- Online
- $600
Gain an understanding of basic French syntax and grammar in this online course, designed to improve your reading and writing skills. Read a variety of authentic French documents such as agendas, letters and advertisements. Broaden your vocabulary and produce simple and functional writing such as invitation letters, postcards, thank-you notes and small ads. Suitable for beginner French students.
Note: French – Beginner 1 (AF010) or equivalent is required.
Before registering, please take our self-assessment to determine your level.
Course outline
At this level you have already had experience with French in high school or through a conversational beginner course. You will add to your basic vocabulary in everyday situations involving travel, food, shopping, transportation, family and business. In addition to improving your functional ability when speaking in the present tense, you will begin to express yourself in the past and future tenses.
Course structure
This course consists of nine weekly units. Each unit starts with a reading from an authentic source which then serves as the source of grammar and vocabulary lessons. A variety of activities will have your practicing and improving your writing skills.
Course schedule
- Week 1: Agenda : liste d’épicerie; jours, mois, vocabulaire de nourriture; temps de verbe – infinitif; verbes d’action; singulier-pluriel des noms
- Week 2: Maison à vendre : vocabulaire de la maison; féminin-masculin des adjectifs; couleurs
- Week 3: Carte postale : vocabulaire des voyages, transport, météo; conjugaison des verbes au présent de l’indicatif des verbes du 1er groupe, du 2e groupe et du 3e groupe
- Week 4: Invitation à une fête : pouvoir-devoir-vouloir; temps de verbe – impératif
- Week 5: Profil Twitter : adjectifs possessifs; articles définis; articles indéfinis
- Week 6: Lettre de remerciement : passé composé avec avoir et être
- Week 7: Horoscope : futur proche et futur simple
- Week 8: Offre d’emploi : professions, qualificatifs, talents, compétences
- Week 9: Blogue « La torture de l’examen de français des futurs profs »: négation
Expected effort
You can expect to spend approximately five hours per week to complete the activities.
Course format
The format of this course is 100% online.
About online learning
Our Reading and Writing courses are purpose-built for online learning using UBC instructional design resources and tools.
Online courses are hosted on the intuitive learning management platform Canvas. Every week, your instructor releases a new module or lesson. Each lesson might include materials such as class notes, readings, links to articles, videos and practice exercises. You may also be asked to post on discussion boards and submit assignments.
Your instructor is there to provide you feedback on your work, and guide online forum discussions. Some may hold virtual office hours. You can also communicate with your instructor through Canvas.
Expect to spend four to five hours per week on your course - you do get out what you put in! You can log in anytime day or night. Some courses, however, might include exercises and assignments with deadlines. Materials will be available for two weeks after the course ends, after which time you will no longer be able to access the course.
We will send you instructions on accessing Canvas before your first class.