French

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Why study French?

French is a language widely spoken on all continents and in many countries. It is used by approximately 200 million people as a native language, a language of instruction, and/or an official language.

It is one of the languages of diplomacy at the United Nations and other important international organizations such as the European Union. Learning French can therefore potentially improve one’s marketability and afford one access to an international community and education.

Moreover, in Trinidad and Tobago, there are approximately 600 French nationals and still others continue to migrate each year. Given the presence of this local French community there are many organizations such as Un côté français, Association Tandem, l’Alliance Française, which organize monthly gatherings and regular activities for the benefit of local francophones. Learning French can thus potentially expand one’s social circles and open the door to an array of new cultural experiences (cuisine, music, literature, philosophy) and destinations.

COURSE details

Delivery
Course Overview
Schedule
Delivery

Classes are conducted as far as possible in the target language to give students maximum exposure to the new language and culture. During the course, students develop an ability to communicate in French in situations relating to their personal lives.

In addition, students are expected to spend time on self-study preparing for classes and reviewing and consolidating work done in class. Students are also encouraged to develop a repertoire of strategies to promote their autonomy as language learners. At each level, 100% in-course testing is the form of assessment.

Course Overview

French is offered at three levels (subject to demand):

Level 1 (A & B) – Beginner
Level 2 (A & B) – Lower Intermediate
Level 3 (A & B) – Intermediate

French 1A

French 1A is a beginners’ French course that introduces students to the French language and to some of its cultural aspects. By focusing on the four basic skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing), students will develop an initial ability to communicate in French in basic situations relating to their personal lives. Students will be introduced to the concept of learner autonomy in language learning.

French 1B

French 1B is a beginners’ French course that builds on the work done in French 1A. By focusing on the four basic skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing), students will enhance their ability to communicate in the French in situations relating to themselves and areas of immediate relevance. Students will continue to develop their autonomy in language learning.

French 2A

French 2A is a lower-intermediate course that builds on the work done in French 1B. Students will be able to function increasingly independently in all four skill-areas in familiar situations and topics.

French 2B

French 2B is a lower-intermediate course that builds on the work done in French 2A. Students will be able to function more independently in a variety of familiar situations and topics in all four skill-areas.

French 3A

French 3A is an intermediate course that builds on the work done in French 2B. Students will start showing a degree of fluency in the four different skills. Students will demonstrate more of the behaviours and attitudes of independent learners.

French 3B

French 3B is an intermediate course that builds on the work done in French 3A. Students will be able to demonstrate increased ease when interacting whether orally or in writing. Students will demonstrate more of the behaviours and attitudes of independent learners.

Schedule

There are 52-contact hours per semester. Classes meet for four 50-minute sessions per week, with classes beginning on the hour and ending ten minutes before the hour (e.g. 11:00 to 11:50). However, class contact time should be supplemented by two hours of independent study for each contact hour.

View timetable.