Ateneo - UPO

The module organically integrates two complementary parts: the French Language Exercises B course addresses the study of instrumental language. It is structured in such a way as to allow the passage from competence level B2 to C1 of the CEFR in all the skills foreseen by the descriptors, developing in particular the technique of translation from Italian to French and written composition, as well as oral communication skills, while the French Linguistics B course proposes a reflection on the concept of linguistic variation, with particular attention to diastratic and generational variation, in both a diachronic and synchronic perspective, through the analysis of various corpora.

Please refer to the bibliography in the two modules that make up the integrated tests.

The integrated class includes the French Linguistics B module (a 30-hour course, held in the first semester) and the French Language Exercises A module which is an annual course of 92 hours. It combines a metalinguistic approach and a language learning program that brings the student from level B2 to level C1 of the CEFR, and allows him to develop critical and analytical skills.

CEFR level B2 is required (French Language II module).

Lectures and seminar activities (for the Linguistics B module) and practical activities (for the French Language III exercises), with various exercises, individual research, watching reports and podcasts.

Access to the DIR pages of the two modules of the integrated form.

Each of the partial examinations that make up the integrated module comprises both a written test and an oral test. The assessment of skills and abilities takes equal account of the results obtained in the two modules: the final mark for French Language III is therefore obtained from the average of the final marks obtained in the two modules that make up the integrated examination.
French Linguistics B:
The written test consists of a 90-point test (each question corresponds to one third of a point, the mark is expressed in thirtieths). Duration of the test: 3 hours. It consists of open questions focusing on morphosyntax and colloquial register vocabulary. One third of the test involves the analysis of significant occurrences to be found in various corpora analysed during the course. It is necessary to achieve at least 18/30 in order to pass the written test and enter the oral test. The outcome of the written test will be communicated via the ‘Esse3 - Computer Services’ IT platform.
The oral test will focus on the critical reading of chapters 2, 3 and 6 of H. Walter's essay ‘Le français dans tous les senses’ (see bibliography), as well as theoretical introductions to the linguistic phenomena covered during the course. An individual examination will be assigned during the course (the hard copy of the weekly l'Obs, different for each student, provided by the lecturer) to be handed in at least 5 days before the oral test and on which clarification may be requested during the examination. The mark for the oral test is expressed in thirtieths.
Evaluation of the oral test
Will be judged i) insufficient a test that demonstrates serious deficiencies in training, inadequate use of specific terminology;
ii) sufficient (from 18 to 21) a test that demonstrates limited knowledge of the topics covered, inadequate use of specific terminology, limited ability to apply theoretical knowledge;
iii) fair (from 22 to 25) a test that demonstrates fair knowledge of the topics covered during the course, mostly adequate use of terminology, fair ability to apply theoretical knowledge to the conduct of research;
iv) good (26 to 28) a paper demonstrating good knowledge of the topics covered during the course, adequate use of terminology, good ability to apply theoretical knowledge to the conduct of research;
(iv) excellent (29 to 30) a test demonstrating excellent knowledge of the topics, consistently adequate use of terminology, excellent ability to apply theoretical knowledge, fluency of presentation. 30 cum laude rewards excellent competence in all the areas identified.
French Language B exercises III:
The examination consists of a written part and an oral part. The written part consists of two independent parts (3 hours set aside for each test, mark out of 30), taken in two sittings: a test of translation from Italian into French, a test of written composition (theme). The minimum mark in the two individual tests for admission to the oral test is 18/30. The oral test (approximately 15 minutes) consists of the presentation and discussion of the compulsory activity carried out individually (analysis and synthesis of an audiovisual report) monitored by the teacher during the second semester. A maximum of 3 points may be awarded for the oral test. One point is awarded for appropriateness of speech and fluency of expression, one point for grammatical correctness, one point for phonological correctness, taking into account the objectives set (CEFR level B1).
Students with disabilities, DSA, BES will be able to use the necessary support tools during the conduct of all scheduled examinations, written and oral.

The programme includes, for the French linguistics B module, a metalinguistic approach (reflection on linguistic variation, particularly diastratic and generational, analysis of the morphology of slang lexicon, description of the syntax of spontaneous orality, study of semantic neologisms, question of loans to other languages); for the French Language Exercises B course, the study of the language from CEFR level B2 to level C1, applied to the various skills and all the areas concerned (morphosyntax, lexicon, phonology, pragmatics).

Knowledge and comprehension:
The French Language III course, in addition to bringing learners to a full C1 CEFR level of competence in the various skills covered by the descriptors, allows them to develop a metalinguistic and critical approach, with a focus on colloquial French in the morphological, phonological and semantic fields.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding :
Learners will have a clear awareness of linguistic variation, and in particular of slang (emergence and forms). They will know how to use terminology appropriately to describe, within corpora of various kinds, the various lexical and semantic phenomena analysed during the course. They will also be able to translate from Italian into French, dealing with the question of linguistic registers and their specific use.
The learners will thus be able to profitably combine the metalinguistic skills acquired during the Linguistics B course and the practical study of the language carried out in the exercises.