Saint-Louis University - Bruxelles
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FRAN1331 - French for advanced level students (B2 >B1)



Credits : 5

Lecturer :
Mode of delivery :
Face-to-face , first term, 30 hours of theory.

Timetable :
First term
Wednesday from 08:30 to 10:30 at 109 Marais 611

Language of instruction :
French

Learning outcomes :
The objective of the course is to bring C1 level students to the C2 level.

Prerequisites :
None

Co-requisites :
None

Course contents :
The course includes:
- a review of the fundamentals of French grammar - the use of different pronouns and prepositions, the rules governing sequence of tenses, the use of the indicative, subjunctive, conditional and imperative forms; the many rules of the past participle agreement, the various roles of the present participle, grammatical spelling, including the exploration of the spelling reform of 1990;
- an extension of the lexical knowledge of the French language through the reading of various texts (literary texts, press articles), allowing us to highlight a sustained lexicon, unusual words, expressions (including belgicisms) and also to expand the scope of the most frequently used synonyms and antonyms.

Written expression exercises will regularly be requested from students, as well as oral expression exercises: students will be invited to express their ideas without searching too long for words, organising their ideas in a structured manner, easily referring to logical connectives as well as modalisation points. They will be invited to speak in a clear and detailed manner on various issues, to share their point of view on current news topics and to put forward both the advantages and disadvantages of a situation. For example, each student will be asked to present a press article of his choice and lead the class into a debate based on the topic of the article. The students will therefore be able to sharpen their understanding of logical connectives (ensuring speech organisation and cohesion), deictic and certain rhetoric devices that enable the speaker to defend an opinion or point of view on the issue under discussion.

Instructions:
- Select an article, 2 to 4 pages, published in the French language press - in accordance with personal interests, education, issues (society, politic, religious, etc.) that you can relate to;
- Present the topic of this article during a 15 to 20 minute oral presentation;
- Conduct a mini-debate on this subject, lasting around 15 minutes;
- Hand out the text to each student, together with a list of around a dozen words of vocabulary considered difficult or unusual, present in the article.


Evaluation criteria:
1. The choice of topic and article - that have to lend themselves to a presentation in different points as well as a discussion, a mini-debate.

2. The ability to synthesise orally the contents of an article, starting by introducing in general terms the subject of the discussion (a brief introduction is expected that will hook the attention of the audience), then correctly stating:
- Either the different aspects of the question under consideration
- Or the different points of view that can be defended
Also it should be ensured that:
- Suitable vocabulary is used to allow the audience to clearly distinguish the different segments of the oral presentation (introduction, development of different points of view, conclusion)
- As many logical connectives as possible are used to ensure the clarity of the presentation

3. The ability to express yourself clearly in French
Care should be taken to:
- Pronounce each word clearly and correctly;
- Adopt a suitable delivery, not too slow or too fast;
- Adopt the right posture, not too tense or too casual, speak so that everyone can hear you, make eye contact with your audience and so on;

4. The capacity to lead and regulate a discussion
Care should be taken to:
- Asking questions that are likely to bring answers from the audience;
- Summarising the different positions in order to revive the conversation, bounce back on the various issues raised, deal with a question in depth or redirect the discussion;
- Evenly allocate speaking time during the discussion that follows the presentation

Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
Interactive communicative lessons.

Assessment methods and criteria :
An active participation to the course - including the completion of all requested expression exercises (written and oral) - is mandatory and will be taken into account in the grade awarded to the student after the final exam.
The assessment of the skills acquired by the student will take place at the end of the four-month period in the form of a written examination.

Recommended or required reading :
None

Other information :
None