French - Upper Intermediate Level (B2) - De la voix à la plume [ LFRAN1401 ]

To take this course, students must have reached level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. They must pass the test which is on the Moodle online platform.

According to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, the learner /independent user of the language of level B2 can

• interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
• understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics
• express him/herself on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

Level B2 describes a developed and relatively confident command of the foreign language.

The course focuses on discovering authors:

• Georges Simenon  and crime fiction,
• Boris Vian, Simone de Beauvoir and their unorthodox writings,
• Edmond Rostand and his famous play 'Cyrano de Bergerac'. 

Each extract from a literary work is not only studied for its language (grammar and vocabulary) but also looked at in terms of a current context.

The course ' De la voix à la plume' encourages students to form their own opinions and express them 'in real life' on the subjects discussed. The intercultural aspect of the group is used to the full.

The approach is simultaneously one of rationality and imagination, attaching great importance to the emotional and physical aspects of speaking. Students are involved in practical projects to develop their command of the French language; they lead discussions, make presentations and take part in a radio programme on the topic of interculturality called 'Talk to me'.

N.B. The grammar covered includes revision of basic grammar and the study of complex sentences (expressing cause, purpose, consequence, opposition, comparison, etc.).

Assessment is based on activities carried out during the quadrimester and on the progress made by the student.

Continuous Assessment and Progress : 40%

• Written work :   10%
• Grammar test : 10 %
• Presentations : 10 %
• Presence and active participation in class : 10%

Exam :  60%
 
The final exam assesses both written and oral work. It consists of four parts:

• Listening comprehension 15%
• Reading comprehension  15%
• Speaking                       15%
• Writing                          15%

Each lesson has four phases : a light-hearted warm-up (listening to a song, game, discussion), a listening or reading activity (comprehension), language work based on the comprehension activity and an active speaking or writing activity.

Regular homework is required. Each week, students are asked to work on e.g. a point of grammar and /or vocabulary on the Moodle platform or with the grammar book for the following lesson.

Students do four projects (illustration of idiomatic expressions, presentation of a topic of current interest, leading a debate, participating in a radio interview), plus producing four pieces of written work and reading two novels.

The course covers francophone authors of various styles and eras. Each extract from a literary work is studied for its language and looked at in terms of a current context and students discuss this orally or in writing.

By speaking in class regularly, students become more confident when doing so. Listening comprehension is developed by means of audio and video recordings on a weekly basis. In addition, they write texts regularly and have to read two novels for the course.

• M. Boulares et J.-L. Frérot, La grammaire progressive du français, niveau avancé, Paris, Cle international.
• Moodle Platform (the enrollment key will be given at the first class)
• Course notes (to buy at ILV)

Opened only to the students enrolled at UCL as well as to the members of staff.
This course corresponds to B2 level of the common European Framework of reference