PROGRAMME APPROVAL FORM SECTION 1 THE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION 1. Programme title and designation French Language and Culture For undergraduate programmes only Single honours Joint Major/minor 2. Final award Award Title Credit ECTS Any special criteria Value equivalent MA French 180 90 N/A Language & Culture 3. Nested awards Award Title Credit Value ECTS equivalent Any special criteria Postgraduate Diploma French Language & Culture 4. Exit awards Award Title Credit Value Postgraduate Diploma French Language & Culture 120 60 Students must take and pass 120 credits of taught modules ECTS Any special criteria equivalent 120 60 An unclassified PG Diploma may be offered in cases where a total of 120 credits of any combination of modules have been achieved. 5. Level in the qualifications framework M 6. Attendance Full-time Part-time Distance learning Mode of attendance N/A N/A Minimum length of programme Maximum length of programme 1 year (MA) 9 months (diploma) 6 years (MA) 5 years 6 months (diploma) 7. Awarding institution/body King's College London 8. Teaching institution King's College London 9. Proposing department French (with the Modern Language Centre) 10. Programme organiser and contact Professor Patrick ffrench
Details 11. UCAS code (if appropriate) N/A 12. Relevant QAA subject benchmark/ Professional, statutory and regulatory body guidelines 13. Date of production of specification Nov 2008 14. Date of programme review 2014/2015 Patrick.ffrench@kcl.ac.uk 020 7848 2547 QAA benchmark statement not yet available at MA level 16. Educational aims of the programme i.e what is the purpose of the programme and general statements about the learning that takes place over the duration of the programme 1. To substantially deepen the learner s knowledge and understanding of contemporary French language and culture; 2. To deepen students familiarity and critical engagement with a range of primary and secondary sources in the relevant literature; 3. To develop critical and analytical thinking, and skills of argumentation; 4. to provide high-level training in varied aspects of French language use (see MAFs for details); 5. to offer advanced knowledge and understanding of specialized topics in French studies (see MAFs for details); 6. to provide students with the opportunity to develop research skills and knowledge acquired through the taught courses on the MA and to focus these on an in-depth study of a particular topic, initially through writing extended essays, then, for those proceeding to the full MA, through the dissertation 7. To enable students further to develop key knowledge, intellectual, practical, and transferable skills. 17. Educational objectives of the programme/programme outcomes (as relevant to the SEEC Credit Level Descriptors) The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding and skills in the following areas: The programme provides a knowledge and understanding of the following: Knowledge and understanding These are achieved through the following teaching/learning methods and strategies: - the practical and intellectual issues involved in high-level debate and research in French studies - ability to research a topic (more thoroughly in the course of students competing the MA) and present a written analysis of it/argument about it. - ability to use French at a high level in a All teaching of this MA/Diploma is delivered as e-learning, with a high degree of interactivity. The language modules will involve both written and oral elements; the 'content' modules will be based on on-line seminars. Each block of teaching within a module will last one or two weeks, with the teacher(s) monitoring participation and input and contributing to and shaping
variety of forms and contexts. - varied aspects of French language usage; - specialized topics in French studies - Research resources (particularly research library catalogues, on-line catalogues, digital resources). - Subject specific skills; for instance Latin and Greek epigraphy. - Appropriate personal and professional conduct in the context of the discipline. discussion (on the model of modules in the successful War in the Modern World MA) Students will be required to participate fully, study extensively on their own (obtaining reading materials for themselves where appropriate, in addition to the materials made available online), and to prepare non-assessed work regularly. Students will receive individual supervision (notably for the dissertation) and engage with the current research of established scholars. Assessment: Coursework; Linguistic exercises Dissertation (for those taking the full MA) Intellectual skills: 1. Critical awareness to undertake analysis of complex, incomplete or contradictory areas of knowledge communicating the outcome effectively; 2. Critical awareness to synthesise information in a manner that may be innovative, utilising knowledge or processes from the forefront of the discipline/practice; 3. A level of conceptual understanding that will allow her/him critically to evaluate research, advanced scholarship and methodologies and argue alternative approaches; 4. Initiative and originality in problem solving. Can act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level, making decision in complex and unpredictable situations. Skills and other attributes These are achieved through the following teaching/learning methods and strategies: - online seminar-based discussion, centred on written presentations; - online teaching materials on research methods; - varied linguistic exercises, supported with interaction with peers and tutors. Assessment: - a combination of essays and various linguistic exercises, plus a dissertation for the MA; see MAFs
Practical skills: 1. Can operate in complex and unpredictable and/or specialised contexts, and has an overview of the issues governing good practice; 2. Is able to exercise initiative and personal responsibility in professional practice; 3. Be able to read in the original language the appropriate literary or documentary texts These are achieved through the following teaching/learning methods and strategies: - online seminar-based discussion, centred on written presentations; - online teaching materials on research methods; - varied linguistic exercises, supported with interaction with peers and tutors. Assessment: - a combination of essays and various linguistic exercises, plus a dissertation for the MA; see MAFs 4. Practical familiarity with elearning platforms and environment Generic/transferable skills: 1. Can work effectively with a group as leader or member. Can clarify tasks and make appropriate use of capacities of group members. Is able to negotiate and handle conflict with confidence; 2. Is able to use full range of learning resources; 3. Is reflective on own and others functioning in order to improve practice; 4. Can competently undertake research tasks with minimum guidance; 5. Is an independent and self critical learner, guiding the learning of others and managing own requirements for continuing professional development; 6. Can engage confidently in academic and professional communication with others, reporting on action clearly, autonomously and competently; 7. Has independent learning ability required for continuing professional study, making professional use of others where appropriate. These are achieved through the following teaching/learning methods and strategies: - online seminar-based discussion, centred on written presentations; - online teaching materials on research methods; - varied linguistic exercises, supported Assessment: - a combination of essays and various linguistic exercises, plus a dissertation for the MA; see MAFs
18. Statement of how the programme has been informed by the relevant subject benchmark statement(s)/professional, statutory and regulatory body guidelines There are not yet any relevant MA-level benchmark statements, but the BA benchmarks describe accurately the various complementary aspects of a programme of this sort. The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages sees level C2 as the typical (rather than threshold) outcome of a BA degree, and that is the highest level described; however, any non-native graduate of a French degree would recognize that s/he could continue to improve his/her mastery of the language, just as in other MA programmes the level of (e.g.) analysis, critical thinking etc is expected to be a significant advance on the level of a final-year undergraduate. See http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/benchmark/statements/languages07.asp and also http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/portfolio/?l=e&m=/documents_intro/data_bank_descriptors.htm l As far as the specific mode of delivery is concerned (ie elearning) we are using our current campus-based MAs (themselves based on subject benchmarks) as a starting point and benchmark in terms of the intellectual level appropriate to an MA, the number of hours of independent study expected of students, and the amount of input from academic staff. 19. In cases of joint honours programmes please provide a rationale for the particular subject combination, either educational or academic N/A Which is the lead department and/or School?
20. Programme structure Please complete the following table and, if appropriate, to include joint, major/minor or other variations Code = code of each module available for the programme Title = title of each module available for the programme, plus its credit level and credit value Status = please indicate whether the module is introductory (I), core (Cr), compulsory (Cp), one or more of however many modules must be passed to progress (CrCp), (P) professional (i.e. module testing skills/competency that has no credit level or value but is a professional body requirement) or optional (O) for each type of programme. For postgraduate programmes use the "single honours" column Pre-requisite/Co-requisite = where appropriate please indicate whether the module is pre-requisite to another module or co-requisite by noting pre or co and the module code that it is pre/co-requisite to. Assessment = please indicate in broad terms the assessment for the module eg written examinations, coursework (Note: the availability of optional modules may vary slightly from year to year; the following are the modules available at the commencement of the programme) Code Title Credit Level Credit Value Status (I, Cr, Cp, CrCp, P, O) for each type of module Single Joint Major/ Minor Pre-requisite/ Co-requisite (Please note the module code) Single Joint Major/ Minor Assessment Full-time Study First Year 7AALFRW2 Writing with Style & 7 20 Cp Yes Coursework Nuance 7AALFRW1 Interactive Writing 7 20 Cp Yes Coursework 7AALFRS1 7AALFRS2 7AAFM031 Oral Communication Strategies 7 20 Cp Yes Oral examination Contemporary French oral 7 20 Cp Yes Coursework, oral examination and visual language What is a Classic? 7 20 Cp Yes Coursework, oral examination, (French Literature 17 th -19 th participation
7AAFM070 7AAFLC09 Century) The French Avant-Garde and its uses Dissertation (French Language & Culture) 7 20 Cp Yes Coursework, oral examination, participation 7 60 CR Yes Dissertation Part-time Study First Year students must take 40 credits from the following modules: 7AALFRW2 Writing with Style & 7 20 Cp Coursework Nuance 7AALFRW1 Interactive Writing 7 20 Cp Coursework 7AALFRS1 7AALFRS2 Oral Communication Strategies Contemporary French oral and visual language students must take 20 credits from the following modules: 7AAFM031 7AAFM070 Second Year 7AAFLC09 What is a Classic? (French Literature 17 th -19 th Century) The French Avant-Garde and its uses Dissertation (French Language & Culture) 7 20 Cp Oral examination 7 20 Cp Coursework, oral examination 7 20 Cp Coursework, oral examination, participation 7 20 Cp Coursework, oral examination, participation 7 60 CR Dissertation 5000
students must take 40 credits from the following modules: 7AALFRW2 Writing with Style & 7 20 Cp Coursework Nuance 7AALFRW1 Interactive Writing 7 20 Cp Coursework 7AALFRS1 Oral Communication 7 20 Cp Oral examination Strategies 7AALFRS2 Contemporary French oral and visual language 7 20 Cp Coursework, oral examination students must take 20 credits from the following modules: 7AAFM031 What is a Classic? (French Literature 17 th -19 th Century) 7 20 Cp Coursework, oral examination, participation 7AAFM070 The French Avant-Garde 7 20 Cp Coursework, oral examination, and its uses participation If a Masters programme, are level 6 credit levels permitted within the programme? No Maximum number of credits permitted with a condoned fail (core modules excluded) 20 Are students permitted to take any additional credits, as per regulation A3; 5.10? No Are students permitted take a substitute module, as per regulation A3, 20.7? No Are there are any exceptions to the regulations regarding credits, progression or award requirements? (where relevant the information should also differentiate the particular requirements of pathways within a programme or nested/exit awards) Nested award Students are permitted to enrol as a Postgraduate Diploma student and exit with a Postgraduate Diploma award without taking the 60 credit dissertation element; or they would be permit to continue and take the 60 credit dissertation option and exit with an MA award.
Exit Award A classified PG Diploma may be offered in cases where students have gained 120 credits from taught modules (as identified on the nested award) Includes condoned fails An unclassified PG Diploma may be offered in cases where a total of 120 credits of any combination of modules have been achieved. Includes condoned fails Other relevant information to explain the programme structure Please note that new students enrolling on the information provided on this section of the PAF will have these regulations stipulated throughout their programme of study. The only exception to this will be if there are changes made by Professional, Regulatory or Statutory Bodies that are noted to this programme. (a) numbers of introductory, core, compulsory and optional modules to be taken in each year of the programme with related credit values full time: MA: 180 credits earned through 6 x 20 credit compulsory modules and 1 x 60 credit core dissertation module. PG Dip: 120 credits earned through 6 x 20 credit compulsory modules. Part time Year 1 MA: 60 credits earned through 3 x 20 credit compulsory modules. PG Dip: 60 credits earned through 3 x 20 credit compulsory modules. Year 2 MA: 120 credits earned through 1 x 60 credit core dissertation module and 3 x 20 credit compulsory modules. PG Dip: 60 credits earned through 3 x 20 credit compulsory modules. (b) range of credit levels permitted within the programme 7
(c) maximum number of credits permitted at the lowest level 180 credits (d) minimum number of credits required at the highest level 180 credits It will be possible for students to enrol on individual modules without enrolling for the complete MA/Diploma programme; enrolling for individual modules will not give automatic entitlement to a place on the MA/Diploma as such, but it is hoped that some students who begin with stand-alone module(s) will proceed to the Diploma/MA. It is envisaged that they may assemble the necessary credits over more than 2 years (to a maximum of 6). Students must take at least 20 credits of non-language modules, as designated by the French Department.
21. Marking criteria The assessment criteria follow the College s general criteria for the assessment of MA programmes. 22. Particular features of the programme which help to reduce the barriers experienced by disabled students and ensure that the programme is accessible to all students who meet the entry requirements Structure We welcome part time applications. Publicity and programme handbook These clearly communicate the key skills that will be required during the programme, the content of each module, the intended teaching methods to be used and the module s status. Teaching methods A wide range of teaching methods are utilised (as demonstrated by box 17), including: use of appropiate formats and e-learning delivery, electronic resources placed on the website, lecture notes in advance in electronic formats and transcriptions available for outside speakers and films. Assessment Advice has been taken from the Equality and Diversity Department to ensure assessment methods do not unfairly discriminate against students with disabilities. The College s Special Examination Arrangements Committee (SEAC) considers requests for adjustments to assessment to take account of learning and/or physical disabilities. Module outlines specify the assessment methods that will be used and explain that SEAC will need to be notified about requests for alternative assessment methods. The form that the alternative assessment will take has been specified for each module in advance. Feedback Feedback on the programme is regularly collected from students, including information from students with disabilities about their learning experience. The information collected is used towards the on-going development and improvement of the programme. In particular, it has prompted closer working with ISS to ensure that subject resources are offered in a range of alternative formats wherever possible.