Ms Loli Padilla Soriano
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- External
- Attendance mode
- Online
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Languages & Cultures School
FREN1010 is the first course in ﾠthe series FREN1010, FREN1020, FREN2010 and FREN2020. It provides an introduction to basic communication skills in the French language and is designed for students with no previous experience in French, enabling beginners to reach A1 level on the Common European Frame of Reference language proficiency scale. [Click to self-assess your CEFR level]. Students are expected to attend FREN1010 starting with the first course meeting in Week 1.ﾠ
The in-person or external course offering may be cancelled unless a minimum of 20 students enrol.
Course requirements
Assumed background
FREN1010 assumes ﾠno previous experience with the French language. It caters for students who did not learn French at school and who would like to start French at University as well as those with a very limited experience of the language (up to Year 10 in Australia). Senior French is incompatible with this course. All students must complete a placement test which is ﾠa hurdle to pass the course. Go to https://courseplacements.languages-cultures.uq.edu.au/ Any student who does not complete the placement test and who is NOT placed in FREN1010 cannot receive a grade higher than 3.ﾠPlease note that enrolments may be refused on the basis of previous French study or abilities, and enrolment in a different course may be recommended.ﾠ
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
Senior French
Restrictions
The in-person or external course offering may be cancelled unless a minimum of 20 students enrol.
Course staff
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Public holidays:
Alternative arrangements for affected students will be announced through the Blackboard site.
Class allocation:
In order to optimise the student experience, it may be necessary to reallocate students to a different class from their first choice. Before this happens, every effort will be made to enable students to voluntarily change into an alternative class that is suitable. Please note: Teaching staff do not have access to the timetabling system to help with class allocation.
Therefore, should you need help with your timetable and/or allocation of classes, please ensure you email hass.mytimetable@uq.edu.au from your UQ student email account with the following details:
- Full name,
- Student ID, and
- the Course Code
Additional information and support can be found here .
Aims and outcomes
The general aim of the course is to develop a basic ability to interact with people in French and to build cultural awareness. Special emphasis is placed on speaking and understanding spoken French. The course aims to achieve the CEFR A1 (http://rm.coe.int/CoERMPublicCommonSearchServices/DisplayDCTMContent?documentId=090000168045bb52) abilities.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
acquire French vocabulary and grammar appropriate to talking about yourself, your family and interests
LO2.
interact with native and non-native speakers in basic French about your identity, daily life, interests and preferences
LO3.
write and read sentences and simple texts about yourself, your family, your preferences, daily life
LO4.
grow cultural awareness and openness to others in a global world
LO5.
acquire strategies appropriate to learning a language
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution |
Course placement questionnaire
|
7/03/2025
Students who are not able to meet the due date (due to late enrolment) must contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to ensure they comply with this requirement. |
|
| Role play/ Simulation |
Listening-Speaking Activity
|
25% |
3/04/2025 5:00 pm
This online Inspera assessment task will be open from 8am to 5pm on Thursday (WEEK 6). |
| Role play/ Simulation |
Writing Activity
|
20% |
1/05/2025 5:00 pm
This online Inspera assessment task will be open from 8am to 5pm on Thursday (WEEK 9). |
| Role play/ Simulation |
Listening Activity
|
15% |
15/05/2025 5:00 pm
This online Inspera assessment task will be open from 8am to 5pm on Thursday (WEEK 11). |
| Role play/ Simulation |
Oral Interview
|
40% |
9/06/2025 - 13/06/2025
First week of Exam Block. Students sign up for a timeslot. The student's assigned timeslot will be considered the due date and time for this assessment. |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Course placement questionnaire
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Due date
7/03/2025
Students who are not able to meet the due date (due to late enrolment) must contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to ensure they comply with this requirement.
- Learning outcomes
- L03, L05
Task description
All students are required to demonstrate they have been correctly placed in FREN1010. Failure to do so will result in a maximum grade of 3 in the course. This is a hurdle requirement. No assessment items will be marked until this has been completed. Visit https://courseplacements.languages-cultures.uq.edu.au/
STATEMENT ON AI & MT
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
Student must be placed in FREN1010 via the placement questionnaire. If they are not, they cannot achieve higher than a 3 in the course regardless of performance in other assessment tasks. Prior language learning provides an unfair advantage over true beginners.Submission guidelines
https://courseplacements.languages-cultures.uq.edu.au/
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Students who are not able to meet the due date (due to late enrolment) must contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to ensure they comply with this requirement.
Listening-Speaking Activity
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral
- Category
- Role play/ Simulation
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
3/04/2025 5:00 pm
This online Inspera assessment task will be open from 8am to 5pm on Thursday (WEEK 6).
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04, L05
Task description
For this activity, you will listen to and answer questions in French using appropriate vocabulary and grammar from Units 1 and 2 as well as in-class materials. This activity tests your listening comprehension and speaking ability.
REQUIREMENTS: You are required to have stable access to internet, a working microphone and headset to complete this activity. You are highly encouraged to complete the Practice Test in Week 5 to test your technology. Technological problems are not a valid excuse for extension requests.
Duration: 20 minutes
This assessment item allows you to demonstrate competency at a low A1 level on the CEFR language proficiency scale for Spoken Interaction and Listening. (Link to Common European Frame of Reference) ** If you have exam adjustments in place, please apply for them to be considered for this timed activity. **
STATEMENT ON AI & MT
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Online through Inspera or Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Writing Activity
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Role play/ Simulation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
1/05/2025 5:00 pm
This online Inspera assessment task will be open from 8am to 5pm on Thursday (WEEK 9).
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04, L05
Task description
In this task you will be required to demonstrate competence in writing using the grammatical structures and verb forms studied in weeks 1-8. You will write 120-180 words in response to a prompt. You will be penalised proportionately for not respecting the word limit. Information beyond 200 words will not be considered.
Duration: 30 minutes
This will be an online, timed, writing task completed in Inspera. You must have access to stable internet to complete this activity.
** If you have exam adjustments in place, please apply for them to be considered for this timed activity. **
This assessment item allows you to demonstrate competency at A1 level on the CEFR language proficiency scale for Writing. (Link to Common European Frame of Reference).
STATEMENT ON AI & MT
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Online through Inspera.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Listening Activity
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Role play/ Simulation
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
15/05/2025 5:00 pm
This online Inspera assessment task will be open from 8am to 5pm on Thursday (WEEK 11).
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04, L05
Task description
The listening activity will be based on Défi 1 Units 1-4 (Livre + Cahier) and all materials distributed in class or on Blackboard. Students will watch a video recording of a French speaker and answer questions about the content of the interview. You may listen to the recording twice.
Duration: 30 minutes
This will be an online, timed, writing task completed in Inspera. You must have access to stable internet to complete this activity.
** If you have exam adjustments in place, please apply for them to be considered for this timed activity. **
This assessment item allows you to demonstrate competency at A1 level on the CEFR language proficiency scale for Writing. (Link to Common European Frame of Reference)
STATEMENT ON AI & MT
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Online through Inspera.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Oral Interview
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Role play/ Simulation
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
9/06/2025 - 13/06/2025
First week of Exam Block. Students sign up for a timeslot. The student's assigned timeslot will be considered the due date and time for this assessment.
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04, L05
Task description
The subject of the Oral Interview will be published by Week 11. In preparation, students will work in groups of two to practice topics, vocabulary and structures covered in Défi1 Units 1-4. Students will sign up for an interview slot via Blackboard.
On the day of the assessment, students will participate in a simulation run by a staff member in French. They will ask and answer questions using expressions and structures studied in the course. Students are responsible for forming a group (selecting a partner and obtaining contact details) at least two weeks prior to the assessment. The preparation work is to be completed outside of class. Students are individually marked but demonstrate ability to interact in French by working with a group. If a team member requests an extension for whatever reason, the extension will only be valid for the team member and not the whole group.
An official UQ ID card is required for attendance at the final oral interview.
Duration: approximately 4 minutes per student
This assessment item allows you to demonstrate competency at A1 level on the CEFR language proficiency scale for Spoken Production, Spoken Interaction and Listening. (Link to Common European Frame of Reference).
STATEMENT ON AI & MT
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
Students must obtain a minimum score of 40% (i.e. 16 out of 40 possible marks) on the Oral Interview to pass this course. Students who do not achieve at least 40% on the Oral Interview can only receive an overall grade of 3 or less for the course.Submission guidelines
The interview may be completed using Zoom and, if so, invigilation will be undertaken by UQ staff. The examination sessions will be recorded and retained for 12 months on a secure UQ system in accordance with UQ policy specifically Assessment Procedure Section 6 - Recording and Reporting. Access to recordings will be limited to the relevant School, Faculty and Student & Academic Services staff and only accessed for the purpose of reviewing recordings.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
In the case of an extension, the student may participate in the interview without a partner or group. This is an end of semester assessment during exam period. Approved extensions will be rescheduled based on assessors' availability.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Minimal submission of assessment. The student fails to demonstrate any abilityﾠto communicate in basic Frenchﾠand has not met any of the course objectives. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student fails to demonstrate basic understanding of the items introduced in the course, and has not developed proficiency inﾠthe four skill areas targeted in the course objectives. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The student has insufficient proficiency in basic French, demonstrating a very limited understanding of and ability to communicate in elementary spoken and written French. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student has achieved a basic understanding of simple spoken and written French, however vocabulary useﾠis still limited and/or grammatical inaccuracies sometimes hinder communication. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Sound understanding of basic spoken and written French. The student attempts to useﾠa range of structures introduced in the course in speech and writing, but fluency is variable, and occasional errors (which do not affect comprehension) still occur. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 74 - 85 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: High level of understanding of basic spoken and written French. The student consistently uses comprehensible sentences and responds fluently, appropriately and accurately. In speech and writing, the student uses a wide range of structures with very few errors. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Understanding of basic spoken and written French is excellent. During exchanges, the student consistently uses comprehensible sentences and responds fluently and appropriately. In speech and writing, the student uses a very wide range of vocabulary and structures with accuracy and creativity. |
Additional course grading information
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course
Students must obtain a minimum score of 40% (16 out of 40 possible marks) on the Oral Interviewﾠ to pass this course. Students who do not achieve at least 40% on the Oral Interview can only receive an overall grade of 3 or less for the course.
Past experience has shown that regular attendance at classes and completion of homework are essential to obtain a good grade in this course. Please read assessment information carefully to ensure you submit all set tasks including those which are to be completed in class.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
INSPERA ASSESSMENT PLATFORM
This course uses Inspera Assessment, an online assessment platform which complements the existing suite of digital learning tools at UQ with a greater range of question types, accessibility provisions, and non-English languages. The Inspera assessment item(s) will include non-invigilated digital assessments, which students in this course will completeﾠthis using their own device. Further details, including an introduction to Inspera functionality, practice opportunities, and where to go for support, will be provided in the Blackboard site for this course in Week 1 of the semester.
STATEMENT ON EMAIL USE AND IDENTIFICATION
All students must have a UQ email address and UQ identification card. Students are expected to check their UQ email routinely as this address will be used for information about the course and its assessment. An official UQ ID card is required for attendance at the final oral interview.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
A wide range of resources is available on the Blackboard site.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks |
Tutorial |
Grammar practice Speaking and writing tasks in class and for homework. Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
Tutorial |
Communicative tasks pairwork & small group speaking tasks (focus on communication, accuracy, pronunciation) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Tutorial |
Online Listening tasks listening for specific info (focus on comprehension and/or pronunciation); discussion of cultural conventions Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Tutorial |
Reading tasks reading for specific info (focus on comprehension, vocabulary, structure, cultural information) Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Tutorial |
Exploration of language learning strategies Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Tutorial |
Writing tasks communicate in written French (focus on grammatical structures & vocabulary) Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Tutorial |
Cultural understanding relating texts and language issues (eg. "tu"/"vous") to cultural practices Learning outcomes: L02, L04 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.