This module takes you to an intermediate level of linguistic competence in French, which is equivalent to B1 level of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). You will develop your confidence in listening, reading, writing, speaking and interacting in French, as well as your knowledge and understanding of French-speaking societies and cultures. In addition, the module is designed to expand your academic, digital and employability skills in French contexts. You will have the option to study most activities in a book or as interactive online activities on the module website. Some activities are only available online. The website uses authentic online resources in support of independent and collaborative learning.
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05 Oct 2024 |
Jun 2025 |
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| Registration closes 05/09/24 (places subject to availability) Click to register
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This module is expected to start for the last time in October 2026.
What you will study
This module is based around six themes: Geography; Celebrations, Customs and traditions; Education and employment; Leisure and culture; Contemporary society; and History. Through each theme, you will gradually develop your French knowledge and skills by:
- familiarising yourself with core vocabulary and grammar
- learning about and reflecting on language, culture and intercultural communication skills
- studying with audio recordings and videos featuring speakers of French and their lives and environments
- engaging in a wide variety of speaking and interactive activities
- practising direct translation to support your language learning
- working independently and in collaboration with others
- reviewing and monitoring your progress using checklists, and reflective questions.
The study materials are carefully structured and graded, and provide ample opportunities to practise the language in realistic contexts.
Vocational relevance
Alongside language-specific skills and knowledge (e.g. grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, reading, writing, listening, speaking, interacting, cultural knowledge), you will develop intercultural communication skills, and translation skills, as well as academic, digital and employability skills. You will also learn about working practices in French-speaking countries and about using appropriate conventions for writing CVs and letters of application.
You will develop good communication skills and learn how to analyse, evaluate and present ideas and arguments effectively; and will become adept at relating to other people and being open to different points of view, all of which are highly valued skills in many professional settings.
Entry
This is an OU level 1 module. OU level 1 modules provide core subject knowledge and study skills needed for both higher education and distance learning.
You require a working knowledge of French to study this module, equivalent to A2 level of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for languages. It is ideal if you have successfully completed Introduction to French studies (beginners) (L102) or if you have reached a similar linguistic standard. You do not need a formal qualification in the language, but may have acquired your knowledge in adult education classes, time spent in French-speaking countries, regular contact with French-speaking people or other sources. You should be able to understand basic written and spoken materials and to hold a basic conversation in French in everyday situations such as talking about yourself; your family and where you are from; booking a hotel; or asking for directions.
To help decide if you have sufficient French to take this module with confidence, use our self-assessment quiz. If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser
Preparatory work
Before the module begins, we suggest that you continue to use your French in any way you can. You could do this by reading a French newspaper, using online resources, or watching some films in French. Anything you can do to keep practising your French will be helpful. Preparatory materials which help to revise the content of the previous module are available to students once they have registered with the University.
In addition, if you have studied the previous level 1 module, you can also revisit some of the activities and watch and listen to the audio materials from your materials. If you haven't studied this module, you can practise with these free online materials from OpenLearn by selecting French, Level 1.
Qualifications
Excluded combinations
Sometimes you will not be able to count a module towards a qualification if you have already taken another module with similar content. To check any excluded combinations relating to this module, visit our
excluded combination finder or check with an
adviser before registering.
If you have a disability
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying L112 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our disability support pages.
Study materials
What's included
You'll have access to a module website, which includes:
- a module guide
- a week-by-week study planner
- interactive reading, writing, listening and speaking activities, including audio and video content
- assessment details and submission section
- access to forums where you can interact with your tutor and fellow students
- online tutorial access.
You'll also be provided with three printed module books, each covering two blocks of study. The content of these books is available online, and the audio and video files needed can be downloaded from the website.
You will need
We recommend that you purchase a good bilingual dictionary. We will provide you with details of the latest editions of those that we consider will be most suitable, prior to you starting this module.
You’ll be asked to watch one French-language film that you’ll need to source yourself. The titles of the films you can choose from will be provided when you begin the module.
Computing requirements
You’ll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11) or macOS Ventura or higher.
Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.
To join in spoken conversations in tutorials, we recommend a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).
Our module websites comply with web standards, and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.
Our OU Study mobile app will operate on all current, supported versions of Android and iOS. It’s not available on Kindle.
It’s also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook. However, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you’ll also require a desktop or laptop, as described above.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
Throughout your module studies, you'll get help and support from your assigned module tutor. They'll help you by:
- Marking your assignments (TMAs) and providing detailed feedback for you to improve.
- Guiding you to additional learning resources.
- Providing individual guidance, whether that's for general study skills or specific module content.
- Facilitating online discussions between your fellow students, in the dedicated module and tutor group forums.
Module tutors also run online tutorials throughout the module and will provide plenty of opportunities to speak and listen to French. Where possible, recordings of online tutorials will be made available to students. While these tutorials won’t be compulsory for you to complete the module, you’re strongly encouraged to take part.
Contact us if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box.
The iCMAs test your reading and listening skills. The TMAs test your writing and speaking skills. The final TMA is an interactive speaking assignment which will be carried out by your tutor online.
Students also studied
Students who studied this module also studied at some time:
Future availability
French studies 1 (intermediate) (L112) starts once a year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2024.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2026.
How to register
To register a place on this module return to the top of the page and use the Click to register button.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our
Student Policies and Regulations website.