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Course profile

Introductory French 2 (FREN1020)

Study period
Summer 2024
Location
External
Attendance mode
Online

Course overview

Study period
Summer Semester, 2024 (06/01/2025 - 01/02/2025)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
External
Attendance mode
Online
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Languages & Cultures School

FREN1020 allows students to build on their elementary skills of French communication, adding toᅠwhat 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.

Course requirements

Assumed background

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


Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

FREN1010 or placement test

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

Senior French

Course staff

Course coordinator

Lecturer

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

CLASSES run 6 to 24 January

4 hours per day x 4 days per week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 9am–11am; 12pm–2pm)

Please note that each day of the summer school corresponds to a week of the regular semester. Students have found the pace and immersion experience helpful in the past – however you should also be aware that if you are not able to attend regularly you will quickly fall behind. The task-oriented approach to language learning adopted in this course means that participation in in-class activities is vital to learning.ᅠ

FINAL ASSESSMENT will be held as follows

  • Final examination (school-based) Wednesday 29th January 10h - 12h 10
  • Final oral sessions available (student choice) Wednesday 29th January from 2pm onwards; Thursday 30th January

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: For FREN1020 in summer, all classes will run simultaneously. The generic statement above re first choice only applies to classes offered in the same mode - that is, you will NOT be moved from in person to online or vice versa.

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

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. 

Learning outcomes

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.

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Quiz Placement hurdle
  • Hurdle
  • Online

7/01/2025 5:00 pm

Presentation, Product/ Design Video Guide
  • Online
20%

17/01/2025 5:00 pm

Both parts (video and transcription) must be submitted.

Examination In-class exam
  • Identity Verified
  • Online
30%

21/01/2025

Students should attend classes as normal on Tuesday of Week 3. Class will run from 9-11 and 12 noon - 12:45 and after a short break, the exam will open at 12:50.  Exam will be completed by 2pm.  

If you have Approved Exam Adjustments, you will need to make an application for them to be implemented for this examination. Please let the co-ordinator know about your application so that suitable arrangements can be put in place.

Practical/ Demonstration Oral interaction (conversation)
  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
  • Online
20%

29/01/2025 - 30/01/2025

Oral sessions will be available in the afternoon of the 29th January (the day of the final examination) and on the 30th January. 

Examination Exam - Reading comprehension; written production
  • Online
30%

29/01/2025

The exam is scheduled to start at 10am.

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

Placement hurdle

  • Hurdle
  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Quiz
Due date

7/01/2025 5:00 pm

Task description

Students must be enrolled in a course appropriate for their level in French. If you do not pass the placement hurdle, i.e. your eligibility 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 recently passed the prerequisite FREN1010 or been placed in the course by a member of the French team. 

If you have successfully completed FREN1010 in the last three years: you do not need to do anything.

If you have NOT successfully completed FREN1010 in the last three years, please complete the placement questionnaire here: https://courseplacements.languages-cultures.uq.edu.au/

Grade Centre on the Blackboard site indicates whether or not you have passed the placement requirement.

Statement on the use of Generative AI: 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

If you do not pass the placement hurdle, i.e. your eligibility for this course has not been confirmed or has been refused, your grade for the course is capped at a 3.

Submission guidelines

If you have not successfully completed FREN1010 in the previous 3 years, answer the language placement questionnaire here: https://courseplacements.languages-cultures.uq.edu.au/

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

The extension period is limited given the short time frame of this course.

Video Guide

  • Online
Mode
Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
Category
Presentation, Product/ Design
Weight
20%
Due date

17/01/2025 5:00 pm

Both parts (video and transcription) must be submitted.

Learning outcomes
L02, L04, L06, L07

Task description

Students will produce a short informative video on a topic to be published on the first day of classes. This task will cover material from units 5 and 7 of Défi 1 and allow students to demonstrate competence at low A2 level on the CEFR scale for Spoken Production.

  • Length: 90 seconds (1 minute 30) - 120 seconds (2 minutes). (These are the minimum and maximum acceptable lengths: the mark for anything shorter will be penalized proportionally and the marker will not listen beyond the maximum length). 
  • There is no need for special effects or captions, just you speaking to the camera. 
  • The task asks you to speak to camera, not to read a script. 
  • Please read the information on Academic Integrity in this Course Profile.
  • You will submit both your video (instructions will be provided on Blackboard) and a transcription of what you said. If the video and the transcription are not both submitted by the due date and time, the work will be subject to a late penalty.
  • Video: You will upload your video following instructions provided on BB. The video will be marked according to the criteria sheet. 
  • Transcription: Will not be marked but will be used to provide you with detailed feedback. Please note, a transcription is NOT a script: a transcription is written after you have made the video and notes what you actually said. The transcription should be uploaded to Turnitin. 
  • The video must be of YOU speaking. The use of software to produce the voice we hear is prohibited and would constitute an infringement of academic integrity. 

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 will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.

Submission guidelines

The video should be shared with staff via Blackboard (Echo 360), the transcription should be uploaded to Turnitin.

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.

In-class exam

  • Identity Verified
  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
30%
Due date

21/01/2025

Students should attend classes as normal on Tuesday of Week 3. Class will run from 9-11 and 12 noon - 12:45 and after a short break, the exam will open at 12:50.  Exam will be completed by 2pm.  

If you have Approved Exam Adjustments, you will need to make an application for them to be implemented for this examination. Please let the co-ordinator know about your application so that suitable arrangements can be put in place.

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L05, L06, L07

Task description

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: the reading and writing of the final exam, and the listening comprehension necessary for the final oral interaction. 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%)

In this section of the exam 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 will 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

  • The exam will be held on Tuesday 21st January 2025 at 12:50.
  • You will play the video from your own machine and so will control how many times you watch it.
  • This assessment item will be invigilated in person or via Zoom (external students will do the test with their cameras on)

Statement on 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.

Exam details

Planning time no planning time minutes
Duration 60 minutes
Calculator options

No calculators permitted

Open/closed book Open Book examination
Materials

You can use all course resources (textbook and course materials); dictionaries (online or paper); verb conjugators.

Exam platform Inspera
Invigilation

Invigilated by Zoom

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Oral interaction (conversation)

  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
  • Online
Mode
Oral
Category
Practical/ Demonstration
Weight
20%
Due date

29/01/2025 - 30/01/2025

Oral sessions will be available in the afternoon of the 29th January (the day of the final examination) and on the 30th January. 

Learning outcomes
L03, L06

Task description

This assessment is completed in Zoom. The task takes the form of a group conversation between two students and two members of staff, on a specified topic. The topic will be published no later than the end of week 2 of the summer school. This task allows you to demonstrate competence at low A2 level on the CEFR scale for Spoken Interaction. Oral sessions will be available in the afternoon of the 29th January (the day of the final examination) and on the 30th January. 

  • The discussion lasts 4 minutes per student, i.e. 8 minutes per group of two; (or, if you need to work in a group of three, 12 minutes). The mark for a contribution which is too short will be reduced proportionally. 
  • This is a group discussion, but students are marked individually. We understand that group work may be challenging. If you have concerns, please talk to your lecturer or the course co-ordinator who will try to help you find a solution fair to all parties.
  • The only students can carry out this task as individuals are
  • those have an agreement with Diversity, Disability and Inclusion Services exempting them from group work
  • those have attended less than 50% of classes up to the mid point of Week 3: in this case the exemption is for the benefit of other students in the cohort, so that they do not have to work with an underprepared team member. 
  • The orals will be video-recorded so that there is a record of your performance. The recordings will be retained for 12 months on a secure UQ system in accordance with UQ policy specifically 3.10.02 Assessment Section 6.0(3) (https://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/3.10.02-assessment). 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 in the event of issues or concerns raised regarding the task.
  • Use of Generative AI: This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI 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.

The ability to participate in a conversation in French on a familiar topic is arguably one of the most important outcomes of the course. This importance is reflected in the fact that this is an Identity Verified Assessment Hurdle. You need to undertake this task and get at least 40% on it (i.e. at least 8/20) in order to pass this course. Without a mark of at least 8 for this oral interaction task, you cannot get a grade higher than a 3. 

Hurdle requirements

You need to undertake this task and get at least 40% on it (i.e. at least 8/20) in order to pass this course. Without a mark of at least 8 for this oral interaction task, you cannot get a grade higher than a 3.

Submission guidelines

Live discussion

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.

Late submission will be calculated from the due date to the time any extension request was lodged.

Exam - Reading comprehension; written production

  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
30%
Due date

29/01/2025

The exam is scheduled to start at 10am.

Learning outcomes
L02, L05, L06, L07

Task description

The examination is completed as a scheduled, timed, examination delivered online on the Inspera platform. Since this is a school-based examination, the Inspera link will be made available through Blackboard. Students can take the exam at a place which is convenient: at home or on campus, as they prefer. 

There are two parts:

  • Part One: Reading comprehension. (15 %). Students read a text in French and answer a set of questions in French (including, but not limited to multiple choice, short answer in French, reordering). This allows the demonstration of competence at low A2 level on the CEFR scale for Reading Comprehension. 
  • Part Two: Written production. (15%). Students write a short text in French (110 words plus/ minus 10%, i.e. 100 - 120). The mark for a text which is too short will be reduced proportionally and the marker will not read beyond the maximum length.  This allows the demonstration of competence at low A2 level on the CEFR scale for Written Production.

Students may use the course materials and reference texts. No other person may be consulted during the examination: this should be the students' own unaided work. The examination will be delivered through Inspera. Further details, including an introduction to Inspera functionality, practice opportunities, details on where to go for support will be provided on the BB site for this course by Week 1 of the course. 

In addition to the 2 hours working time, there are 10 minutes to allow you to settle and focus. You are allowed to start work during the additional 10 minutes. After 2 hours and 10 minutes, access to the exam will close and it will submit.

Use of Generative AI: This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI 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.

Exam details

Planning time 10 minutes
Duration 120 minutes
Calculator options

No calculators permitted

Open/closed book Open Book examination
Materials

All course materials (textbook, notes); dictionaries (online or on paper).

Exam platform Inspera
Invigilation

Not invigilated

Submission guidelines

If you have Approved Exam Adjustments, you will need to make an application for them to be implemented for this examination. Please let the co-ordinator know about your application so that suitable arrangements can be put in place.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

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: The student fails to demonstrate any abilityᅠ to 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 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 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) 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.

Additional course grading information

Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.

The final oral discussion is an Identity Verified Assessment Hurdle: you need to achieve at least 40% (8/20) on this assessment item to obtain a grade higher than a 3.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

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

Technical requirements:ᅠ

You will need a laptop or tablet to participate in this course.


  • If you do not have a computer or laptop you can use for studying, you may be able to borrow one from the University (from the library) or seek financial assistance to purchase one.ᅠᅠ
  • Visit theᅠLibrary websiteᅠfor more information on how to borrow a laptop.ᅠ
  • If you require a laptop on a permanent basis, please submit aᅠFinancial Assistance application form. While completing the application, answer each question truthfully. When prompted, click on Laptop Equity Program.
  • Applications will be assessed on financial need and availability of stock.ᅠIn assessing need the university evaluates the strength of personal statement, supporting documentation and identified personal circumstances. In some instances, you may be contacted if further information is required.
  • The online platform Padlet will be used for in-class activities: all students can create a Padlet account through UQ, but this is not necessary to use the FREN1020 padlets (you can participate anonymously without signing into a Padlet account).
  • We will also use Googledocs: you do not need to sign up for a google account to participate.ᅠ

The French@UQᅠLearning Community website (of which you are automatically a member) provides opportunities for self-directed learning of French and also details of French conversation groups on campus, French-related activities in Brisbane, giveaways and job opportunities.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Multiple weeks

From Week 1 To Week 3
(06 Jan - 26 Jan)

Tutorial

Week One Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: Défi 1, Unité 5

Défi 1, Unité 5 and related activities.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07

Tutorial

Week One, Friday; Week Two Monday, Tuesday: Défi 1, Unité 7

Défi 1, Unité 7 and related activities

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07

Tutorial

Week Two Thursday, Friday; Week Three Monday, Tuesday: Défi 1, Unité 8

Défi 1, Unité 8 and related activities.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07

Tutorial

Week Three, Thursday, Friday: Défi 1, Unité 6

Défi 1, Unité 6 and related activities

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07

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:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.