French

Courses and examinations

Course descriptions

Level A1

This course is intended for students who have no or very little prior knowledge of French and prepares them for level A1.

0–15 marks in the placement test for students from all faculties; 0–5 for students of Romance languages

Level A2

This course prepares students for the A2 certificate exams over the course of one semester. It is aimed at students who took the placement test at the start of the winter semester or who have passed the A1 exam.

16–34 marks in the placement test for non-Romance Studies speakers, 5–34 marks for Romance Studies speakers

Level B1

Politics, Culture and Society B1

The aim of the course is to explore and discuss the values, symbols and socio-cultural aspects of French society. How can these be explained? How have they evolved over time?

Given the selected course materials, B1-level language proficiency is required to follow this course.

B1 Language Courses

The B1.1 and B1.2 language courses prepare students over two semesters for the various components of the B1-level exam.

B1.1 Language Course

This course is aimed at students who took the placement test at the start of the winter semester (35–53 points) or who have sat the A2 exam papers.

B1.2 Language Course

This course is aimed at students who have successfully completed the B1.1 language course. Following consultation with the teaching staff, it is possible, in exceptional circumstances, to take the B1.2 course without having taken the B1.1 course.

In both these courses, the socio-cultural themes and content covered will be set in a contemporary context, thereby encouraging discussion.

In addition, a range of activities will help to improve students’ language skills.

Level B2

Grammar and Written Expression B2

The aim of the course is to improve students’ written expression skills by encouraging them to analyse and then produce complex texts at both the semantic and syntactic levels. Vocabulary and grammar exercises will provide linguistic support for their writing.

This course will thus help to develop the linguistic, cultural and academic skills required at B2 level.

Language and Culture B2

The B2.1 and B2.2 language courses provide two-semester preparation for the various components of the B2-level examination.

This course is aimed at students who took the placement test at the start of the winter semester (54–64 points) or who have taken the B1 exam papers.

Literature: Reader

Level C1

Politics, Culture and Society B2/C1

The aim of the course will be to explore and discuss the values, symbolic representations and socio-cultural aspects of France and the French people. How can these be explained? How have they evolved over time? Presentations prepared by the students will enable us to explore certain aspects covered during the course in greater depth.

Given the selected course materials, a B2 level of language proficiency is required to follow this course.

Translation B2/C1

This course is aimed at 4th-semester BA students in Romance Studies, as well as students who have already passed the exam certifying B2-level proficiency in French. The translation exercises will be based primarily on texts taken from 20th-century German-language literature.

C1 Language Course

The C1.1 and C1.2 language courses provide two-semester preparation for the various components of the C1-level examination.

C1.1 Language Course (3LP)

This course is aimed at students who have taken the placement test at the start of the winter semester (76–100 marks) or who have sat the B2 exam papers. It must be combined with another C1-level course (3LP) in order to sit the C1.1 module exam.

Language course C1.2 (3LP)

This course is intended for students who have successfully completed the C1.1 language course. It must be combined with another C1-level course (3LP) in order to sit the C1.2 module examination.

C1 Grammar and Written Expression

The aim of the course is to improve students’ written expression by having them analyse and then produce complex texts at both the semantic and syntactic levels. Vocabulary and grammar exercises will provide linguistic support for their writing.

This course will thus help to develop the linguistic, cultural and academic skills required at C1 level.