This module builds upon the linguistic knowledge acquired in Level 4 of the degree and provides a solid preparation for independent study during the compulsory period of study abroad in the third year.

This module is designed to enable students to develop the transferable skills of translating from and into French efficiently; interpreting formal and informal texts between French and English; presenting, in writing, an extended, logical argument, summarising other points of view, assessing and evaluating evidence and reaching personal conclusions and syntheses; demonstrating competence in other writing skills; operating and presenting arguments effectively in French through the use of monologue, dialogue and group discussion. This module also aims to prepare students thoroughly both linguistically and culturally for their period of study abroad. Students will be able to manipulate information from spoken and written texts in French

This course will also involve mediating skills between the languages through the use of all or any of the following: translation from and into English of passages drawn from a range of journalistic, literary and other sources which will help to practice the corresponding grammar points studied in the class; summaries of English texts in French or similar activities. These exercises will focus on key translation issues (e.g., register, tone, style), identify techniques for overcoming linguistic problems encountered in translation, and enable students to expand their vocabulary in core areas covered in translation classes.

While part of any class is likely to involve direct teaching, the emphasis is on student participation. Students will be required to prepare materials in advance of classes and will be expected to actively take part in discussions and in-class tasks like small group projects and presentations. Students will also be required to put together a portfolio of work over the Christmas period.

For Erasmus students, this course corresponds to a B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

1. Understand the principles of learning a foreign language intensively and organise their learning with guidance from the tutor.
2. Read, write, understand and speak the target language to at least the level of B2 Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
3. Engage confidently and with appropriate grammatical correctness and spontaneity in everyday conversation in the target language.
4. Write coherent texts in a range of registers on a range of topics with appropriate grammatical and lexical accuracy.
5. Extract data and ideas from a range of authentic written and audio/audio-visual texts.
6. Work productively with others as part of a team, within a set structure.
7. Engage with appropriate language learning technologies.
8. Identify, assess, and make good use of appropriate reference materials (e.g. grammar references, mono- and bi-lingual dictionaries; online resources; self-study tools).
9. Be prepared for the Year Abroad experience.
10. Have reinforced and improved the practice of vocabulary learning.
11. Have improved the pronunciation and intonation of the language.
12. Demonstrate a sound knowledge of understanding of the target language society and culture (including music, cinema, and literature), a well-developed cultural awareness prior to the Year Abroad.
13. Display an awareness of key translation issues (register, tone, and style), an expanded vocabulary in the target language and an enhanced capacity for dealing with linguistic problems encountered in translation.
14. Display analytical and reasoning skills, critical evaluation of text/video/audio material, translation skills.

The module will be taught through a blend of live online classes and guided, interactive online tasks and activities, designed to fulfil the learning outcomes. These will be delivered remotely, and on-campus if the University deems it safe and practicable.

Independent Learning: Students will be expected to spend a significant amount of time studying outside the class. Materials will be provided on Learning Central which will help students develop their expertise as independent language learners. Students will be asked to consolidate their class work by learning vocabulary and linguistic structures, and by reading, watching and/or listening to material in French. Students will also be expected to prepare exercises and activities for the class, to write assignments and generally begin to acquire a repertoire of effective language learning strategies. Independent Learning resources  will be provided on Learning Central to help structure your language learning outside class time.

1. Development of further analytical skills
2. Development and encouragement of accurate written expression in French
3. Development of cultural and linguistic awareness in preparation for the year abroad
4. Encouragement of use, and development, of advanced IT skills
5. Encouragement of both independent and group working skills
6. Improvement of French listening and comprehension
7. Development and encouragement of accurate spoken expression in French
8. Development of the awareness of registers (both written and conversational), accents and pronunciation
9. Development and understanding of French society and culture
10. Development of the skill of translating short passages from and into English
11. Development of the awareness of key translation problems and techniques for overcoming these

The method(s) of assessing the learning outcomes for this module are set out in the Assessment Table, which also contains the weightings of each assessment component.

Please consult the corresponding module information for each language.

Please refer to course kit on Learning Central.

Dictionary:

Collins Robert French Dictionary Complete and Unabridged edition: 500,000 translations (Collins Dictionaries) 

Publisher: Collins; Tenth edition edition (25 Aug. 2016)

ISBN-10: 0007556527

ISBN-13: 978-0007556526

Reference grammar books:

French Grammar and Usage (Routledge Reference Grammars) (French) by Roger Hawkins 

Publisher: Routledge; 4 edition (24 Feb. 2015)

ISBN-10: 1138851108

ISBN-13: 978-1138851108

French verbs:

Bescherelle Complete Guide to Conjugating 12000 French Verbs

Publisher: Editions Hatier (7 July 1986)

ISBN-10: 2218065916

ISBN-13: 978-2218065910

Bescherelle - La conjugaison pour tous (Bescherelle français) 

Publisher: Editions Hatier; New edition

ISBN-10: 2218951983

ISBN-13: 978-2218951985

Vocabulary:

Bescherelle - Vocabulaire pour tous (Collection Bescherelle) 

Publisher: Editions Hatier; 01 edition (13 Jun. 2013)

ISBN-10: 2218952378

ISBN-13: 978-2218952371

Vocabulaire progressif du français - Nouvelle édition: Niveau avancé (B2-C (French)

Publisher: Cle International (17 May 2017)

ISBN-10: 2090382120

ISBN-13: 978-2090382129

Vocabulaire progressif du français - Nouvelle édition: Corrigés (niveau avancé (French)

Publisher: Cle International (1 Sept. 2012)

ISBN-10: 2090381310

ISBN-13: 978-2090381313