Module: French Language & Contemporary Society

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	French Language & Contemporary Society
Module Code	FRE1027 (ITS: FR379)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	SALIS
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	10

Description

This module empowers students to become autonomous language learners, achieving the fluency and cultural awareness essential for intercultural workplaces and social settings. Taught entirely in French, it focuses on developing comprehension, reading, speaking, writing, and interaction skills at the B2 CEFR level. Through an action-oriented approach and diverse learning styles, students will explore current affairs and the future of our world, integrating content and language learning. The module emphasizes active participation, peer-teaching, and critical pedagogy, fostering transferable skills such as time management and teamwork. Students will develop the ability to think critically, reflect deeply, and effectively present and defend ideas, equipping them to navigate complex economic, social, and political phenomena with confidence and nuanced expression.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand a wide range of texts, conversations, and multimodal documents, recognizing variations in opinions and perspectives. Ask appropriate questions in relation to a given topic (CT, DACS2), gather relevant information relating to a topic (CT, DACS3) and draw informed and logical conclusions from information (CT, DACS4).
2. Express themselves effectively and fluently for social, academic, and professional purposes, with minimal searching for expressions, demonstrating spontaneity and nuanced expression on a wide range of subjects.
3. Produce clear, structured texts and deliver well-organized presentations on familiar subjects, demonstrating controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors, and cohesive devices, while handling complex structures and nuanced expression.
4. Lead a peer-teaching session, facilitating learning and engagement among peers, and demonstrating the ability to explain and discuss familiar topics effectively.
5. Carry out a group project on a contemporary ethical issue to explore and address complex topics. Fulfill one's task responsibilities within a team (TW, DACS3) and demonstrate collaborative communication in a team environment (TW, DACS4).
6. Express personal opinions on a variety of topics beyond immediate personal experience, engaging interactively in oral discussions in front of an audience with appropriate fluency, accuracy, and the ability to articulate nuanced viewpoints.
7. Demonstrate reflective and critical thinking on the topics covered throughout the module and on tasks carried out individually and with peers, applying insights to new contexts and situations.
8. Make effective use of digital tools and resources to enhance language learning and communication skills, integrating technology to support and enrich the learning experience.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Tutorial	48	Guided learning and practice in class
Independent learning	74	Additional study, language practice and exposure to French language and culture
Guided learning activities	50	Scaffolded activities to complete assessed work
Group work	48	Collaborative activities for practice and completion of tasks
Self Directed Learning	30	Reflecting on language and culture, learning activities and practice
Total Workload: 250

Section Breakdown
CRN	10714	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Julie Moyne	Module Teacher	Valerie O'Reilly

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Group assignment	Peer teaching	20%	n/a
Reflective journal	Reflection on preparatory work and teaching experience	7.5%	n/a
Portfolio	Peer assessment and reflection on peers work	7.5%	n/a
Completion of online activity	Weekly activities	5%	n/a
In Class Test	Reading and listening	10%	n/a
Group project	Group presentation and interaction with the audience and in-class written reflection	25%	n/a
Oral Examination	Group oral exam with individual preparatory portfolio	25%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative Content and Assessment
This module emphasizes experiential learning with a focus on learner-centered and group-centered approaches, incorporating a strong reflective element. We'll cover topics related to globalization, ethics, our future and successful interactions. Students will engage in peer-teaching exercises, preparing and delivering presentations on specialized topics in French, and designing learning activities. They will interact with French-speaking cultures and contemporary issues, using appropriate structures to express analysis and opinions. Task-oriented, the module develops fluency and ease in using French across various situations, with regular reflections submitted for assessment.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None