97401 French Language and Culture 1

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

Description

This subject is designed to provide students who have no prior knowledge of the French language with basic reading, listening, speaking and writing skills. It corresponds to Level A1 (basic user) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages. The subject also facilitates an understanding of and engagement with the sociocultural contexts in which the French language is used. Students develop intercultural understanding and engagement by recognising, exploring, interpreting and moving between the languages and practices of two or more cultures. Students take an active part in collaborative learning activities to practice and consolidate their language skills.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject engages with the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs), which are tailored to the Graduate Attributes set for all graduates of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (INT = International Studies CILOs):

• Communicate effectively and appropriately in an additional language for everyday and professional purposes. (INT.3.2)

Teaching and learning strategies

This subject uses a communicative approach in class to maximise students' potential for effective communication in the target language. A series of activities such as interactive activities working in pairs, small and large groups and/or presentations, are promoted in class to enhance students' engagement through content-based learning. Preparation for class activities requires students to complete exercises and reading/listening/viewing activities prior to class to make effective use of resources and subject material (including resources online), community and peer resources available to them to support their learning.

Students are encouraged to customise their learning experience as per the Global French approach to promote their engagement with francophone peoples and societies. This entails keeping in mind their goals for the use of French (for instance studying abroad or travel in a particular country or region) and tailoring their practice and learning to maximize exposure to local variants of the language, relevant cultural norms and authentic materials from the area.

As part of an immersive approach to language education, students are encouraged to use the target language within the classroom environment and to build confidence to use the target language outside the classroom. The approximate time commitment expected from students is 12 hours per week, including class time.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Evidence of ongoing learning

Assessment task 2: Oral skills assessment

Assessment task 3: Final exam

Minimum requirements

Attendance at tutorials is essential in this subject. Classes are based on a collaborative approach that involves essential work-shopping and interchange of ideas with other students and the tutor. A roll will be taken at each class. If you are late to class and not present when the roll is taken, it is your responsibility to tell your tutor at the end of that class so that your attendance can be recorded. Please note that if you are more than 30 minutes late, you will be noted as absent. Students must attend at least 85% of their classes. Students who fail to do so will be refused their final assessment (see Rule 3.8). In order to pass this subject, students must earn an overall total of 50 marks or more.

Required texts

En avant! Beginning French (Third Edition)

Anderson, B. & Dolidon, A. (2020). En avant! Beginning French (Third Edition). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.

Note: please do not purchase the textbook before the first tutorial. Your tutor will explain how to purchase the book during the tutorial.

It is recommended that students be able to access their textbook in every class. Other essential materials will be distributed in class or posted on Canvas.

Students should also be aware of the Policies and Procedures for Assessment of Coursework Subjects:

https://www.gsu.uts.edu.au/policies/coursework-assessments-policy.html

https://www.gsu.uts.edu.au/policies/coursework-assessments-procedures.html

Recommended texts

Please see the reference list below.

References

GRAMMAR AND VOCABULARY

• Bescherelle, M. (2005). Complete Guide to Conjugating 12000 French Verbs. Paris: Hatier.
• Grégoire, M. (2018). Grammaire progressive du français (A1 Débutant). Paris: CLE International.
• Grégoire, M. (2018). Grammaire progressive du français corrigés (A1 Débutant). Paris: CLE International.
• Miquel, C. (2017). Vocabulaire progressif du français (A1 Débutant). Paris: CLE International.
• Miquel, C. (2017). Vocabulaire progressif du français corrigés (A1 Débutant). Paris: CLE International.
• Morton, J. (2013). English Grammar for Students of French. Ann Arbor, MI: Olivia & Hill Press.
• Tutton, M. (2019). Une grammaire simple du français. Available to download for free on Canvas.

DICTIONARY

• All-New Edition Larousse's French-English English-French Dictionary. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Inc.

Other resources

Instructors post many links to additional resources on Canvas. Students are highly encouraged to make use of these materials for their self-study.