Presentation

The course provides deeper insight into the political system in France (and even in other French-speaking countries)  and helps the students gain a better understanding of contemporary societies and of the main debates concerning the main issues facing those countries (current political, economic, social and cultural affairs) . Various types of materials (texts, audio-visual documents, iconographic documents, statistics…) are used as medium for developing five types of skills: written comprehension and expression, oral comprehension and expression, and interaction. The first objective is to help student gain a good level of comprehension of the contemporary written and spoken language (the ability to identify different points of view, to capture the structure of an argument and to distinguish between different speech registers). The second objective is to help them  develop good  written and oral communication skills in order to be able to: present a topical theme, synthesize a debate, express and develop an informed personal point of view.

Recommended Prerequisite(s)

+/- B2

A good command of the basic linguistic components: verb conjugation in all tenses and moods, noun-adjective and subject-verb agreements, syntax, linking words

Bibliography

• Périodiques français : Le Monde
• Grammaires : Grammaire du français en 50 leçons et 200 activités, éditions ‘maisons des langues’ ; les 500 exercices de grammaire éditions Hachette ; Grammaire progressive du français éditions CLE international.
• Média : TV5 Monde

Educational formula

The seminars in “French as a foreign language” (FLE) are not language classes in the classical sense. They are based on the active participation of students and focus on general issues relative to the countries of the languages studied. The themes are generally studied as part of presentations/debates, which may take different forms: summary, commentary, press review, role-playing… The aim is to develop the students’ understanding of specific knowledge and methodology skills in oral and written French.  Linguistic learning is combined with thematic work.  During the sessions, the emphasis is on oral communication. Preparation prior to the class is mandatory. Addressing possible grammatical deficiencies is part of students’ individual work.