Modules : an overview
Level 1 Modules
All students taking French as a component of their degree follow two linked core language and communication skills modules (FRE109 and FRE110) and two linked French Studies modules (FRE107 and FRE108).
The language and communication skills course has been designed to meet the needs of students coming from a broad range of backgrounds. Each week, one class is devoted to speaking, writing and reading activities based on authentic materials organised around a series of contemporary topics. A second class is spent on grammar revision, using the "French in Sheffield" course written by members of the department. The third hour consists of Travaux pratiques, small classes taught by native French speakers that focus on speaking and listening skills.
The French Studies course provides an introduction to studying French culture at university level. It consists of a series of "How to study" units based on research specializations within the Department (e.g. "How to study French theatre", "How to study postcolonialism", etc.). The aim of FRE107/108 is twofold: to broaden students' knowledge of important aspects of French society and culture, and to provide them with a critical "tool-kit" of basic research skills, including appropriate referencing of sources and recognition and avoidance of plagiarism.
Level 2 Modules
All students take two linked core language and communication skills modules (FRE201 and FRE202) that follow the pattern of the Level 1 language course (i.e. two language seminars and one Travaux pratiques class each week). More advanced topics and grammar points are studied, using a wide range of web-based materials. Students are encouraged to do their own research and share the results with the rest of the class.
All students also take the core course "Actualités françaises" (modules FRE239 and FRE240), which introduces them to key aspects of French current affairs, in preparation for the Year Abroad. The course is modelled on the French pattern of cours magistraux (lectures in French) and travaux dirigés with native French speakers. The assessment includes a prepared debate, to ensure that students can talk effectively about current affairs as well as answering written exam questions on the topics they have studied.
Most students take one or more approved modules alongside the core courses. These specialist options are chosen during the spring semester of Year 1 from a list that changes from year to year, to reflect staff arrivals and departures and the latest research being undertaken by academics in the department. You can access the current list from the link below.
Approved modules are taught in seminar groups and involve a variety of learning techniques, including presentations by staff and students, small-group work, class discussions and structured independent study. Assessment methods also vary, but all students learn to research and write essays or reports as part of their training in written communication skills.
More on Level 2 Approved Modules
Level 3 Modules
The final-year core language course (FRE301/302) is designed to develop high-level written and oral skills. To enhance awareness of intercultural communication, one hour a week is spent on translation of a range of text types. The second seminar hour is devoted to persuasive writing: working from dossiers, students learn how to compose effective arguments and handle the rhetorical techniques required by different kinds of writing, such as letters, speeches and journalistic texts. The Travaux pratiques hour includes practical training in preparing a CV in French as well conversation skills.
All students also take approved modules from a list that is updated on an annual basis. As at Level 2, these specialist options enable students to learn with academics who are active researchers in the fields they teach. The link below will take you to our current list of level 3 options.
In addition, a module on film studies provides the opportunity for advanced analysis of French films from the 1960s to the present day. Our Transcription, Translation and Subtitling course enhances students' ability to understand intellectually challenging spoken French, transcribe it accurately, and translate it into English in the form of subtitles.