Soyez les bienvenus! French is the largest division of the Department of Modern Languages in the Faculty of Law, Arts & Social Sciences. We like to maintain a friendly atmosphere where every student can feel that he/she can receive personal attention whenever this is needed.
FIRST YEAR FRENCH ( FR101A and FR101B)
For students with a Higher in French or an equivalent qualification.
The first year consists of two modules of 20 credits each. Students attend one module in each semester.
The first year French modules demand quite a lot of regular work but are fully supported by the use of modern technology in order to give you as much help and flexibility as possible. We use a Virtual Learning Environment (WebCT/LearnOnline). It means you can get the information you need and support with your work online, - from home, from the many computer clusters at University and wherever you can get Internet access. Some of the assessments can also be done online, when and where it suits you. As well as studying the language, you will also discover various aspects of the contemporary culture of France.
Over 100 students filled in the end of year survey (April 2008), this is what they said about the course (referred to as IA):
"WebCT was really useful for me, as it meant I could do the practice exercises whenever I could find the time. Using a program like WebCT was a good experience, and was a lot more exciting to do than picking up a grammar book and doing exercises that way! I am very impressed with the way the French department are organised, on WebCT and in general with the students. It made things a whole lot easier this year, and I think you should use it again in years to come!"
The grammar lectures are delivered through an electronic voting system (PRS) which encourages your full participation:
"I enjoyed the interactive grammar lectures most! I really like that everyone gets a chance to answer the questions and try to work out the answers, and if you get it wrong no-one knows so you are not embarrassed."
Not all of your learning will be done through the medium of technology, we attach great value to the human side of your learning experience which is why you get weekly tutorials:
"( I liked best) The friendliness of staff in the department and the in-depth tutorials. There is no end to amount of help if you require it."
"I enjoyed the tutorials, even though there was a lot of work I felt very comfortable and I also found that they definitely improved my French."
96.3% answers showed that students strongly agreed/agreed that they were satisfied with the 1A French course.
"I have really enjoyed French 1A. I have found that my French has improved greatly over the past few months... I think that going back to the basics through this year has been greatly beneficial because despite learning it at school it was never fully clear. There is no doubt that my confidence in using my French has come on leaps and bounds and it has been my favourite course of my first year."
We are looking forward to welcoming you: Bienvenue à tous et à toutes!