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LL298-12 French Language through Films

Department
School of Modern Languages and Cultures
Level
Undergraduate Level 2
Module leader
Claude Tregoat
Credit value
12
Module duration
9 weeks
Assessment
100% coursework
Study location
University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

Introductory description

Prerequisite: Prior knowledge of French
successful completion of Language Centre level 5 equivalent module
or a B2.2 level of the CEFR (Common European Framework of reference for Languages)
or a good A level or equivalent + 1 year of further study
or equivalent
This module is the equivalent of a level 6 module in French at the Language Centre. This module is designed to help students achieve a high level of language proficiency in French and to maximise their experience of the language. It is structured around viewing and discussing feature-length films in French to foster a better understanding of French-speaking societies and to explore contemporary issues and the linguistic variants portrayed in the films.

Successful completion of Film qualifies students to progress to French language through Translation.

Module web page

Module aims

To produce clear, well-structured, detailed written and oral texts through the on-going analysis of the topics explored in the films.
To develop listening skills by being exposed to a variety of accents/registers/contexts from the French-speaking world at native speed.
To enhance cultural awareness.
To build critical analytical skills. To work towards C1.1 of the Common European Framework of Reference

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

See module page: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/languagecentre/academic/french/ll298/

The module:
is taught entirely in French.
is structured around watching a weekly film in French.
requires students to write a weekly essay/"fiche de film" and to actively participate in class discussions.
draws on aural and written documents such as reports, interviews, documentaries, articles, reviews, forums, etc., about topics explored or inspired by the films.

Indicative list of films: Maurice Pialat "L'enfance nue" Claire Denis "Chocolat" Jean-Pierre Melville "Le silence de la mer" Laurent Cantet "Ressources humaines" Chatillez "La vie est un long fleuve tranquille" Laurent Tirard "Molière" Philippe Lioret "Welcome"

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • Understand speech even when it is not clearly structured and explicit.
  • Demonstrate an extended lexical, grammatical and syntactical knowledge of French.
  • Demonstrate a high level of language proficiency by conversing more fluently and spontaneously in French.
  • Identify, synthesise and present in French core and complex arguments developed in films, texts and discussions.
  • Demonstrate a higher degree of intercultural awareness such as the changing social environment and the cultural and linguistic diversity in the French-speaking world.

International

This module develops intercultural awareness and helps to prepare students for international student mobility.

Subject specific skills

Strategies for understanding gist and specific information
Strategies to communicate effectively both in writing and orally in French.
Intercultural competence.
Using appropriate resources (linguistic or technological) to produce accurate written assignments.

Transferable skills

Intellectual skills: critical thinking, analysis, synthesis
Communication skills: writing and oral presentation, defending one’s point of view
Organisational skills: independent work, time management Interpersonal skills: flexibility, adaptability and the ability to work with others

Study time

Type Required
Supervised practical classes 9 sessions of 2 hours (15%)
Private study 100 hours (83%)
Assessment 2 hours (2%)
Total 120 hours

Private study description

work set on moodle and homework set by tutor

Costs

No further costs have been identified for this module.

You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.

Assessment group A
Weighting Study time Eligible for self-certification
Assessment component
Written test 50% 1 hour No

Writing in French

Reassessment component is the same
Assessment component
Oral test 50% 1 hour No

Oral test in French: 30-minute preparation + 15-minute test

Reassessment component is the same
Feedback on assessment

Verbal feedback is provided to the class regarding regular formative tasks set for homework and activities completed in class; individual written feedback is also provided for written work which has been handed in by students.
Feedback is also provided orally and in writing on practice test papers.

Pre-requisites

Prior knowledge of French:
successful completion of Language Centre level 5 equivalent module
or a B2.2 level of the CEFR (Common European Framework of reference for Languages)
or a good A level or equivalent + 1 year of further study
or equivalent

Courses

This module is Optional for:

  • Available to all courses
  • Available to all courses
  • Available to all courses
  • Available to all courses