Introductory description

Prerequisite - Prior knowledge of French:

• approximately C1 level of the CEFR (Common European Framework of reference for Languages)
• or advanced knowledge of French: i.e. a good A level or equivalent + 2 years of further study
• or successful completion of Language Centre level 6 equivalent module (e.g. French for Business 2, French through Translation, French Language through Films) .
• or equivalent

This module is the equivalent of a level 7 module in French at the Language Centre.
This module is designed to help students maximise fluency and accuracy in written and oral/aural French and understanding of French society by analysing aspects of language and institutions, the way of life, culture, history and politics of France.
This is the highest level of French you can study at the Language Centre.

Successful completion of French Language for Contemporary France qualifies students to progress to French Language for Enterprise. https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/languagecentre/academic/french/ll308/

Module web page

Module aims

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 web page: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/languagecentre/academic/french/ll307/

The module:

• is taught entirely in French
• is organised around studying and debating aspects of contemporary France (socioeconomic forces, political scene, controversies...).
• requires students to keep up with the news, read a selection of documents and produce synthèses and essays related to the themes.

Indicative list of themes:
What does the stereotypical French person look like?
France: a land of “joie de vivre” or melancholy?
Is France a country of revolution or immobility?
Is France egalitarian or elitist?
Are French Presidents elected monarchs?
Is debating about immigration possible in France?
The Frenchs’ obsession about their language: myth or reality?

Learning outcomes

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

• Respond to questions and comments fluently, spontaneously and convincingly.
• Demonstrate a high level of language proficiency by articulating more fluently, confidently and spontaneously in French in a variety of contexts.
• Produce clear and well-structured oral and written texts about complex subjects, expanding and supporting points of view and relevant examples, and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion.
• Identify and synthesise core arguments in texts and discussions, even on complex unfamiliar topics.
• Apply high critical analytical, linguistic and socio-cultural awareness to the analysis of contemporary written and aural documents.

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