University of Technology Sydney

97409 Francophone Cultures of Consumption

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.

UTS: International Studies: International Studies and Languages
Credit points: 8 cp
Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): 97406 French Language and Culture 6 OR 97407 Francophone Identities in Conflict OR 97408 Show and Tell: Francophone Cultures on Display OR 97410 Places and Spaces of the Francophone World

Description

This subject is designed to provide students who have an advanced knowledge of the French language with further advanced reading, listening, speaking and writing skills. It corresponds to Level B2/C1 (independent/proficient user) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages. Students examine and engage with different sociocultural contexts in which the French language is used, specifically with regard to questions about consumption in the francophone world. 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)

a. Comprehend and respond to complex texts in oral and written French.
b. Produce texts in oral and written French that show conceptual depth and an advanced command of the French language.
c. Demonstrate intercultural awareness across two or more cultural contexts.

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):

  • Evaluate critically theoretical and specialised knowledge of contemporary societies, cultures and workplaces. (INT.2.1)
  • 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.

Content (topics)

Students will be called upon to analyse major linguistic and socio-cultural aspects of the source texts. This will help them to develop a better understanding of consumer culture in different francophone contexts while also strengthening their linguistic ability through a closer reading of lexical choices and a fine-grained analysis of grammatical structures used in the texts.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Listening skills

Objective(s):

a

Weight: 20%
Length:

Variable.
Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Comprehension of oral text and mastery of listening skills 100 a INT.3.2
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 2: Reading and writing skills

Objective(s):

a, b and c

Weight: 50%
Length:

750 words (response paper); 1200 words (essay)

Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Respond Paper
Lexical and grammatical variety and accuracy 50 a, b, c INT.3.2
Clarity of ideas and analysis 50 a, b, c INT.2.1
Essay
Lexical and grammatical variety and accuracy 40 a, b, c INT.3.2
Use of target structures 10 a, b, c INT.3.2
Clarity of ideas and analysis 40 a, b, c INT.2.1
Use of source texts 10 a, b, c INT.2.1
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 3: Oral skills

Objective(s):

a, b and c

Weight: 30%
Length:

15 minutes
Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Lexical and grammatical variety and accuracy 30 a, b, c INT.3.2
Mastery of features of spoken language (pronunciation, intonation, speed & stress) 10 a, b, c INT.3.2
Relevance and development of ideas 40 a, b, c INT.2.1
Coherence of interactive communication 20 a, b, c INT.3.2
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

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 not be allowed to submit their final written assessment, i.e. the essay (30% - part of Assessment task 2) (see Rule 3.8). In order to pass this subject, students must earn an overall total of 50 marks or more.

Required texts

The subject reader is available to download in .pdf format on Canvas. Please bring your reader to each class meeting. You may also receive worksheets or copies of extra texts over the course of the semester. When films are assigned, viewings will either be scheduled for you or directions on how to access the material (library, online) will be supplied by the lecturer. You may often find copies of assigned movies online and are free to consult those versions, although UTS warns you of the consequences of copyright infringement should you illegally download content from the internet.

Students should also be aware of the Policies and Procedures for Assessment of Coursework Subjects: http://www.gsu.uts.edu.au/policies/assessment-coursework-policy.html, http://www.gsu.uts.edu.au/policies/assessment-coursework-procedures.html.

Recommended texts

Since this subject is content-based and departs from the traditional format of language and culture subjects, no language textbook for grammar or vocabulary has been assigned. Students are nonetheless encouraged to make sure they have adequate reference works (a comprehensive bilingual dictionary, a monolingual French dictionary, a thesaurus and a grammar book). Students who wish to make use of a comprehensive grammar workbook are recommended to purchase a copy of Grammaire progressive du français (B2 C2 Perfectionnement) (see the "References" section of this subject guide for more details).

References

GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY

  • Bescherelle, M. (2005). Complete Guide to Conjugating 12000 French Verbs. Paris: Hatier.
  • Grégoire, M. & Kostucki, A. (2017). Grammaire progressive du français (B2 C2 Perfectionnement). Paris: CLE International.
  • Grégoire, M. & Kostucki, A. (2019). Grammaire progressive du français corrigés (B2 C2 Perfectionnement). Paris: CLE International.
  • Mermet, G. (2018). Francoscopie 2030: nous, aujourd'hui et demain. Paris: Larousse.
  • Miquel, C. (2018). Vocabulaire progressif du français (Avancé B2 C1.1) (3rd edition). Paris: CLE International.
  • Miquel, C. (2018). Vocabulaire progressif du français corrigés (Avancé B2 C1.1) (3rd edition). Paris: CLE International.
  • Morton, J. (2013). English Grammar for Students of French. Ann Arbor, MI: Olivia & Hill Press.
  • Stillman, D.M. & Gordon, R.L. (2006). Reprise: A French Grammar Review Worktext. Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill Education - Europe.
  • 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.

LISTENING RESOURCES