BERGAMO
Overview
Date/time interval
Syllabus
Course Objectives
The course is divided into two main parts, covering the first and second semesters respectively. By the end of the first semester, students will be familiar with the key aspects of spoken French. By the end of the second semester, students will be familiar with the key aspects of French vocabulary from a morphological and semantic point of view.
They will also have strengthened their skills in the four communication skills of level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
Course Prerequisites
Knowledge of French equivalent to level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Teaching Methods
Teaching takes place through lectures combined with the use of multimedia tools. Particular attention is paid to discussion and direct dialogue with students, who are encouraged to make suggestions for further study during lessons.
In order to achieve level B2 of the CEFR, students must attend the language learning activities (AAL B2) scheduled as part of the weekly timetable, as well as the tutoring activities provided during the year (see University Language Centre).
Assessment Methods
SUBJECT KNOWLEDGE:
(Semester 1) The assessment consists of an oral interview on the knowledge of the teaching concepts and the ability to apply them to concrete cases of language production. Attending students who are required to take the French Language 13230 exam will have the opportunity to take an intermediate written test in December consisting of multiple-choice and open-ended questions covering the part of the course programme completed in the first semester and before the test date. This part will not be subject to further specific assessment in the final oral exam. The result (only if positive) will be taken into account for the final mark. In order to register for the partial exam, specific lists will be made available to attending students during class hours.
(Semester 2) The assessment consists of an oral interview on knowledge of the concepts covered in the course and on the ability to apply them to concrete cases of language production with a focus on lexicology and lexicography. As an alternative to the bibliography test, students may submit a lexical analysis of various types of texts in the form of a dossier, following the guidelines provided during the lectures.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS:
NB: In order to be admitted to the oral examination, students must have passed each of the written tests assessing their communication skills at level B2 (see Learning objectives). These tests are organised as follows: a) computerised grammar/vocabulary test (Dr Gottry - semester 1 and Dr Vassord - semester 2); b) oral comprehension test (Dr Gottry and Dr Vassord); c) written comprehension/expression test (Dr Muller). In order to be admitted to test c), students must have passed tests a) and b). For details on the tests, please consult the University Language Centre website.
The results of the written tests will be published by the course lecturer, Professor Michela Tonti, on the e-learning platform (French Language II).
FINAL MARK:
The final exam mark, calculated out of 30, is based on the assessment of the knowledge acquired. The achievement of B2 level communication skills contributes to the final mark awarded by the lecturer.
AAL tests account for one third of the final mark. The oral exam accounts for two thirds of the final mark.
Grades are awarded on a scale of 30, as follows:
Excellent (30 with honours) – Knowledge and skills fully acquired and applied with precision, effectiveness and autonomy. No errors.
Very good (30–27) – Very solid knowledge and skills, applied correctly and confidently. Minor and non-recurring errors.
Good (26–24) – Adequate knowledge and skills, with some uncertainty or inaccuracy. Errors present but not serious or systematic.
Sufficient (23–18) – Basic knowledge and skills acquired, but applied partially or with obvious errors. Sufficient general understanding.
Insufficient (less than 18) – Knowledge gaps and skills not adequately developed. Numerous errors that compromise the success of the task.
Contents
Thematic focus for semester 1: “Le français parlé”
The module considers various elements that characterise contemporary spoken French in terms of its phonetic, morphological, syntactic and semantic aspects, also taking into account sociolinguistic variation (French-speaking area).
Thematic focus for semester 2: “Le lexique français”
The module focuses on lexical morphology and semantics, with particular regard to contemporary trends in the French lexicon and the contrastive aspect of French/Italian. The analysis of the lexicon is contextualised through the reading of French press articles, songs and advertisements.
Online Resources
More information
The documents presented during the lessons are accessible from the e-learning platform: “French Language II”.
As indicated in the assessment methods, access to the oral examination on the teacher's teaching is subject to passing the language proficiency tests (Level B2). For more information on acquiring these skills, please refer to the University Language Centre's web pages. Those who have a B2 level certificate can request recognition from the Student Secretariat. This exempts them from the oral comprehension and written comprehension/expression tests, but not from the grammar/vocabulary test.
Erasmus students or students from other departments who wish to take the French Language II exam are invited to contact the lecturer during office hours to agree on a specific exam programme.