Key facts
UNE unit code: FREN101
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information

In today’s global economy, the ability to communicate in more than one language is essential. Not only is French widely used as a working language in business environments making it a career asset, it is also the language of many great works of film and literature.
If you have little or no knowledge of French, this unit will help you develop the ability to communicate in the French speaking world and enhance your appreciation of French culture; music, film, theatre.
You will learn how to read, understand, write and speak an elementary level of French. By the end of the unit you will be acquainted with basic grammatical structures.
This unit also introduces you to many elements of French life and Francophone culture.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
| Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
No prior knowledge of the language is assumed.
Students with a pass of 70% or better in HSC French Continuers or students with HSC French Extension or equivalent level of knowledge should enrol at 200 level.
Students with existing competence in French (including HSC French Beginners) who are unsure of their current level of competence should take a placement test.
First language (French) speakers may not enrol in French language units except when required for (school) teaching accreditation in Australian states and territories.
Students may be able to obtain credit for their prior knowledge of the language under the University Admission Credit and Enrolment Guidelines.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate elementary listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in French;
- utilise elementary structures and functions of the French language, in particular grammatical structures;
- communicate in French with some depth on selected topics of everyday life;
- apply elementary knowledge of French cultural norms and society; and
- use cognitive skills to analyse and synthesise information when communicating at an elementary level.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Grammar and vocabulary quizzes No. Words: 600 (equivalent) |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Written language assessment. No. Words: 600 (equivalent) |
| Assessment 3 | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Oral assessment No. Words: 1000 (equivalent) |
| Assessment 4 | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Take Home Examination Open-book, timed examination. It is mandatory to pass this component in order to pass the unit. No. Words: 2000 (equivalent) |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Contacts
ISBN: 9780170292382
Valette, J.-P. and Valette, R.M., Cengage Learning 9th ed. 2014
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Collins French Dictionary and Grammar (English and French)
ISBN: 9780008183660
Collins Dictionaries, Harper Collins UK Essential ed. 2017
Text refers to: All offerings
English Grammar for Students of French
ISBN: 9780934034586
Morton, J., Olivia & Hill Press 8th ed. 2023
Text refers to: All offerings
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