be given once the particular assignment has been returned and discussed in class). However, any student experiencing difficulties (due to documentated cases of health problems or personal hardship) should contact the Course Coordinator.  The onus is on the student, however, to make such an approach—before the due date.

    The same rules apply to work submitted for cultural studies work.  Essays handed in after the due date will have the same penalties deducted and will not be marked at all if they are over one week late, unless an extension has been granted.

    Extensions will only be granted on medical grounds (medical certificate required) or in documented cases of hardship.  Extensions must be requested from the lecturer in advance of the due date.
    Assessment Detail
    See the Course Booklet for a detailed presentation of the assessment procedures for French IIISA Language.

    Submission
    STUDENTS MUST HAND IN THEIR WORK, IN OFFICE HOURS, TO THE SCHOOLOF HUMANITIES OFFICE ON LEVEL 7 OF THE NAPIER BUILDING (via the Assignment Box), BY MID-DAY ON THE DUE DATE TO ENSURE THAT THE DATE AND TIME OF SUBMISSION ARE STAMPED ON THE ASSIGNMENT
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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