SYLLABUS
Spring & Fall Sessions
DUEFB2: FRENCH LANGUAGE UNIVERSITY DIPLOMA
B2 Level (INDEPENDENT)
Class Contact Hrs: 208
Language of Instruction: French
15 semester credits
MONTPELLIER, France
COURSE DESCRIPTION
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Semester course: one 13-week session, 16 hours of class/week (208 hours – 15 credits)
The weekly schedule is 16 hours. It includes 11.30 hours of French language, 1.30 hr of civilization,
and 2 electives of 1.30hr each to be selected out of a range of subjects illustrating French culture and
society.
PRE-REQUISITE
Each level should be taken to subsume the levels below it on the scale. That is to say, someone at B2
(advanced or Independent) is considered also to be able to do whatever is stated at B1/Threshold)
CECR chapter 3.7). Consequently he/she has reached most of the objectives stated for level B1 in the
course reference guide.
The following self-evaluation table aims at helping learners to assess their main linguistic
proficiencies (CECR, chapter 3.4)
Listening
Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in
work, school, leisure, etc.
Can understand the main points of many radio or TV programs on current affairs or topics of
personal or professional interest when the delivery is relatively slow and clear.
Reading
Can understand texts that consist mainly of high frequency everyday or job-related language.
Can understand the description of events, feelings and wishes in personal letters.
Conversation
Oral Production
Writing
Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is
spoken.
Can enter unprepared into conversation on topics that are familiar, of personal interest or pertinent
to everyday life (e.g. family, hobbies, work, travel and current events).
Can connect phrases in a simple way in order to describe experiences and events, my dreams, hopes
and ambitions.
Can briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. I can narrate a story or relate the
plot of a book or film and describe my reactions.
Can write simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest.
I can write personal letters describing experiences and impressions.
COURSE CONTENTS
1) French language course
The objectives conform with the Independent level of the Common European Framework of
Reference for Languages (CEFR). In order to better achieve the learning and production process,
courses are designed as modules based on the various competencies: language, reception
(comprehension) and production (expression).
2) Civilization course
Class attendance is mandatory to obtain the end of semester diploma.
The 1.30 weekly hour course introduces Montpellier, the Languedoc-Roussillon region, French
society, political and social life, the media etc…
The aim of the course is to understand the foundations of contemporary French society
Course description:
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•
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Montpellier
Languedoc-Roussillon
France geography and economy
French society: the institutions, the French education system, the media and historical
landmarks
Students make use of a textbook and audio-visual aids
3) Electives
From B1 to C2 final level, students must select 2 out of the 5 or 6 electives offered in each level.
• Cinema : B1, B2, C1 & C2
• French for environmental studies: B2, C1 & C2
• French of the social and economic fields & Business French : B1, B2, C1 & C2
• History of Art : B1, B2, C1 & C2
• Literature : B1, B2, C1 & C2
• Theatre : B1 and B2
OBJECTIVES
1) Language competence
Specific courses deal with grammatical and phonological acquisition. Two-hour modules deal with
grammar and one hour practice is based on phonetics in the language lab. Grammar focuses on
Sentence and Verb. Spelling and vocabulary are used on transversal activities of reception and
production. Spelling acquisition is linked with reading and writing activities. Lexical repertoire
enriches with classroom activities.
Grammar: Phrase structure, Time, Modals, compound phrases, indirect speech, phonetics, spelling,
vocabulary
2) Comprehension
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Written comprehension (CECR, 4.4.2.2)
OVERALL READING
COMPREHENSION
Reading for
Information and
Argument
Reading
Correspondence
Reading for
Orientation
•
Can scan quickly through long and complex texts, locating relevant details. Can qui
Can read with a large degree of independence, adapting style and speed of reading to different
texts and purposes, and using appropriate reference sources selectively. Has a broad active
reading vocabulary, but may experience some difficulty with low frequency idioms.
Can understand articles and reports concerned with contemporary problems in which the writers
adopt particular stances or viewpoints.
Can obtain information, ideas and opinions from highly specialized sources within his/her field
(B2+).
Can read correspondence relating to his/her field of interest and readily grasp the essential
meaning.
Can scan quickly through long and complex texts, locating relevant details.
Can quickly identify the content and relevance of news items, articles and reports on a wide range
of professional topics, deciding whether closer study is worthwhile.
Oral comprehension (CECR, 4.4.2.1)
OVERALL LISTENING
COMPREHENSION
Understanding
conversation between
native speakers
Listening as a member of
a live audience
Listening to Audio Media
and Recordings
Watching TV and Film
Can understand the main ideas of a complex text on both concrete and abstract topics,
including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization. Can follow extended
speech and complex lines of argument provided the topic is reasonably familiar, and the
direction of the talk is sign-posted by explicit markers.
Can understand standard spoken language, live or broadcast, on both familiar and
unfamiliar topics normally encountered in personal, social, academic or vocational life.
(B2+)
Can with some effort catch much of what is said around him/her, but may find it
difficult to participate effectively in discussion with several native speakers who do not
modify their language in any way.
Can keep with an animated conversation between native speakers. (B2+)
Can follow the essentials of lectures, talks and reports and other forms of
academic/professional presentation which are propositionally and linguistically
complex.
Can understand most radio documentaries and most other recorded or broadcast audio
material delivered in standard dialect and can identify the speaker’s mood, tone etc.
Can understand recordings in standard dialect likely to be encountered in social,
professional or academic life and identify speaker viewpoints and attitudes as well as
the information content. (B2+)
Can understand most TV news and current affairs programs.
Can understand documentaries, live interviews, talk shows, plays and the majority of
films in standard dialect.
3) Production competencies:
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Written expression (CECR, 4.4.1.2)
OVERALL WRITTEN Can write clear, detailed texts on a variety of subjects related to his/her field of interest,
synthesizing and evaluating information and arguments from a number of sources.
PRODUCTION
Creative Writing
Essays and
Reports
Correspondence
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Can write clear, detailed descriptions on a variety of subjects related to his/her field of interest.
Can write a review of a film, book or play.
Can write clear, detailed descriptions of real or imaginary events and experiences, marking the
relationship between ideas in clear connected text, and following established conventions of the
genre concerned. (B2+)
Can write an essay or report which develops an argument, giving reasons in support of or against a
particular point of view and explaining the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
Can synthesize information and arguments from a number of sources.
Can write an essay or report which develops an argument systematically with appropriate
highlighting of significant points and relevant supporting detail.
Can evaluate different ideas or solutions to a problem. (B2+)
Can write letters conveying degrees of emotion and highlighting the personal significance of events
and experiences and commenting on the correspondent’s news and views.
Oral expression (CECR, 4.4.1.1)
OVERALL ORAL
PRODUCTION
Sustained
Monologue
Public
Announcements
Addressing
Audiences
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Can give clear, detailed descriptions and presentations on a wide range of subjects related to
his/her field of interest, expanding and supporting ideas with subsidiary points and relevant
examples.
Can give clear, detailed descriptions on a wide range of subjects related to his/her field of interest.
Can develop a clear argument, expanding and supporting his/her points of view at some length
with subsidiary points and relevant examples.
Can construct a chain of reasoned argument:
Can explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various
options.
Can deliver announcements on most general topics with a degree of clarity, fluency and
spontaneity which causes no strain or inconvenience to the listener.
Can give a clear, prepared presentation, giving reasons in support of or against a particular point of
view and giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
Can take a series of follow up questions with a degree of fluency and spontaneity which poses no
strain for either him/herself or the audience.
Can give a clear, systematically developed presentation, with highlighting of significant points, and
relevant supporting detail.
Can depart spontaneously from a prepared text and follow up interesting points raised by members
of the audience, often showing remarkable fluency and ease of expression. (B2+)
Oral interaction (CECR, 4.4.3.1)
OVERALL SPOKEN
INTERACTION
Informal
Discussion
(with friends)
Formal Discussion
and Meetings
Goal-oriented
Cooperation
Information
Exchange
Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction, and sustained
relationships with native speakers quite possible without imposing strain on either party. Can
highlight the personal significance of events and experiences, account for and sustain views clearly
by providing relevant explanations and arguments.
Can use the language fluently, accurately and effectively on a wide range of general, academic,
vocational or leisure topics, marking clearly the relationships between ideas. Can communicate
spontaneously with good grammatical control without much sign of having to restrict what he/she
wants to say, adopting a level of formality appropriate to the circumstances. (B2+)
Can take an active part in informal discussion in familiar contexts, commenting, putting point of
view clearly, evaluating alternative proposals and making and responding to hypotheses.
Can with some effort catch much of what is said around him/her in discussion, but may find it
difficult to participate effectively in discussion with several native speakers who do not modify their
language in any way.
Can participate actively in routine and non-routine formal discussion.
Can follow the discussion on matters related to his/her field, understand in detail the points given
prominence by the speaker.
Can contribute, account for and sustain his/her opinion, evaluate alternative proposals and make
and respond to hypotheses.
Can understand detailed instructions reliably. Can help along the progress of the work by inviting
others to join in, say what they think, etc.
Can outline an issue or a problem clearly, speculating about causes or consequences, and weighing
advantages and disadvantages of different approaches.
Can pass on detailed information reliably. Can give a clear, detailed description of how to carry out a
procedure. Can synthesize and report information and arguments from a number of sources.
Can keep up with an animated discussion, identifying accurately arguments supporting and
opposing points of view.
Can express his/her ideas and opinions with precision, present and respond to complex lines of
argument convincingly. (B2+)
TEACHING METHODS
Classes take place in rooms with audiovisual facilities, language or multimedia labs.
Teaching aids
Workbooks supplied by the IEFE complemented by other teaching aids (newspaper articles, literary
works excerpts, grammar exercises, phonetics, photographs …), a language lab and multimedia
library.
ASSESSMENT AND DIPLOMA
Continuous assessment
Language acquisition is assessed after each class. An average grade results in the continuous
assessment grade.
Final exam at the end of the semester
The Diplôme Universitaire d’Etudes Françaises: Level B2 (DUEF B2) testifies to the competence
acquisition. It is delivered by Paul Valery University.
The diploma is awarded to students who get a minimum average grade of 10/20 (Continuous
assessment + final exam).
Class attendance is mandatory to obtain the end of semester diploma.
UNIVERSITY TRANSCRIPT SAMPLE DUEF B2
COMPETENCES
NUMBER OF
HOURS
CONTINUOUS
ASSESSMENT
4h
1h
/80
/20
1h30
2h
1h30
1h30
/25
/25
/25
/25
Language competencies
- Grammar
- Phonetics
Reception and Production Competencies
- Written Production
- Oral Production
- Written Comprehension
- Oral Comprehension
FINAL EXAM
/40
/40
/40
/40
Civilization
/20
2 electives to be selected
- Cinema
- Business French
- French for Environmental Studies
- History of Art
- Literature
- Theater
3h
1h30
1h30
1h30
1h30
2h
TOTAL
16h
/10
/10
/10
/10
/10
/10
/200
/200
IMLS TRANSCRIPT SAMPLE DUEF B2
Evaluation & Credits
COURSES
LEVEL & GROUP
HOURS
GRADES
CREDITS
FRENCH LANGUAGE
/ 80
/ 20
/ 25
/ 25
GRAMMAR
PHONETICS
WRITTEN PRODUCTION
ORAL PRODUCTION
WRITTEN COMPREHENSION
ORAL COMPREHENSION
B2
208
/ 40
/ 40
/ 25
/ 25
/ 40
/ 40
/ 20
CIVILIZATION
15
CULTURE & CIVILIZATION
/ 10
/ 10
ELECTIVE 1
ELECTIVE 2
TOTAL FRENCH LANGUAGE
/20 Letter grade
GRADING SYSTEM
A : Excellent
B : Good
C : Fair
D : Poor
F : Fail
I : Incomplete
LEVELS
A : 15 – 20
B : 12 – 14,99
C : 9 – 11,99
D : 6 – 8,99
F : 0 – 5,99
15
ELECTIVES
Cinema
Business French
French for Environmental Studies
History of Art
Literature
Theatre
You are entitled to attend all elective classes during the 1st week ONLY
During the 2nd week, you must enrol on 2 elective classes with the secretary’s office
The program runs for 13 weeks and is assessed during the final week
Class attendance is mandatory
CINEMA - M. B. DANON – 3HRS /WK
OBJECTIVES
Students will explore the following questions and issues:
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Does the cinema represent reality or is it a way to forget about it ?
Is the cinema a witness of our times or does it divert attention from current events?
Merging illusions and dreams, does the cinema plunge the audience into an unreal
atmosphere which allows them to ignore their problems?
In any case, the cinema can claim a pedagogical role. Such film directors as Jean-Luc Godard, Alain
Resnais, Claude Chabrol, Eric Rohmer, Erick Zonca, Jacques Doyon among others have been skilful in
using the emotional impact of the cinema to help explain society at different levels.
Cinema highlights life issues with incomparable suggestive power. As historian Marc Ferro suggests,
the cinema offers a unique tool for investigating and revealing both real and unspoken aspects of
society.
ORGANIZATION
Each session consists of viewing a film on a specific societal theme followed by a group discussion.
ASSESSMENT
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6 papers which represent 50% of the final grade.
During the 13th week, students view and analyze a film which represents 50% of the final grade.
BUSINESS FRENCH - MS I. BERT – 90 MINUTES/WK
OBJECTIVES
Students enrolled in this course will be able to:
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Master French business vocabulary
Understand French Corporate culture
Master oral & written expression of business French
Produce reports & memos appropriate to business transactions
Read, understand and analyze business-related texts
CONTENT
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Corporate life
o
o
o
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Production
o
o
o
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Types of corporations in France
Start-ups
Case study: Ubisoft
The product
Price fixing
Family businesses (Bonne Maman, Ferrero)
Distribution
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o
o
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Types of businesses
Hypermarkets (Leclerc)
Trade-marks: MDD (Decathlon)
Innovations
COURSE ORGANIZATION
Documents from the press relating to socio-economic life will be found in a workbook as well as
videos, news reports, commercials …
ASSESSMENT
To be announced at the beginning of the semester.
READINGS
The press, television & internet are recommended as sources of information.
FRENCH FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
MS C. BUSKE 90 MINUTES/WK
OBJECTIVES & ACTIVITIES
Command of the vocabulary, syntax and organization of oral and written scientific language.
Preparation for B1/B2 DELF test on environmental studies.
Personal research from the press or internet leading to synthesized reports and oral presentations at
each session.
CONTENTS
Between 14 and 18 themes will be discussed during the year: current issues concerning the
environment, ecology, health, scientific innovations….. The elective can thus be studied during one
semester (Fall or Spring) or during both semesters.
ASSESSMENT
Final exam at the end of the semester
Optional exercises may result in final exam upgrade: presentations, spontaneous participation.
TEACHING SUPPORTS
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Workbook : « French for environmental studies » by C. Santodomingo (available at the
University store)
Texts handed out in class or information collected from internet.
READINGS
Encyclopædia Universalis
Various internet sites
La science au présent
Ça m’intéresse
Sciences & vie, Sciences & vie junior
Sciences et avenir
Alternatives économiques
Collection « Les Essentiels », Milan
Among other publications, depending on topics.
HISTORY OF ART - M. A. RANIERI – 90 MINUTES/WK
CONTENU
ART
SEMESTRE 1
SEMESTRE 2
Aesthetics and European Avant-garde
History of 19th century painting
Applied arts 1905-1930
From antiquity to modernity
Cubism
Neoclassical aesthetics: David, Ingres
Italian futurism
Romanticism in painting: Géricault, Delacroix
Expressionism
Realism in painting: Courbet, Manet
Primitive arts
Monet and the Impressionists
Post-war object and realism
Pop art and neo-realism
ASSESSMENT
Procedures will be discussed with students at the beginning of the semester.
READINGS
20th century History of Art - TASCHEN
History of Art - Hachette Éducation
History of Art – Contemporary time – Flammarion
LITERATURE - MS M. PUJOL – 90 MINUTES/WK
OBJECTIVES
After taking this course, students will be able to read, understand and analyze literary excerpts to the
point where they will be able to enjoy reading French literary texts.
COURSE ORGANIZATION
The course will be organized in 12 sessions dealing with the critique of various literary genres such as:
• Comedy as exemplified by extracts from theater
• Fiction: how readers are drawn into a novel
• Social criticism as for example, in Jean de La Fontaine’s fables
• Portraits: how characters are shaped in works of fiction
Texts will be handed out for students to prepare for each class discussion both in terms of vocabulary
acquisition and content critique.
ASSESSMENT
A final exam at the end of the semester will test students’ability to interpret literary texts .
READINGS
Excerpts from 17th, 19th and 20th century literary works in French.
FRENCH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE IN THEATER STAGING
DRAMA & POETRY MS G. PIERRA – 2HRS/WK - MANDATORY CLASS ATTENDANCE
OBJECTIVE
This course is intended to stimulate oral expression and to sensitize students to issues of dramaturgy,
leading them to collaborately create works of their own.
COURSE CONTENT & ORGANIZATION
A number of exercises such as relaxation, improvisation and text interpretation are aimed at
students’ staging their own collaborative show.
COMPETENCE SKILLS
Improving expression of texts in a foreign language and culture through phonetics and pronunciation
resulting in genuine intercultural communication.
ASSESSMENT
Continuous assessment will take into consideration:
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Group involvement
Quality of work
Staging
Class attendance
READINGS
Texts to be studied will be announced on the 1st day of class.