Course coordinator
Barbara is available for student consultations in person or on Zoom: please email her to make an appointment.
Barbara is taking Group One.
FREN1020 allows students to build on their elementary skills of French communication, adding to what they have already acquired in FREN1010 (or elsewhere, for those starting in FREN1020). We work on skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing, and students will encounter a greater number of authentic texts, giving access to various French-speaking cultures. The course allows students to move from A1 to low A2 level on the Common European Frame of Reference for Languages.
Summer Semester External or In Person course offering (or both) may be cancelled unless a minimum of 20 students enrol.
Through weekly participatory tutorials, students will carry out tasks in French to expand their abilities in terms of speaking, writing, listening, hearing and acting as reflective users of the French language. The textbook and materials on the course Blackboard site provide structure to this progression. We aim to build supportive communities of practice in our classroom, encouraging participation from all students so that they can develop as users of the language.
To take FREN1020, you should already be at A1 level on the Common European Frame of Reference (CEFR), and in FREN1020, we will move to low A2 level. To find out more about the CEFR and to listen to examples of learners at different levels, consult the information here: https://languages-cultures.uq.edu.au/node/5159/3#3
In practical terms, students enrolling in FREN1020 should have successfully completed FREN1010 or an equivalent course, or have been placed in the course via the Online Placement Advisor: https://courseplacements.languages-cultures.uq.edu.au/
If you have passed FREN1010 recently you do not need to complete the questionnaire again. If you have not passed FREN1010 recently, please complete the questionnaire. If you have any questions about your level, please email the Course Co-ordinator, Dr Barbara E. Hanna at b.hanna@uq.edu.au
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
FREN1010
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
Senior French
Summer Semester External or In Person course offering (or both) may be cancelled unless a minimum of 20 students enrol.
Barbara is available for student consultations in person or on Zoom: please email her to make an appointment.
Barbara is taking Group One.
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
FREN1020 has four contact hours per week, delivered in two classes of two hours each.ᅠYou should plan to stay with the same group of students and the same staff member for your four hours of classes. However in the event that you are prevented from attending your usual class, feel free to attend another class rather than missing class materials.ᅠ
The action-oriented approach to language learning adopted in this course means that participation in in-class activities is vital to learning.ᅠ These learning experiences are very difficult to make up outside of the classroom or to replicate during self-directed study. For these reasons, you are strongly encouraged to attend and to participate.
Public holidays this semester impact one of the FREN1020 groups
Staff will offer an alternative two hour session in each of these weeks. Students are invited to attend one of these sessions OR to go to another class. Advice on alternative venues will be provided nearer to the time. ᅠ
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:
Additional information and support can be found here.ᅠ
FREN1020 is designed to allow students to develop as users of French, gaining greater spontaneity and independence in their use of language (spoken and written). Specifically, students should move to low A2 level on the Common European Frame of Reference for French. (See: https://rm.coe.int/168045bb52) This means they will develop a basic ability to communicate in French in day-to-day situations. The textbook Défi 1 guides students through linguistic and cultural knowledge needed to accomplish a series of tasks in French-speaking contexts. These include: explaining your routine; shopping; presenting places and itineraries; making recommendations; proposing solutions to problems. We will read short passages related to the themes treated. Explicit grammatical knowledge relevant to the functions studied is part of the course: by the end of semester students should be able to recognize and the indicative and imperative moods, and tenses relating to the past, present and future. Our approach to teaching involves students in accomplishing tasks using their French language. Many of these involve communication technologies and so students will demonstrate their ability to work collaboratively and individually in a contemporary digital environment.
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
understand and extract the essential information from short recorded passages dealing with [topics covered in the course] that are delivered slowly and clearly (CEFR scale for Listening to Radio, Audio and Recordings, A2).
LO2.
understand short simple texts on familiar matters of a concrete type (CEFR scale for Overall Reading Comprehension, A2).
LO3.
interact with reasonable ease in structured situations and short conversations, provided the other person helps if necessary. [...] manage simple, routine exchanges without undue effort; [...] ask and answer questions and exchange ideas and information on familiar topics in predictable everyday situations (CEFR scale for Overall Spoken Interaction, A2).
LO4.
describe [your] family, living conditions, educational background, present or most recent job. [...] describe people, places and possessions in simple terms (CEFR scale for Sustained Monologue (Spoken Production), A2).
LO5.
write about everyday aspects of [your] environment e.g. people, places, a job or study experience in linked sentences; [...] write very short, basic descriptions of events, past activities and personal experiences (CEFR scale for Creative Writing (Written Production), A2).
LO6.
show some awareness of the culture and cultural practices of French-speaking countries (including terms of address and generic conventions)
LO7.
demonstrate ability to use communication technologies, in French.
Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
---|---|---|---|
Quiz |
Placement Hurdle
|
Hurdle |
Week 2, Fri |
Product/ Design |
Video guide
|
20% |
12/09/2025 5:00 pm
WEEK 7 |
Examination, Quiz |
In-class exam
|
30% |
7/10/2025 - 9/10/2025
Last hour of class for each group in WEEK 10 |
Examination |
Exam: Reading comprehension; written production
|
30% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
Practical/ Demonstration |
Oral interaction (Conversation)
|
20% Hurdle |
10/11/2025 - 21/11/2025
End of Semester Exam Period. Students will sign up in pairs for their timeslot. The student's assigned timeslot will be considered the due date and time for this assessment. Interview sessions will be scheduled during the final exam period. |
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.
Week 2, Fri
Students must be enrolled in a course appropriate for their level in French.
If you do not pass this placement hurdle, i.e. your eligiblity for this course has not been confirmed or has been refused, your grade for the course is capped at a 3.
To pass the hurdle requirement for FREN1020, you have either obtained a grade of at least 4 in the prerequisite FREN1010 or been placed in the course by a member of the French team. (Please note, if you have yet to complete supplementary assessment in FREN1010 at the start of semester, you should still attend class in FREN1020, in order not to fall behind.)
The result of the placement test will be displayed in Gradebook on the course website.
Statement on use of Generative AI and Machine Translation
Completion of this Language Placement Advisor questionnaire is a compliance hurdle requirement in many courses. This requirement aims to ensure that you are placed in the most appropriate language course based on your current level of linguistic proficiency. Your responses, along with the possible submission of a short writing or speaking sample, help us match you to a course that aligns with your previous (formal or informal) language learning experiences and your current level. While this is an unsupervised, individual online task, it is not in your best interest to use generative AI tools or Machine Translation. If the work you submit does not reflect your actual language ability, you may be placed in a course that is not appropriate for your level, which could negatively affect your learning and performance. This may also be considered an act of student misconduct under the UQ Student Code of Conduct due to the misrepresentation of your capabilities.
Finally, please note that all language courses include at least one assessment task where the use of generative AI or MT tools is either not allowed or of limited value. These assessments are designed to be authentic, challenging, and based on real-time interaction. You will be expected to demonstrate a clear understanding of your own work without the assistance of AI or MT tools.
Placement questionnaire, if required. Students who have completed FREN1010 recently do not need to resit the questionnaire.
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
This is a 5-minute activity that requires no preparation. The test must be completed by the due date so that students can seek alternative courses if necessary, before census date.
12/09/2025 5:00 pm
WEEK 7
Task: Students produce a short informative video on an exact topic to be announced in Week 3, which will relate to giving directions to newcomers to Brisbane. A transcription of the video must also be submitted by the due date. This task covers material from units 5 and 7 of Défi 1 and allows students to demonstrate competence at low A2 level on the CEFR scales for Spoken Production.
Length : 90 seconds - 120 seconds. (These are the minimum and maximum acceptable lengths: the mark for anything shorter will be penalised proportionally and the marker will not listen beyond the maximum length).
Format: There is no need for special effects or captions, just you speaking to the camera, and, by extension, to your audience. The task asks you to speak to camera, not to read a script.
Video: Will be marked according to the criteria sheet, on uptake of the task; delivery; linguistic quality and pronunciation. Instructions for recording and uploading the video will be provided on the course website.
Transcription: Will not be marked, but will be used to provide you with detailed feedback on your writing. Please note, a transcription is NOT a script: a transcription is written after you have made the video and notes what you said, with the errors, hesitations and restarts. Instructions for uploading the transcription will be provided on the course website. The document containing the transcription should include, if necessary, a statement as to how Generative AI or Machine Translation have been used in planning the recording.
Use of Generative AI and Machine Translation
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.
Both parts of the assignment (video and transcription) should be submitted via links provided on the course website.
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
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.
7/10/2025 - 9/10/2025
Last hour of class for each group in WEEK 10
This progress exam allows you to demonstrate knowledge of the course content so far (Unités 5, 7 and 8 of Défi 1) and the feedback will help you prepare for the final assessment items in the course, with respect to reading and writing (final exam) and listening comprehension (necessary for the final oral interaction exam). There are two parts: you will manage your own time, but we suggest spending about 15 minutes on part (A) and 40 minutes on part (B), with 5 minutes for checking your work.
The exam will be undertaken in class, using the Inspera platform (see notes below).
Part (A) : Application of knowledge of written French (15%)
Here you demonstrate your competency in relation to structures, verb forms and vocabulary through completing questions such as multiple choice items; gap fills; short answers; matching exercises. Items in the exam will be randomly selected, for each individual student, from a bank of possible questions. This assessment allows you to demonstrate competency at A2 level on the CEFR Language Proficiency Scale for Writing (CEFR self assessment grid).
Part (B) : Listening Exam (15%)
You watch a video and answer questions about it (questions include Multiple choice, True/ False, short answer in French).This activity allows you to demonstrate competence at low A2 level on the CEFR scale for Listening to Radio, Audio and Recordings. Each sitting of the exam uses a different video. You play the video from your own device and so can control how many times you watch it.
Exam adjustments: If the University has recognised your right to exam adjustments, you still need to apply for them to be put in place for this assessment item (see information on Alternative exam arrangements on the UQ website).
Inspera: Inspera Assessment is a secure e-assessment platform which you can access from a desktop, laptop or tablet. A phone is unlikely to be large enough to allow you to complete this task. Further details, including an introduction to Inspera functionality, practice opportunities, and where to go for support, are available on the course website.
Use of Generative AI and Machine Translation
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.
Other permitted materials: Students may use all course materials, reference texts and online or paper dictionaries. No other person may be consulted during the examination: this should be students' own work.
Planning time | no planning time minutes |
---|---|
Duration | 60 minutes |
Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
Open/closed book | Open book examination - any written or printed material is permitted; material may be annotated |
Materials | All course materials (textbook, Blackboard, notes) and reference resources (dictionaries, grammar books, websites). You should not consult any other person while sitting the exam. |
Exam platform | Inspera |
Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission occurs during exam time
You may be able to defer this exam.
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
This online examination is completed as a scheduled, timed, examination hosted on the Inspera platform and linked to Blackboard. You can sit the exam wherever you like (please contact the Course Co-ordinator if you cannot organise a quiet space to do the examination and would like to use a classroom, and she will book a room for you and others in the same situation).
There are two parts:
Working time: In addition to the two hours working time, there are 10 minutes additional time for planning, settling and submitting. You may also use these 10 minutes to work on the exam. After 2 hours and 10 minutes, access to the exam will close.
Sitting at an alternative time: To see how to apply to sit this exam at a different time, please see 'Deferral' section below.
Exam adjustments: Please note, if you have an approved set of exam adjustments (Alternative Exam Arrangements), you still need to submit a request that they be applied for this exam.
Inspera: This examination will be delivered via Inspera. Further details, including an introduction to Inspera functionality, practice opportunities, and where to go for support, will be provided on the Blackboard site for this course in Week 1 of the semester.
Use of Generative AI
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 may be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Other permitted materials: Students may use all course materials, reference texts and online or paper dictionaries. No other person may be consulted during the examination: this should be students' own work.
Planning time | 10 minutes |
---|---|
Duration | 120 minutes |
Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
Open/closed book | Open book examination - any written or printed material is permitted; material may be annotated |
Materials | Students may use all course materials, reference texts and online dictionaries. No other person may be consulted during the examination: this should be students' own work. |
Exam platform | Inspera |
Invigilation | Not invigilated |
On Inspera.
You may be able to defer this exam.
Access to the examination will automatically close.
10/11/2025 - 21/11/2025
End of Semester Exam Period. Students will sign up in pairs for their timeslot. The student's assigned timeslot will be considered the due date and time for this assessment. Interview sessions will be scheduled during the final exam period.
This assessment item takes the form of a partially improvised conversation between two students and two members of staff, on a specified topic. The topic will be published at the end of Week 10. This task allows you to demonstrate competence at low A2 level on the CEFR scale for Spoken Interaction.
Use of Generative AI and Machine Translation:
This is an in-person conversation with staff and peers.
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 should be aware that an extension for this assessment item may mean that release of results will be delayed.
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: The student fails to demonstrate any ability to communicate in basic French and 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 in any of the 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 use is 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 use a 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) | 75 - 84 |
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. |
Students must obtain aᅠminimum score of 40% on the final oral (ie at least 8/20) in order to pass this course: this is an Identity Verified Assessment Hurdle. Students who do not achieve at least 40% on the final examination can only receive an overall grade of 3 or less for the course. Remember that students who receive a grade of 3 can apply for supplementary assessment. If you receive a 3 because of your performance on the oral, your supplementary assessment will require you to demonstrate your oral interaction skills.
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 youᅠsubmit all set tasks including those which are to be completed in class.
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
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.
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
You'll need to have your own copy of the following reading resources. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Item | Description |
---|---|
Book |
Défi 1: méthode de français
by Chahi; Fatiha - 2018 Publisher: Éditions Maison des langues ISBN: 9788416273065 |
Technical requirements: If possible, please bring a laptop or tablet computer to class, even if you have a paper copy of the book.
Support for students:ᅠ
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 3 |
Tutorial |
Semaines 1 - 3 Défi 1 Unité 5 : Weeks 1 - 3 Défi 1 Unit 5 Défi 1 Unité 5 and related activities. The Blackboard site provides a guide to the exact work, to preparation and to homework. Ces premières semaines après les vacances, qu'est-ce que nous allons faire ?
In these first weeks after the break, in addition to reactivating the French you already know, you’ll be learning how to talk about time: how you organise your schedule; vocabulary for days, months and seasons; and vocabulary for the kinds of activities that happen at different times of the day. You will also learn some new verbs — and a new verb form. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Multiple weeks From Week 4 To Week 6 |
Tutorial |
Semaines 4 - 6 Défi 1 Unité 7 / Weeks 4 - 6 Défi 1 Unit 7 Défi 1 Unit 7 and related activities. The Blackboard site provides a guide to the exact work, to preparation and to homework. Dans l'Unité 7, vous allez apprendre à décrire une ville :
En plus, vous allez apprendre de nouveaux points linguistiques :
In chapter 7 you will be learning how to describe a city:
as well as some important new grammar points:
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Multiple weeks From Week 7 To Week 10 |
Tutorial |
Semaines 7 - 10 Défi 1 Unité 8/ Weeks 7 - 10 Défi 1 Unit 8 Défi 1 Unit 8 and related activities. The Blackboard site provides a guide to the exact work to preparation and to homework. Vous êtes déjà au milieu du semestre ! Dans cette unité
In this unit you will learn to talk about food and cooking, and you will learn some very important new grammar: your first past tense in French. Suddenly you are going to be able to do so much more! Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Multiple weeks From Week 11 To Week 12 |
Tutorial |
Semaines 11 - 12 Défi 1 Unité 6/ Weeks 11 - 12 Défi Unit 6 Défi 1 Unit 8 and related activities. The Blackboard site provides a guide to the exact work, to preparation and to homework. Nous allons parler
Nous allons travailler les structures nécessaires pour justifier une conclusion ou un raisonnement. We will talk about
We will work on structures needed to justify a conclusion or an argument. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Tutorial |
Semaine 13 Révision et regard vers l'avenir / Week 13 and looking forward The Blackboard site provides a guide to the exact work, to preparation and to homework. Cette semaine :
We will revise the semester's work to prepare you for the exams. We will also read job advertisements and talk about how you can use your French now and in the future. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
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:
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.