Module Descriptor Elementary
Title
Code
University Certificate in Modern Languages (French/German/Spanish):
Elementary Module
FR425, GE425, SP425
Level
Level 4
Credit rating
20 Credits
Prerequisites
Students will have a GCSE or equivalent, or have successfully completed the
appropriate Foundation course, i.e. Module FR/GE/SP415, or in the judgment of
the Course or Pathway Leader satisfy the requirements of the Common European
Framework of Reference for Languages: Basic User Level A1.
Type of module
Double module; taught
Aims




Learning outcome/objectives
to consolidate basic knowledge of vocabulary and grammatical structures of
the language
to increase proficiency in the basic skill areas of understanding the language
in both spoken and written forms
to increase awareness of the social and cultural contexts in which the target
language is used
to develop the ability to interact at an appropriate level in a work and social
context with speakers of the target language
By the end of the module, students should have reached a level of competence in
the target language commensurate with the requirements of the Common
European Framework of Reference for Languages: Basic User Level A2 (CEF
A2), and should demonstrate:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
an ability to understand a range of materials in the target language,
including online sources in a) spoken and b) written forms, dealing with
everyday situations and expressed in straightforward and clearly
structured language
an ability to recognise and understand the use of many of the basic
grammatical structures of the language when encountered in target
language materials
an ability to communicate in the language, in a) spoken and b) written
form, in everyday situations, and handle basic language functions.
a familiarity with the basic grammatical structures of the language, and
the ability to use them appropriately and with a reasonable degree of
accuracy.
an a) understanding of a range of cultural and social issues relevant to the
countries concerned, and the ability to b) use the target language to
discuss them.
CEF A2
Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most
immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping,
local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks
requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine
matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate
environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
Content
(for contact time and non-contact
time)
This module develops receptive skills (understanding the spoken and written
language), using texts expressed straightforwardly in authentic or semi-authentic
language based on the material covered in this and previous module, and including
material on cultural and social matters. It also develops productive skills (i.e.
speaking and writing the language), using the language studied in this and the
previous module.
 study and practice of further key grammatical features, vocabulary and
conversational language
 development of listening and reading skills
 further study of cultural and social matters using target language texts based
on the language studied in this and previous modules
 development of speaking and writing skills, both in a personal context and
with reference to the cultures and societies of the target language countries
Teaching and learning
strategies
Work will be in groups with emphasis on interaction in the target language. There
will be reinforcement of language through a range of tasks set for group work in
class and independent study – the suggested amount of independent study is three
hours per week.
Learning support
Module Unit: a course textbook which students will be asked to acquire;
French: Motifs, K.Jansma&M.A.Kassen, Heinle, ISBN-13: 978-1-4130-2981-9;
ISBN-10: 1-4130-2981-7
German: Willkomnen, P.Coggle, Harper-Arnold, ISBN: 0-340-64808-2
Spanish: Aula Internacional 1, Corpas, Garcia, Garmendia, Soriano, Difusion,
ISBN: 9788484432289;
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%
Task 1: Listening comprehension (25%)
1 or 2 recorded extracts of authentic or semi-authentic spoken language, based on
the topics and structures covered in this and earlier modules, in audio or video
format.
Duration of recorded material: 3-4 minutes. Each extract will be played
uninterrupted up to 3 times, with time allowed after each playing for notes and
answers to be written down. Duration of task overall: 30 minutes approx.
Questions and answers in English.
Dictionaries: none permitted
Task 2: Reading comprehension (25%)
1 or 2 pieces of authentic or semi-authentic reading material, using language based
on the topics and structures covered in this and earlier modules.
Duration of task overall: 30 minutes. Questions and answers in English.
Dictionaries: none permitted
Assessments 1 & 2 will normally take place in the last weeks of Semester 1.
Task 3: Speaking – Role-play (30%)
A prepared but unscripted role-play task in a group of 2 or 3 participants, in a
situation based on the topics and structures covered in this and earlier modules.
Duration of individual contribution: 3-4 minutes
Task 4: Writing (20%)
A communicative or descriptive piece of writing, using language based on the
topics and structures covered in this and earlier modules.
Length of text to be written: 150 words approx.
Duration of task: 50 minutes.
Dictionaries: none permitted
Assessments 3 & 4 will normally take place in the last weeks of Semester 2.
Assessment criteria
Task 1: Listening comprehension (25%)
In their answers, students should be able to demonstrate:
1.
2.
3.
an understanding of a range of spoken materials in the target language,
including online sources dealing with everyday situations and expressed in
straightforward and clearly structured language (LO1a)
a ability to recognise and understand the use of many of the basic
grammatical structures of the target language in its spoken form (LO2)
an understanding of a range of cultural and social issues relevant to the
countries concerned (LO5a)
Task 2: Reading comprehension (25%)
In their answers, students should be able to demonstrate:
1.
2.
3.
an understanding of a range of written materials in the target language
including online texts, dealing with everyday situations and expressed in
straightforward and clearly structured language (LO1b)
a ability to recognise and understand the use of many of the basic
grammatical structures of the target language in its written form (LO2)
an understanding of a range of cultural and social issues relevant to the
countries concerned (LO5a)
Task 3: Speaking – Role-play (30%)
In their speaking, students should be able to demonstrate
1.
2.
3.
an ability to communicate in the spoken form of the language, in everyday
situations, and handle basic language functions (LO3a)
a familiarity with the basic grammatical structures of the language, and the
ability to use them appropriately and with a reasonable degree of accuracy
(LO4)
an understanding of a range of cultural and social issues relevant to the
countries concerned, and the ability to use the target language to discuss
them (LO5b)
Task 4: Writing (20%)
In their writing, students should be able to demonstrate
1.
2.
3
an ability to communicate in the written form of the language, in everyday
situations, and handle basic language functions (LO3b)
a familiarity with the basic grammatical structures of the language, and the
ability to use them appropriately and with a reasonable degree of accuracy
(LO4)
an understanding of a range of cultural and social issues relevant to
the countries concerned and the ability to use the target language to
discuss them (LO5b)