FREN 1002 - French IA: Beginners' French

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2015

This course introduces students to the language and culture of contemporary France. In addition to intensive language training in the four basic skills - listening, speaking, reading and writing - various aspects of French society and culture will be introduced through audio and video extracts and short texts. The emphasis throughout will be on communicative skills, both oral and written.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code FREN 1002
    Course French IA: Beginners' French
    Coordinating Unit French Studies
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 5 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Incompatible Not available to students who obtained B- or higher in SACE Stage 2 French or equivalent
    Course Description This course introduces students to the language and culture of contemporary France. In addition to intensive language training in the four basic skills - listening, speaking, reading and writing - various aspects of French society and culture will be introduced through audio and video extracts and short texts. The emphasis throughout will be on communicative skills, both oral and written.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Ms Nathalie Patterson

    Course Timetable

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

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On the successful completion of French IA/B, students will be able to:

    1.    understand the basic structures of the French language and use these in writing and in speech

    2.    demonstrate a sufficient knowledge of French vocabulary to communicate in everyday situations

    3.    recognize basic structures and vocabulary in written and spoken materials, and thus be able to
    read and listen to articles/news items/short stories in French 

    4.    understand and analyse aspects of French and Francophone society and culture

    5.    understand and respect the different world views that are expressed through the language, social practices and cultural productions of French-speaking communities

    6.    locate and evaluate a variety of sources to further their own understanding of the French language and of French and Francophone societies and cultures

    7.    communicate information, ideas and arguments in French, in both spoken and written modes, using a range of appropriate technologies and resources

    8.    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

    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, 4
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 6, 7, 8
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 6, 8
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 2, 3, 5, 7, 8
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 6, 8
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 7, 8
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 5, 8
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 4, 5
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Motifs: An Introduction to French
    by Kimberly Jansma & Margaret Ann Kassen, Heinle Cengage, 6th edition (e-book or hard copy)

    iLrn Printed Access Card for Motifs

    Students have two options to purchase these two required materials: they may purchase iLrn online, which includes access to the ebook of Motifs or they may purchase a pre-packaged textbook and iLrn access card from Unibooks. 

    Recommended Resources
    Schaum's Outline of French Grammar
    by Mary Crocker
    Online Learning
    Students are required to use the Motifs iLrn site to submit homework assignments and tests.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    There are 4 weekly contact hours, one of which will be in the language laboratory.  Learning activities will concentrate on understanding and applying basic structures and vocabulary and on acquiring cultural knowledge.
    Workload

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

    4 hours of classes per week 48 hours per semester
    5 hours preparation per week 60 hours per semester
    4 hours reading and assignment work per week 48 hours per semester
    TOTAL WORKLOAD 156 hours per semester
    Learning Activities Summary
    Learning activities will include structured and unstructured oral exercises, grammar and vocabulary exercises, role-play activities, translation, dictation, oral presentations, listening activities using authentic online materials, and compositions.  Students will make extensive use of online resources that include practice of speaking, reading, writing and listening, and that further cultural awareness.
    Small Group Discovery Experience
    Students will organise 'un après-midi français' in which they explore French in Adelaide. In groups of 3-5 they will visit French cultural sites, they will read/view/listen to materials in French and they will interview a French person.  They will construct a diary of their afternoon and present this to their peers.
  • 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 for French language courses will include: grammar exercises, vocabulary exercises, compositions, translations, dictations, presentations, written and oral tests and final written examination.
    Assessment Detail
    Information will be available upon enrolment.
    Submission
    Information will be available upon enrolment.
    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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