Curricula

Objective

You will develop your linguistic competencies in listening and reading and performance in speaking and writing French. The objective is to reach language skills corresponding to level A2.2 – B1.1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

After completing this course, you can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, studies and leisure. You can understand texts that consist mainly of high frequency every-day or job-related language.

You can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where French is spoken. You can enter unprepared into conversation on topics that are familiar, of personal interest or pertinent to everyday life (e.g. family, hobbies, studies, work, travel and current events). You can connect phrases in a simple way in order to describe experiences and events, your dreams, hopes and ambitions. You can briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. You can write simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest.

The course prepares and equips you to act and work in an international and multicultural environment.

Content

Communication: everyday expressions in familiar situations (for example describing one’s own background, studies and work or plans for the future), technology, health, giving opinions, giving instructions and orders.

Grammar: the central grammar deals with the future, the past tenses (perfect, imperfect) and conditional phrases.

Culture: communication culture, customs and traditions of the French-speaking world.

Qualifications

French level A1.2 - A2.1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (https://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/sites/default/files/cefr-en.pdf). For example, French 1 and French 2 courses successfully completed at JAMK UAS (10 ECTS), or successfully completed French courses 1 – 4 in a Finnish high school as a B3-language (approx. 2 years).

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

1 You demonstrate a minimal level of French in relation to the objectives and contents of the course. You struggle but manage to complete assignments and are able to interact in French and deal with situations in everyday life. You can understand some parts of clear speech and texts and talk about familiar, study- and work-related topics. Errors occur also with basic structures in spoken and written production, which sometimes hold back communication.

2 You demonstrate a basic level of French in relation to the objectives and contents of the course. You can apply your knowledge and language skills and manage everyday situations in French although with effort and difficulties. You understand several parts on brief texts about familiar topics. Some errors occur in spoken and written production, which may hold back communication.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

3 You demonstrate a good level of French in relation to the objectives and contents of the course. This can be seen by the understanding and production of language with assistance. You can manage everyday situations in French. You understand most main parts on brief texts about familiar topics. Communication is under control although some errors occur in spoken and written production.

4 You demonstrate a very good level of French in relation to the objectives and contents of the course. This can be seen by the understanding and production of the familiar topics and extended language on unfamiliar topics with some difficulties. You can manage everyday situations in French and sometimes use some complex language structures and vocabulary there, too, although some faltering may occur. Communication is under control and minor errors occur in spoken and written production.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

5 You demonstrate an excellent level of French in relation to the objectives and contents of the course. This can be seen by the understanding and production of the extended language also on unfamiliar topics. You can assess written texts and spoken language and interact with others accordingly.

Further information

The course is well suited for anyone with some basic knowledge in French (level A1.1-A2.1 of The Common European Reference for Languages) and who would like to continue their French studies.

Also suitable as a revision course for students who have attended B3 French courses 1-6 in a Finnish high school and want maintain their French skills.