Dr Peter Cowley
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Languages & Cultures School
In taking FREN3114, you are embarking on a sequence of two advanced language courses, each dealing with a different aspect of how French is used. These two courses are very important for working with literary texts in FREN3355, but not only literary texts.
FREN3114ﾠ: ﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠNarration (through crime reporting and detective fiction)
FREN3115ﾠ:ﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠ Description (across fiction and non-fictional genres; from different points of view)
Although narration and description often work together, organizing ﾠthe courses in this way allows us to work intensively on each function in turn and to think about the language that you need to understand, appreciate and perform them. Over these two courses, you ﾠalso have the opportunity to read and watch a wide variety of documents, including contemporary popular fiction; monuments of classic literature; extracts from television news reports, from tv series and from films. It is expected that you will be able to demonstrate skills at the "Proficient User" level of the Common European Frame of Reference for languages. In FREN3114, some tasks are still at B2 level, but we are moving into C1.
Our work on narration means that we are looking how stories can be told to set up a sequence of events in time (even if the events are not told in chronological order). We therefore look at a selection of texts in which it is critically important to know what happened when - crime stories. Crime stories are integral to a range of genres which are important in French culture: news stories; true crime podcasts; detective novels and television series.ﾠWe look atﾠ presentations of "real" crime stories (current or historical) and detective fiction and explore the tools necessary for effective narration.
As we look at how crime is narrated, we will work on knowledge related to:
- Different narrative genres and the opportunities they provide in French
- Variations in story-telling according to genre, purpose, setting and historical period
- The standard elements of crime reporting and detective fiction in French
- Verb tenses
- Verb moods
- Temporal markers
- Presentation of speech of others through direct or indirect speech
- Logic
To do this we will read, watch and listen to narratives ranging from the story of the robberies by the first French criminals with getaway cars, accounts of identity theft, classic detective fiction by Simenon, contemporary best-sellers by Vargas and scenes from smash-hit series Engrenages.
IMPORTANT NOTE: although this course is about crime narratives, care has been taken to avoid direct depictions of violence. However, the cinematic extracts include one shooting (Les Brigades du tigre) and one fleeting picture of a stabbing victim (Les Vents de Neptune) and these will be signalled ahead of time. If you have any concerns about potential triggers, please talk to the course co-ordinator / the lecturer in confidence.ﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
The majority of students in this course have successfully completed FREN3113 or its equivalent. However some students are placed directly into this course on the basis of discussions with the course co-ordinator: for example, they might have completed high school French + 6 months or more in a French speaking country; be a background speaker; have taken immersion + extension French. If you successfully completed FREN3113 in the last three years, you are in the right course. If you haven't successfully completed FREN3113 within the last three years, you should initiate a language placement discussion through completing the questionnaire on the Language Course Advisor website: https://courseplacements.languages-cultures.uq.edu.au/
Please also note that on the basis of such knowledge or abilities, enrolment in a different course may be recommended. If a student enrols in a course for which they hold incompatible qualifications, they may be advised to cancel their enrolment. Any misrepresentation in the placement process may be raised as a misconduct matter.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
FREN3113 or permission of course co-ordinator
Course staff
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Semester structure: Thisﾠcourse follows the University of Queensland semester for all students. If you are a cross-institutional student, please check the UQ semester and exam period dates, which might not coincide with those at your home university.
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 objective of this course is to allow you to develop your skills related to narration in French. You will therefore, read, produce and analyse narration in various genres, in French. We have chosen the theme of crime because in texts narrating crimes it is essential that a coherent chronology isﾠpresented. In what order did the events take place? Where was everyone when the crime reportedly happened? Who arrived on the scene first? etc. Furthermore, since detective fiction is a flourishing and popular genre in France, this course allows you to build up useful cultural knowledge.ﾠ
You will watch news reports, tv mini-series, films, listen to podcasts, read newspaper articles, short stories, extracts from novels and write scripts, pastiches, adaptations and your own crime fiction text. You will discuss all of these, in French.
You therefore will have opportunities to work on your critical thinking, on all four linguistic macro-skills (reading, listening, speaking and writing) and will acquire cultural knowledge related to crime and crime fiction. Your own contributions will add to the richness of the experience of the course.ﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate understanding of what narration is and how it varies according to culture, genre and purpose; specifically, how crime stories can be recounted in French according to, for example, genre, setting, historical period.
LO2.
Produce narrative texts in different genres in French, through the reuse of linguistic and non-verbal behaviour studied in the course (including rules of pragmatics, register, textual organisation, grammar and pronunciation), according to appropriate standards of academic integrity.
LO3.
Use French at B2 level on the Common European Frame of Reference for languages, across the skills of oral interaction, listening comprehension, reading comprehension and written production, including for creative purposes.
LO4.
Demonstrate successful use of/adaption to technologies for communication.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Course placement
|
7/03/2025 5:00 pm
Friday, WEEK 2. Please note - students who have completed the placement questionnaire in a previous year do not need to do so again. 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. |
|
| Examination |
Video-based in-class exam
|
30% |
26/03/2025
This is an in-person, Inspera Exam conducted during class time in WEEK 5. |
| Essay/ Critique, Reflection |
Reflection on crime narration
|
20% |
9/05/2025 5:00 pm
Friday WEEK 10 |
| Practical/ Demonstration, Project |
Detective Fiction Project (1) : Oral discussion
|
25% |
16/05/2025 - 23/05/2025
The project plan should be submitted by 5pm on the Friday of WEEK 11. By that time students should also have booked one of the available interview slots scheduled outside classtime in WEEK 12. |
| Creative Production/ Exhibition, Essay/ Critique, Project |
Detective Fiction Project (2) : Detective story
|
25% |
16/06/2025 5:00 pm
Exam Week 2 |
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
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Due date
7/03/2025 5:00 pm
Friday, WEEK 2. Please note - students who have completed the placement questionnaire in a previous year do not need to do so again. 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.
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
Task description
All students in FREN3114 should have completed the placement quiz - most students completed it before they enrolled in FREN2112 and do not require to take it again. Simply check your eligibility against the criteria below. Most students will be in group 1 and do not need to take any action.
- Students who recently passed FREN3113: No further action is required on your part. The course co-ordinator will check your academic record and note on Grade Centre that you have passed the placement requirement.
- Students who recently passed FREN2112 or FREN3111 AND have studied in a French-speaking country for a semester/ taken courses in French through another tertiary institution: Please email the course co-ordinator to let her/ him know about this, and it will be noted on Grade Centre that you have passed the placement requirement. (Contact Barbara Hanna b.hanna@uq.edu.au before semester starts; contact Peter Cowley during teaching weeks p.cowley@uq.edu.au)
- Students whose experience isn't described above: Please complete the Language course advisor questionnaire: https://courseplacements.languages-cultures.uq.edu.au/ You will either receive an automatic message advising you of the appropriate course, or the system will initiate an exchange of messages with French section staff regarding your level.
Use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Translation: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
This is a hurdle requirement. If you do not pass the placement hurdle (either because you are required to do the placement test and do not do it or because you are placed in another course) you cannot get a grade higher than "3" in this course. If you are awarded a grade of "3" on the basis of this hurdle, you are eligible for supplementary assessment and the supplementary assessment will be the placement test: if you pass the placement test as a supplementary assessment item, you can be awarded a grade of "4" but no higher; if you fail the placement requirement, your grade remains a "3".Submission guidelines
See above. Most students do not need to submit anything. Students in category (2) above email the course co-ordinator; students in category (3) above complete the online questionnaire.
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.
Placement in this course, determined through the completion of this Placement Test, is a hurdle requirement. It is necessary to be placed in the course prior to Week 2 (last day to add a course or change enrolment) so that students can transfer to an alternative course if necessary.
Video-based in-class exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
26/03/2025
This is an in-person, Inspera Exam conducted during class time in WEEK 5.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
Format: You watch a short video presenting a non-fiction narrative of a crime in order to answer questions of three types: multiple choice questions; short answer questions; a question requiring a short narration (150-200 words) of an aspect of the events. You have 60 minutes + 5 minutes reading time (you can start work during reading time).
The exam is delivered via the Inspera platform (practice tests allow you to familiarise yourself with the environment): you are able to navigate the questions as you wish and watch the video as many times as you like during the 65 minutes of the exam.You will need to bring your own device and headset/ earbuds etc in order to take this exam.
Marking criteria : demonstrated comprehension of the material and ability to present the information understood clearly; quality of the French. Detailed criteria are provided on Blackboard.
Exam adjustments: If you have Authorized Exam Adjustments (e.g. extra time or a separate room) you still need to make a request for the conditions to be applied in FREN3114 - the course co-ordinator will not be notified about the adjustments you require if you do not fill in the form linked to this page at Step 3. Please note that you should give two weeks' notice so that any extra arrangements can be made (finding rooms, invigilators etc).
Use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Translation: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Students are not permitted to use sound to text software when taking this examination.
Exam details
| Planning time | 5 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | Dictionary (paper or electronic); verb tables (paper or electronic); course reader; course blackboard site. |
| Exam platform | Inspera |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Late submission
The examination submits automatically at the end of the allocated time.
Reflection on crime narration
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Reflection
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
9/05/2025 5:00 pm
Friday WEEK 10
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04
Task description
Topic: In a short, structured, written commentary which responds to a specific question, you discuss an extract* from a "detective" film, series, short story, novel, or related text, with reference to the narrative and generic concepts presented in the course and worked on in the weekly tutorials. This allows you to demonstrate awareness of the standard characteristics of a popular genre of film/tv/fiction in France. *A selection of suitable extracts will be provided on Blackboard, you will choose one of them to write about in response to the set question.
CEFR: The assessment item allows you to demonstrate competence at B2 level on the CEFR (Common European Frame of Reference) language proficiency scale for Written Production, and intellectual engagement with course content.
Assessment criteria: This assessment item will be marked on: quality of the commentary content (logic, application of narrative and generic concepts discussed in the course, demonstrated understanding of the extract); linguistic accuracy; linguistic richness. A detailed criteria grid is provided on the FREN3114 Blackboard site.
Length: 300 words (+/- 10%). If the work is below 270 words, the mark will be reduced proportionally (e.g., if your work is marked against the criteria at 16/ 20, but is 150 words long, the mark is reduced to 8/20). If the work is over 330 words long, excess material will not contribute to the mark.
Use of Generative AI and Machine Translation: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submission via Turnitin (link on 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.
10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item, per 24 hour block (or part thereof).
For example, if this is item is submitted 28 hours late: 2 periods of 24 hours x 10% X 20 = a reduction of 4 marks.
Detective Fiction Project (1) : Oral discussion
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration, Project
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
16/05/2025 - 23/05/2025
The project plan should be submitted by 5pm on the Friday of WEEK 11. By that time students should also have booked one of the available interview slots scheduled outside classtime in WEEK 12.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03
Task description
PROJECT : DETECTIVE FICTION
PART ONE: ORAL INTERVIEW
Topic: In a small group interview (two students and two staff), you explain your plans for the detective story which you are writing, discussing your narrative choices with references to the conventions and practices of crime fiction in French (as studied in the course). This is also an opportunity for you to obtain feedback on your proposed project.
Format: You respond to questions about your experience as an author (what choices you have made and why; what remains to be done; potential problems). While the interview is led by staff, you are welcome to interact with your peers in the discussion and to ask questions of staff. This is an informal discussion: no powerpoint, written texts, digital devices or notes are necessary or permitted. Please note that this is NOT: a rehearsed role play (you do not need to prepare with the other student); a group assignment; a recital of a memorized script; a reading of notes. It IS an interview in which you discuss your work.
CEFR: This assessment item allows you to demonstrate competence at the C1 level on the CEFR (Common European Frame of Reference) language proficiency scale for Spoken Interaction.
Scheduling:
Preparation to be completed by 5pm Friday of Week 11:
- Sign up for a discussion slot (sign up sheet on Blackboard)
- Submit your project plan (using the supplied form) to Turnitin. The project plan is not marked, but contributes to the quality of the discussion by allowing you and your lecturers to prepare for it. If you do not submit a complete project plan on time, your mark on the criterion "qualité de la discussion" is capped at "pass".
Week 12:
- The discussion takes place outside class time, in students' choice of available slots. The interview/ discussion lasts approximately 8 minutes per student (including questions from staff).
Recording: The oral will be marked live, but will be recorded.
Criteria: This oral will be marked on: quality of the discussion; linguistic variety and complexity; linguistic accuracy; pronunciation and intonation. A detailed criteria sheet is provided on the course Blackboard site.
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.
Hurdle requirements
This is an Identity Verified Assessment Hurdle: you must achieve at least 40% on this assessment item (10/25) to score higher than a 3. For example even if you obtain 74/75 on your other assessment, but less than 10 on the oral, your overall grade cannot be higher than a 3. If, for whatever reason, you receive a 3, you may apply for supplementary assessment to attempt to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Project plan: via Turnitin (link on Blackboard).
Oral interview: live performance.
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.
If you require an extension for the submission of your plan, please note that staff need sufficient time to review it before your oral presentation. If you need an extension on the submission of the plan, but hope to do the oral as scheduled, apply for an extension for the submission on the plan in the first instance and the Course Coordinator will advise if you need also to apply for an extension on the oral (or to reschedule your oral to a later timeslot in the available sessions).
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.
Plan: The plan is not marked independently, but late submission WILL be reflected in the mark for the quality of the oral discussion. Therefore, if you cannot submit the oral on time, please apply for an extension (see information under "Extension or Deferral availability").
Oral interview: The work of students who do not have an extension and do not present during the scheduled oral times will be penalised. The penalty will be calculated on the basis of the first time at which the student is available - staff availability may mean that the oral has to be run on another day and students will not be penalised for any delay.
The penalty : 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item, per 24 hour block (or part thereof).
For example: A student has signed up to do the oral on the Wednesday of Week 12, but does not attend the oral and does not have an extension. The student emails on Thursday morning and offers to do the oral that day. However, staff have no availability and cannot see the student until the Friday. The oral mark is reduced by the penalty for one day.
Detective Fiction Project (2) : Detective story
- Online
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Creative Production/ Exhibition, Essay/ Critique, Project
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
16/06/2025 5:00 pm
Exam Week 2
Task description
PROJECT : DETECTIVE FICTION PART TWO WRITTEN NARRATIVE
Topic: You write a piece of "detective fiction" in French (1500 words) which shows your familiarity with the linguistic and generic content of the course. Within the word limit, you may choose to write an entire short story (challenging, but possible); or a chapter / a particular scene of an imagined longer work - you might, for example, write: Discovery of the crime; Arrival of the investigators; Interrogation of key witnesses; Consultation of the detectives; Revelation of the guilty party. Your text should not simply retell an existing piece of crime fiction: students wishing to rework/ adapt an existing story should consult their lecturer. The criteria sheet outlines the generic and linguistic elements your text should include.
CEFR: This assessment item allows you to demonstrate competence at the C1 level on the CEFR (Common European Frame of Reference) scale for Writing.
Format:
- The first page of your submission is a coversheet updating the project plan submitted in week 12. You may also add any additional information that will help the reader follow the story. (For instance, if you are writing the final chapter, your reader needs to understand who the characters are or what they have done.) This coversheet is NOT included in the word count.
- Please use 1.5 spacing to facilitate the feedback process.
Length: 1500 words. The mark for a text more than 10% under the required word length will be reduced proportionally. That is, if your mark against the criteria is 20/25, but your text is 750 words long, your marks is reduced to 10. Material in excess of 1650 words will not contribute to your mark.
Criteria: The work will be marked on knowledge of the genre; Variety of verb tenses and modes; Choix of verb tenses and modes; Accuracy of verbal groups; other forms of linguistic accuracy. A detailed criteria sheet is provided on the course Blackboard site.
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.
Submission guidelines
Submission via Turnitin (link on 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.
Penalty = 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item, per 24 hour block (or part thereof).
For example, if this is item is submitted 28 hours late: 2 periods of 24 hours x 10% X 25 = a reduction of 5 marks.
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. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
Each assessment item for FREN3114 gains a mark based on achievement on various criteria. The final grade for FREN3114 is based on the overall percentage obtained by the addition of these marks. The final grades correspond to the percentages above. The final percentage for the courseﾠwill be rounded up if necessary.
Hurdle requirement:ﾠThe final oral is an Identity Verified Assessment Hurdle: you must achieve at least 40% on this assessment item (10/25) to score higher than a 3. For example even if you obtain 74/75ﾠon your other assessment, but less than 10ﾠon the oral, your overall grade cannot be 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
The French @ UQ Learning Community website is a Blackboard site for all students enrolled in French, ﾠto which you can gainﾠaccess from your main Blackboard menu. There should be a link to it from your my.uq page as well. Otherwise, go to www.elearning.uq.edu.au, click on ‘log in to your elearning course’, log in and you should be able to access it from there.
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 From Week 1 To Week 5 |
Tutorial |
MODULE 1 Crimes et criminels Work on non-fiction accounts of crime and the language which makes them possible. |
Multiple weeks From Week 6 To Week 11 |
Tutorial |
MODULE 2 - Enquêtes et enquêteurs Work on detective fiction, narrative techniques and language including verb tenses and modes, direct and indirect speech. |
Multiple weeks From Week 12 To Week 13 |
Tutorial |
MODULE 3: Récit complet dans son contexte culturel Study of the short story "La nuit des brutes" by Fréd Vargas. |
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.