Presentation

This method conference is mostly intended for foreign students in the Binational Dual Degree Program, in their second year at Sciences Po Bordeaux, but also for foreign students who were directly admitted in fourth year. Its main linguistic objectives are: Identifying points of view; producing complex structures; identifying and acquiring a good command of the different discourse levels; producing abstract argumentations; being able to synthesize verbal (oral and written) information. The class involves activities around specific themes: work on current political events and on specific linguistic skills, in relation with the specializations of the various Master's courses. In preparation for the students’ entry in the labor market, these method conferences include professional language modules (writing/responding to an e-mail, practice professional interviews via Skype, telephone, role-playing, writing summary notes, etc.).

Recommended Prerequisite(s)

A good command of B2 level linguistic skills: oral and written expression, oral and written comprehension; main syntactic and grammatical rules; main linking words; knowledge of the major issues at work in contemporary French society.  

Bibliography

• Grammaire du français en 50 leçons et 200 activités, Maison des langues, 2013.
• Les 500 exercices de grammaire, Hachette, 2007.
• Grammaire progressive du français, CLE International, 2010.
• https://www.lemonde.fr/  
• http://www.tv5monde.com/  

Educational formula

Method conferences are not language classes in the classical sense.  They are based on the preparation and active participation of students. The objective is to develop the students’ understanding of specific fundamental knowledge and methodology skills in both oral and written communication.  Thus, linguistic learning is always combined with thematic work based on comparative analysis of various types of document: texts or audio/audio-visual documents, etc.  During the sessions, the emphasis is on oral communication but preparation prior to the class is mandatory and must be done in writing. Efforts to address possible grammatical deficiencies are part of students’ individual work.