FRA10024 Text Knowledge and Academic Writing (Autumn 2024)

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Mandatory course in the One-year French Programme (full-time and part-time).
• Mandatory course in the 60 ECTS part of the Bachelor's Programme in Languages for students with French as one of their chosen languages.

Recommended requirements

Level II in French from upper secondary school or equivalent is highly recommended.

Lecture Semester

• One-year French Programme, full-time: 1. semester ( autumn)
• One-year French Programme, part-time: 1. semester (autumn)
• Bachelor's Programme in Languages with French as one of their chosen languages: 1. or 3. semesters (autumn)

The student's learning outcomes after completing the course

Knowledge

The student

• has knowledge of various types of texts and genres
• has understanding the relevance of context in a broader sense for good text comprehension
• has knowledge of various theories and methods for text analysis
• has understanding basic language structures and text coherence in French, as well as the necessary terminology for effective writing
• understands the importance of communication in knowledge development and sharing in various communication arenas
• understands the necessity of ethical source use

 

Skills

The student can

• comprehend texts in various genres and place them in their context (literary, historical, political, etc.)
• identify characteristics of different types of texts and explain their content and techniques in French
• construct a critical, independent, and structured argumentation in French
• produce various types of academic texts in French, with a particular focus on those relevant to their education
• properly cite sources and assess the quality of a source

 

General competence

The student

• can utilize various learning resources and apply them effectively for their own learning
• can apply central concepts and methods in their work
• can reflect on their learning strategies and their own progression

Content

In this course, students become acquainted with various types of texts and genres. These may include literary texts, newspaper articles, and political speeches, among others. Emphasis is placed on the importance of context (literary, historical, political, etc.) in understanding the texts, as well as on the literary devices employed in them. Additionally, the course provides an introduction to academic writing, with a particular focus on written expression, but there is also room for oral practice in online meetings. Students practice producing clear and well-constructed academic texts in French. Critical, analytical, and independent thinking is emphasized, along with secure and ethical use of sources.

Forms of teaching and learning

The teaching and guidance are conducted in online meetings via digital collaboration tools. The instruction alternates between lectures and work in smaller groups. The learning platform Canvas is used for distributing foundational documents, central study materials, assignments, and other relevant information about the course. Peer assessment and self-study are included in the learning methods. Additionally, students are encouraged to create their own communication channels outside of regular classes (such as chats, study groups). The instruction is given in French, but may resort to Norwegian where necessary.

Workload

280 hours

Practical training/internship

There is no practice in the subject.

Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam

Two individual, written submissions in French. The required courseworks are in French and are submitted exclusively through Canvas. The required courseworks are assessed as pass/fail. If an assignment is not passed, the student may submit one revised version of the assignment.

Examination

Individual digital home examination, written. Duration: 24 hours.

Scope: approximately 2500 words, excluding a short bibliography.

All aids allowed, except for communication and collaboration with others on the answers.

Grading scale A - F.

Examiners

External and internal examiner or two internal examiners.

Course evaluation

Feedback from our students is crucial for us to be able to offer the best possible courses and study programs. This course is evaluated in the following way: Mid-semester evaluation and ongoing evaluation/final evaluation

The results are processed by :

• Teaching group
• Head of Studies
• Programme committee

Literature

The current reading list for 2024 Autumn can be found in Leganto