Form C4
Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor
1. Course
Code
C47FI
5. School
7. Delivery:
Location &
Semester
Management and Languages
Edin
SBC
Orkney
Sem 1
8. Pre-requisites
9. Linked Courses
(specify if synoptic)
10. Excluded Courses
11. Replacement Courses
2. Course
Title
Sem…….
French Intermediate Elective 1
Sem………..
Dubai
IDL
Collaborative Partner
Sem……..
Sem….
Name…………………….....Sem..…...
15
Name …………………………………Sem………..
C47FX and C47FY, or a pass at ‘A’, ‘AS’, ‘Higher’ or equivalent
Semester 1 and semester 2 are synoptically linked
Code:
12. Degrees for which
this is a core course
Date Of Replacement:
13. The course may be
delivered to:
15. Aims
3. SCQF 7
4. Credits
Level
6. Course
Elizabeth Thoday
Co-ordinator
Approved Learning Partner
UG only
PG only
UG & PG
Mathematics with French; Chemistry with French
14. Available as an Elective?
Yes
No
The course aims to enable learners to:





The course will


16. Syllabus






build on existing knowledge of the language so that by the end of the year the student has reached a standard commensurate with one year’s study at
intermediate level.
prioritise the importance of language as a communicative activity
improve comprehension of the spoken language
develop strategies for dealing with comprehension of complex written texts in French
understand the effective use of reference sources
provide necessary help with formal grammar as a tool for more effective oral and written communication
foster an increased awareness of the cultural background of the language
Revise knowledge of basic grammatical rules and patterns and apply these to a range of situations. Extend grammatical knowledge through practice with new
structures. (grammar covered: verbs in the present, perfect, imperfect, future, conditional; personal pronouns; articles; possessive adjectives; complex relative and
object pronouns; the demonstrative;)
Write increasingly complex, connected texts on the topics covered, based on given stimuli in French and using a range of tenses and topic-related vocabulary
Engage in dialogue with peers and native speakers of French on the topics covered, from a personal and an objective standpoint
Further develop listening skills based on dialogues and reports by native speakers of French in the context of the topics studied
Read and demonstrate understanding of texts in French produced for a wide variety of purposes
Topic focus: The Higher Education system in France; Family and relationship issues; Environmental issues
Class materials will be provided by lecturers. Modern French Grammar by Lang & Perez is recommended for purchase. It is also available on-line from the university library
1/2
Form C4
Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor
17. Learning Outcomes (HWU Core Skills: Employability and Professional Career Readiness)
Subject Mastery
Understanding, Knowledge and Cognitive Skills
Scholarship, Enquiry and Research (Research-Informed Learning)

Personal Abilities
Understand the main ideas of clear standard spoken input in
 Use appropriate reference and support materials (e.g. CALL
French, concerning the topics studied, and respond appropriately
materials, VLE, on-line and print dictionaries)

Structure and present an argument in French, both orally
 Summarise information from increasingly complex
and in written form
spoken and written sources
 Demonstrate the ability to engage in conversation with
peers and native speakers of French at this level
 Develop writing skills through a variety of tasks
 Show awareness of cross-cultural differences and apply
this knowledge in French language production
 Respond to written stimuli both concisely and at length
Industrial, Commercial & Professional Practice
Autonomy, Accountability & Working with Others
Communication, Numeracy & ICT


Analyse spoken and written discourse in
increasingly complex French, for a specific
purpose
Produce oral and written presentations
demonstrating accurate use of increasingly
complex French, based on the topics
studied



18. Assessment Methods
Method
Duration of Exam
Weighting (%)
Develop self-management skills through the
 Communicate effectively in
need to be committed to a purpose, through
French at this level both in
the ability to gather and sort information and
writing and in speech, in a
to decide priorities and work to deadlines
variety of different contexts
where use of the appropriate
Work effectively with others to produce an
register is important
output (written or spoken) that meets a
specific brief
 Use ICT for language-learning
purposes appropriately
Demonstrate capability to engage with and
respond appropriately to cultural differences
19. Re-assessment Methods
Synoptic courses?
Method
(if applicable)
Formative Assessment: Diagnostic
test; Lecturer, peer and selfassessment of exercises (group
discussions, role plays, pair
discussions); CALL exercises; VLE
Continuous Assessment:
Lecturer assessment of various
written, aural comprehension and oral
Summative Assessment: Written
examination
20. Date and Version
Date of Proposal
Duration of Exam
(if applicable)
Yes
50%
1 hour examination
at end of semester
50%
Date of Approval by
School Committee
Resit examination in resit
diet
Date of
Implementation
Version
Number
2/2
Diet(s)