French as a foreign language (4 ECTS)

This course is compulsory for foreign students participating in an international exchange programme.

Semester Number of hours Exams	Autumn & Spring 35 hours 2h
Coordinator	A. STEWART /  T. BLACK

Objectives

• Preparing students for success during their semester in France
• Perfecting their skills
• Improving their linguistic level
• Boosting their intercultural skills and knowledge (capacity to adapt to French civilisation).

Course organisation

• Oral and written comprehension based on authentic documents including the grammatical, lexical and phonetic system, according to the level of the group. The themes covered will be varied, ranging from university life to the economic, political and social life of the country.
• Output (written and oral expression) will be based on reports, presentations and exercises, designed to help overcome linguistic problems appearing in other classes and in day-to-day life.
• Working in small groups in class, requiring the active participation of each student based on an exchange of ideas and information. Participation will also be ensured via role playing and simulation games. The students will meet with their teachers for one-to-one meetings on a regular basis.

Assessment

• Continuous assessment throughout the whole semester and an examination at the end of the semester, both accounting for 50% of the final grade.
• Halfway through the semester, a provisional assessment will be carried out and the students notified of the results, with the assessment focusing on their overall level, and on the work visibly carried out by the student both in and out of classes. A grade will be awarded for a personal project defined at the beginning of the semester, which will focus on research to gain greater knowledge of an aspect of French civilisation, completed by an oral presentation, a written presentation or a small film depending on the level of the students. The deadlines for these tasks are given at the start of the semester to enable the students to manage their time more effectively.