Module Descriptor Advanced 1
Title
University Certificate in Modern Languages (French/German/Spanish): Advanced
1
Code
FR445, GE445, SP445
Level
4
Credit rating
20 Credits
Students will have an AS or equivalent, or have successfully completed
the appropriate Intermediate course, i.e. Modules FR/GE/SP435, or in
the judgment of the Course or Pathway Leader satisfy most of the
requirements of the Common European Framework of Reference for
Languages: Independent User Level B1.
Prerequisites
Type of module
Double; taught
Aims
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Learning outcome/objectives
To establish a sound base for more advanced language study
To consolidate and develop the students’ grammatical knowledge and
competence in the target language
To develop a competence in semi-authentic listening skills, leading to a basic
ability to comprehend selected semi-authentic and authentic materials
To acquaint students with a range of semi-authentic and authentic reading
texts in the target language
To develop a competence in oral and written skills appropriate to this level
To encourage the development of personal strategies for foreign language
study
By the end of the module, students should be progressing towards a level of
competence in the target language commensurate with most of the requirements of
the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Independent User
Level B2 (CEF B2), and should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
comprehend selected semi-authentic and authentic listening texts
including online sources at an appropriate level
understand selected semi-authentic and authentic reading texts including
online sources at an appropriate level
show effective communication skills in a range of appropriate situations
apply an appropriate level of grammatical accuracy to spoken tasks
demonstrate an appropriate level of linguistic accuracy in written tasks
CEF B2
Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract
topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can
interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction
with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce
clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a
topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
Content
(for contact time and non-contact
time)
This module enables students to consolidate their grammatical understanding, and
practices the four language skills.
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Programme of grammatical consolidation: using published and specifically
prepared material, based on a diagnosis of student needs
Intensive listening practice using video, audio and computer-based sources
Programme of development of reading comprehension skills – self-study and
class-based work
Development of listening and reading skills using authentic and semiauthentic target language materials, dealing with a range of aspects of the
cultures and societies of the target language countries
Classroom activities highlighting the development of students' personal
interests in the language and target culture
Language awareness sessions aimed at the development of personal strategies
for foreign language study
Further grammar practice using published and specifically prepared material
Intensive oral practice
A range of appropriate writing activities
Teaching and learning
strategies
Regular language classes are held as appropriate; there will be reinforcement of
language through a range of tasks set for independent study – the suggested
amount of independent study is three hours per week
Learning support
Module Unit: a book which students will be asked to acquire:
French: Practising French Grammar, A workbook updated, R.Hawkings,
M,Lamy, R.Yowell, Arnold
German: Essential German Grammar, M. Durrell, K.Kohl& G.Loftus (2002),
London: Arnold
Spanish: El punto en cuestión, Gomez, SC, ISBN 9783125133419;
They will be recommended a bilingual dictionary and a reference grammar
book; authentic material (printed, audio, video); supplementary grammar
notes; supplementary recorded material.
Studentcentral: course support materials; e-grammar; reading texts; e-books; edictionaries; phonetics; audio and visual material; e-newspapers; internet links;
podcasts.
Libraries at Falmer and Aldrich: course related materials – reference books and ebooks; print and e-journals; audiovisual material; online databases; links to
websites; leaflets and guides.
Assessment tasks
Tasks 100%
Tasks1 & 2: Listening and Reading Comprehension (50%)
Consisting of a listening text of approximately 3 minutes and a reading text of
approximately 500 words, both using semi-authentic material, with questions and
answers in the target language. The recording for the Listening Task is played
without pause, and is repeated 3 times with time allowed after each playing for
notes and answers to be written down.
Length of test:
Dictionaries:
1 hour 30 mins
none permitted
Assessments 1 & 2 will normally take place towards the end of the semester 1.
Task 3: Speaking – Role-play (25%)
Rôle-play in small groups or individually with tutor on a theme given 2 weeks
before; the individual roles are given on the day of the assessment. Students must
use their own words.
Speaking time per person: 4-5 minutes
Recorded under controlled conditions
Task 4: Writing - Essay (25%)
An essay of approximately 400 words written in the student’s own words under
controlled conditions on a subject different from the oral theme, relevant to the
group and agreed 2 weeks before. The essay title will be given on the day of the
exam.
Time allowed: 2 hours.
Dictionaries: none permitted
Assessments 3 and 4 will normally take place towards the end of the semester 2.
Assessment criteria
Assessment Tasks 1 & 2: Listening and Reading Comprehension (50%):
In their answers, students should be able to demonstrate:
1
2
3
a clear grasp of an appropriate level of grammatical accuracy (LO5)
the ability to comprehend selected listening texts including online materials
and to convey their content in tasks set (LO1)
an understanding of selected reading texts including online materials and
successful reporting of their content in tasks set (LO2)
Task 3: Speaking – Role-play (25%)
In their speaking, students should be able to demonstrate
1.
2.
the successful and effective use of communication skills (LO3)
the successful application of linguistic accuracy when speaking the target
language (LO4)
Task 4: Writing - Essay (25%)
In their writing, students should be able to demonstrate
1.
2.
the successful and effective use of communication skills (LO3)
the successful demonstration of an appropriate level of linguistic
accuracy when writing the target language (LO5)