French Studies

FR1L3/FR2L3/FR3L3
Handbook 2021/22

Contents

Introduction p.2

Modules descriptions (FR1L3/FR2L3/FR3L3) p.3

Language classes objectives and expectations p.15

Assessment for L3 modules p.17

French Studies

Introduction
Welcome to French Language FR1L3/ FR2L3/ FR3L3

This Handbook aims to tell you about your French Language Module at Reading.

Please note that information, such as dates for specific examinations and calendar of
examinations will be available nearer the time. As well as these notes, you will need to
use Blackboard and consult your e-mail daily.
This is an informal guide for the convenience of students and staff. Full Ordinances and
Regulations are given in:
- the University Calendar (http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/Calendar/),
- the Programme Specifications (http://www.reading.ac.uk/progspecs/specifications.aspx?
type=UGS&year=2018&id=LLE);

- the relevant Module Descriptions (http://www.reading.ac.uk/modules/document.aspx?

modP=FR1L3&modYR=1718).

Should there be, or appear to be, any conflict between statements in this Handbook and
the full Ordinances, Regulations, Programme Specifications or Module Descriptions, the
latter shall prevail.
As ever, if you spot a problem or identify aspects of the programme that could be
improved, we would be grateful if you could alert us to them as soon as possible. Even
if we cannot always make changes fast enough for you to benefit from them directly,
your successors will profit from them. Suggestions should be addressed to the Student–
Staff Committee, in the Module Evaluation form or directly to the module convenor.

Module Descriptions
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French Studies

FR1L3-Advanced French Language I

Module Provider: Languages and Cultures

Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]

Level:4

Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module

Pre-requisites:

Non-modular pre-requisites: A level in French or equivalent.

Co-requisites:

Modules excluded: FR1L2 Intermediate French Language and FR1L1 Beginners French Language

Current from: 2021/2
Module Convenor: Mrs Céline Biart

Email:  [email protected]

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module aims to develop the language skills of students who have already achieved Advanced Level or equivalent in French .

Students with an excellent AS Level qualification in French may also be considered for this module.

The course will provide the necessary basis for the study of French to Honours degree level, but will also be an effective study

and career tool for students who are not intending to continue with French after Part 1. 

Students who successfully complete this module will have achieved a level of competence in French comparable to level B1/B2

of the Common European Framework of Reference.

Aims:

This module aims to develop students' linguistic ability by building on their work at A/AS Level. The course is structured so as to

offer students opportunities to consolidate their knowledge of French grammar and syntax, broaden the registers of their spoken

and written language, and extend their reading abilities. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:

• demonstrate a good understanding and appropriate use of French grammar and syntax;

• demonstrate an understanding of both written and spoken French , in different registers and styles;

• express themselves clearly and fluently in both written and spoken French in both formal and informal situations;

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French Studies

• show familiarity with an appropriate range of French vocabulary and an ability to use it.

Additional outcomes:

This modules aims to enable students to:

• actively reflect on their learning processes and preferences so as to independently develop appropriate strategies and relevant

skills to ensure linguistic progression;

• make good use of appropriate reference materials (e.g. dictionaries; online resources; self-study tools, etc.);

• develop an awareness of current issues in French -speaking countries through the use of contemporary material;

• plan, manage and deliver work in a team.

Outline content:

The course will focus on a variety of language exercises that will introduce students to the exploration and production of written

and oral texts representing a range of genres and registers. 

Classes will provide students with regular practice in free and guided writing in French, and in presenting and discussing in the

foreign language. Classes will also offer the opportunity for students to explicitly analyse grammatical and syntactical features in

French.

The course will include a Language Skills component, which will allow students to focus on activities that promote and advance

their awareness of language structures in general, and on the active exploration of ways of applying such awareness to the

learning of the French language. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will use a variety of strategies for teaching and learning, involving a mixture of group-work, class discussion and

analysis, and independent work between sessions. Students will complete regular exercises as homework and will also do a

variety of exercises in class.

Contact hours:
  Autumn Spring Summer

Seminars 30 30 4

Practicals classes and

10
workshops

Guided independent
     
study:

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French Studies

    Wider reading
27 25
(directed)

    Exam
4
revision/preparation

    Advance preparation
10 10
for classes

    Preparation for
10 10
seminars

    Completion of
formative assessment 2 2
tasks

    Revision and
2 2
preparation

    Group study tasks 10 12

       

Total hours by term 101 91 8

       

Total hours for module 200

Summative Assessment Methods:
Method Percentage

Written exam 30

Oral assessment and

20
presentation

Practical skills assessment 40

Class test administered by

10
School

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Students will take a two-hour written examination, worth 30% of the final mark for the module, and an oral exam, worth 20% of

the final mark for this module.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Progression of language practical skills and competence will be assessed over two terms through class tests and/or coursework

projects. Students’ continuous assessment work is worth 40% of the module mark.

The Language Skills component will be assessed by a class test, worth 10% of the final mark for the module.

Formative assessment methods:

Feedback will be given on assignments and there will be opportunity for class-based discussion.

Penalties for late submission:

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 French Studies

The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

 where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10%

of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof)

following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

 where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed

extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found
at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to
submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass: 40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment, which will be via a 2-hour written exam, in August, in the event of failure in this module and of failure in Part 1,

or (for compulsory modules only) of failure to qualify in Part 1. Continuous assessment and/or coursework will be carried

forward if it bears a confirmed mark of 40% or more.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: Information provided in the module reading list.

Last updated: 4 April 2020

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MODULE DESCRIPTION DOES NOT FORM ANY PART OF A

STUDENT'S CONTRACT.

FR2L3-Advanced French Language I

Module Provider: Languages and Cultures

Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]

Level:5

Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module

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French Studies

Pre-requisites: FR1L2 Intermediate French Language or FR1L1 Beginners French Language

Non-modular pre-requisites:

Co-requisites:

Modules excluded: FR2L2 Intermediate French Language and FR2L4 Advanced French Language II

Current from: 2020/1
Module Convenor: Mrs. Céline Biart

Email:  c:[email protected]

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is aimed at students who in Part 1 have successfully completed FR1L2 Intermediate French Language and build on

the work done in either of those modules. Students that achieve exceptional results in FR1L1 Beginners French Language might

be considered for this module.  

Students who successfully complete this module will have achieved a level of competence in French comparable to level B1/B2

of the Common European Framework of Reference.

Aims:

Following on from Part 1 courses, this module aims to consolidate and further develop students’ competence in spoken and

written French language; and to equip them with the linguistic skills needed for the period they are to spend in a French-speaking

country in the Year Abroad 

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:

• demonstrate a good understanding and appropriate use of French grammar and syntax;

• demonstrate an understanding of both written and spoken French , in different registers and styles;

• express themselves clearly and fluently in both written and spoken French in both formal and informal situations;

• show familiarity with an appropriate range of French vocabulary and an ability to use it.

Additional outcomes:

This modules aims to enable students to:

• actively reflect on their learning processes and preferences so as to independently develop appropriate strategies and relevant

skills to ensure linguistic progression;

Page 7
French Studies

• make good use of appropriate reference materials (e.g. dictionaries; online resources; self-study tools, etc.)

• develop an awareness of current issues in French -speaking countries through the use of contemporary material;

• plan, manage and deliver work in a team.

Outline content:

The course will focus on a variety of language exercises that will introduce students to the exploration and production of written

and oral texts representing a range of genres and registers. 

Classes will provide students with regular practice in free and guided writing in French, and in presenting and discussing in the

foreign language. Classes will also offer the opportunity for students to explicitly analyse grammatical and syntactical features in

French.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will use a variety of strategies for teaching and learning, involving a mixture of group-work, class discussion and

analysis, and independent work between sessions. Students will complete regular exercises as homework and will also do a

variety of exercises in class.

Contact hours:
  Autumn Spring Summer

Seminars 30 30 4

Guided independent
     
study:

    Wider reading
27 25
(directed)

    Exam
4
revision/preparation

    Advance preparation
15 15
for classes

    Preparation for
10 10
seminars

    Completion of
formative assessment 2 2
tasks

    Revision and
2 2
preparation

    Group study tasks 10 12

       

Total hours by term 96 96 8

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 French Studies

       

Total hours for module 200

Summative Assessment Methods:
Method Percentage

Written exam 30

Oral assessment and

20
presentation

Practical skills assessment 50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Students will take a two-hour written examination, worth 30% of the final mark for the module, and an oral exam, worth 20% of

the final mark for this module.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Progression of language practical skills and competence will be assessed over two terms through class tests and/or coursework

projects. Students’ continuous assessment work is worth 50% of the module mark. 

Formative assessment methods:

Feedback will be given on assignments and there will be opportunity for class-based discussion.

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

 where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10%

of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof)

following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

 where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed

extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found
at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to
submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment by 2-hour written exam in August, in the event of failure in this module and of failure in Part 2 as a whole, or (for

compulsory modules only) of failure to qualify in Part 2. Continuous assessment and/or coursework will be carried forward if it

bears a confirmed mark of 40% or more.

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French Studies

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Required text books: Information provided in the module reading list.

Last updated: 4 April 2020

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MODULE DESCRIPTION DOES NOT FORM ANY PART OF A

STUDENT'S CONTRACT.

FR3L3-Advanced French Language I

Module Provider: Languages and Cultures

Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]

Level:6

Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module

Pre-requisites: FR2L2 Intermediate French Language

Non-modular pre-requisites: FR2L2 Intermediate French Language or equivalent

Co-requisites:

Modules excluded: FR3L4 Advanced French Language II and FR3L6 Advanced French Language III and FR3L6C Advanced

French Language III

Current from: 2020/1
Module Convenor: Mrs Céline Biart

Email:  [email protected]

Page 10
French Studies

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is aimed at students who in Part 2 have successfully completed FR2L2 Intermediate French Language and who

progress from Part 2 to Part 3 without the Year Abroad.

Students who successfully complete this module will have achieved a level of competence in French comparable to level B1/B2

of the Common European Framework of Reference.

Aims:

Following on from Part 2 courses, this module aims to consolidate and further develop students’ competence in spoken and

written French language.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:

• demonstrate a good understanding and appropriate use of French grammar and syntax;

• demonstrate an understanding of both written and spoken French , in different registers and styles;

• express themselves clearly and fluently in both written and spoken French in both formal and informal situations;

• show familiarity with an a ppropriate range of French vocabulary and an ability to use it.

Additional outcomes:

This modules aims to enable students to:

• actively reflect on their learning processes and preferences so as to independently develop appropriate strategies and relevant

skills to ensure linguistic progression;

• make good use of appropriate reference materials (e.g. dictionaries; online resources; self-study tools, etc.)

• develop an awareness of current issues in French -speaking countries through the use of contemporary material;

• plan, manage and deliver work in a team.

Outline content:

Page 11
French Studies

The course will focus on a variety of language exercises that will introduce students to the exploration and production of written

and oral texts representing a range of genres and registers. 

Classes will provide students with regular practice in free and guided writing in French, and in presenting and discussing in the

foreign language. Classes will also offer the opportunity for students to explicitly analyse grammatical and syntactical features in

French.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will use a variety of strategies for teaching and learning, involving a mixture of group-work, class discussion and

analysis, and independent work between sessions. Students will complete regular exercises as homework and will also do a

variety of exercises in class.

Contact hours:
  Autumn Spring Summer

Seminars 30 30 4

Guided independent
     
study:

    Wider reading
27 25
(directed)

    Exam
4
revision/preparation

    Advance preparation
15 15
for classes

    Preparation for
10 10
seminars

    Completion of
formative assessment 2 2
tasks

    Revision and
2 2
preparation

    Group study tasks 10 12

       

Total hours by term 96 96 8

       

Total hours for module 200

Summative Assessment Methods:
Method Percentage

Written exam 30

Oral assessment and

20
presentation

Page 12
 French Studies

Practical skills assessment 50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Students will take a two-hour written examination, worth 30% of the final mark for the module, and an oral exam, worth 20% of

the final mark for this module.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Progression of language practical skills and competence will be assessed over two terms through class tests and/or coursework

projects. Students’ continuous assessment work is worth 50% of the module mark.

Formative assessment methods:

Feedback will be given on assignments and there will be opportunity for class-based discussion.

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

 where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10%

of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof)

following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

 where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed

extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found
at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to
submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment, which will be via a 2-hour written exam, in August, in the event of failure in this module and of failure in Part 3

the degree as a whole, or (for compulsory modules only) of failure to qualify in Part 3. Continuous assessment and/or coursework

can be carried forward if it bears a confirmed mark of 40% or more.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Required text books: Information provided in the module reading list.

Last updated: 08/09/2021

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MODULE DESCRIPTION DOES NOT FORM ANY PART OF A

STUDENT'S CONTRACT.

Page 13
French Studies

Language classes objectives and

expectations
Our expectations
You are required to attend every class. It is good practice to send a message to your
tutor to let them know if you are not able to attend a class.
Before every class (face to face or online) you are expected to prepare for at least one
hour and ask questions if , after each class, you are expected to do your homework to
apply and reinforce what was covered and prepare for the next session by checking the
programme of work (available on BB).
If you miss a class, it is your duty to catch up and prepare for the following session. This
counts towards your ‘guided independent study’ of about 7 hours per week (see Module
Description p.4). This independent study is meant to help you become an autonomous
and responsible language learner.
All the necessary resources will be made available on Blackboard. In case you cannot
find what you are looking for, send an email to the convenor or your tutor.
From the programme of work, you will see that Language and Oral classes of the
module follow the same overall topics focussing on francophone culture to allow you to
create bridges between both classes, explore a topic from different angles and expand
your lexis.
Language and Oral classes work together to strengthen your knowledge of the
language and culture and develop your speaking and understanding of the oral

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French Studies

language with the aim to prepare you for the level 4 modules (FR2L4/FR3L4) and your
year abroad.

The two-hour Language Class

Please note that this Autumn term, for health and safety reasons, the university is opting
for a blended approach of independent work, online and face to face delivery. Please
follow the instructions provided through the year.
This class aims to practise the written and oral side of language learning. This will
consist of grammar and vocabulary work and written and oral production.
In each class, you should be prepared to participate, work in group and speak French
throughout. You will be asked to prepare presentations to help with oral fluency and
practise for your oral exam.
You will be given one piece of formative marked work per term (“Tâches”), which you
are responsible for handing in on time.

The one-hour Oral Class

While developing your listening, speaking, communication and presentation skills, you
will be introduced to cultural topics related to France and the francophone world
including current affairs. You will be required to prepare and deliver presentations (in
group or individually) and to participate and contribute actively to the class discussions
and debates.

Last but not least, we require you to complete a video project, where you record your
linguistic and cultural activities. The purpose of this group project is to help you work
independently and develop your language skills in your own time. This video project is
summative and is worth:
-For FR1L3 students, 10% in the spring term.
-For FR2L3/FR3L3 students, 15% in the spring term.

Suggestions to support independent study

As part of your independent study, we suggest you use the array of resources available:
- on Blackboard: ‘Liens utiles’, ‘Quiz de grammaire’ and ‘Révisez la grammaire’
- in the study area located in Miller G02: magazines and other grammar and vocabulary
textbooks
- at the Library (please see “Suggestions de lectures / Reading list” on Blackboard for
recommendations: novels, DVDs, etc…)

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French Studies

Assessment for FR1L3

PLEASE READ THE MARKING CRITERIA FOR ORAL AND WRITTEN
PRODUCTIONS ON BLACKBOARD UNDER THE RUBRIQUE CALLED
‘ASSESSMENT’

Autumn term (30%)

Week 11 – (30%) Online grammar and vocabulary test

Spring term (30%)

Week 5 – (10%) Video Project Turnitin due on Friday 11th February 2022

Week 11 – (10%) Writing Turnitin
(+ 10% - Language Skills)

Summer term (40%)

Week 1 – (20%) Online grammar test and reading comprehension

Week 3 - (20%) Oral exam

Language skills (10%)

Please refer to lead tutor Enza Siciliano-Verruccio for explanations about this component.

If you have any question regarding assessment or any other language aspect, do not hesitate to
contact the module convenor or your class tutor.

Assessment for FR2L3 and FR3L3

PLEASE READ THE MARKING CRITERIA FOR ORAL AND WRITTEN PRODUCTIONS ON
BLACKBOARD UNDER THE RUBRIQUE CALL ‘ASSESSMENT’

Autumn term (30%)

Week 11 – (30%) Online grammar and vocabulary test

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French Studies

Spring term (30%)

Week 5 – (15%) Video Project Turnitin due on Friday 11th February 2022

Week 11 – (15%) Writing Turnitin

Summer term (40%)

Week 3 - (20%) Oral

Week 1 – (20%) Online grammar test and reading comprehension

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