Bachelor of Arts Honours in Teaching French as a Foreign Language
Communication Studies and Language - Language
Purpose and Rationale
Programme Overview
Purpose: The programme aims to equip learners with the theoretical background and practical experience needed to teach French as a Foreign Language effectively. By providing conceptual frameworks, experiential learning platforms, and training in teaching strategies using multimedia, this qualification prepares learners for careers in teaching and designing courses in French for adult learners. It also serves as a foundation for research in the field of Teaching French as a Foreign Language at postgraduate levels.
Rationale: The growing demand in South Africa for teachers trained in Teaching French as a Foreign Language to adult learners necessitates this qualification. Adult learners typically require French for specific purposes such as commercial, diplomatic, legal, technical, and administrative needs. Developed in partnership with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Alliance Françoise du Cap, this specialisation in French for Special Purposes addresses the need for skilled French language instructors. South Africa's increasing presence in Africa as an economic and technical partner has resulted in a demand for French teachers who can cater to businesses and public services working with Francophone countries.
Regional Impact: Since this is the first degree of its kind in Southern Africa, learners from neighbouring countries have shown interest in the programme. This qualification not only meets the local demand in South Africa but also fosters regional cooperation. The pathway from this Honours degree to Masters and Doctoral degrees in Teaching French as a Foreign Language indicates the creation of a new body of knowledge within the country with relevance at a continental level.
Key Features
- Theoretical background in Teaching French as a Foreign Language
- Practical teaching experience in an authentic learning environment
- Training in teaching strategies using multi-media tools
- Specialisation in French for Special Purposes
- Partnership with French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Alliance Françoise du Cap
- Focus on meeting the demand for French language teachers in various sectors
- Regional cooperation and interest from neighbouring countries
Potential Career Pathways
- French Language Instructor
- Course Designer for French for Special Purposes
- Researcher in Teaching French as a Foreign Language
- Academic in the field of French language education
By completing this qualification, learners will be prepared to address the increasing demand for French language teachers in South Africa and beyond, contributing to regional cooperation and the development of a specialized body of knowledge in the field of Teaching French as a Foreign Language.
Outcomes
Assessment Criteria
The achievement of the outcomes in the integrated assessment of the qualification is assessed through various methods including tests, examinations, research projects, and papers on theoretical approaches to socio-linguistics, learning, and cognition. Formative assessment involves oral presentations, supervised report writing, and successful completion of 18 hours of teaching practice. Summative assessment primarily consists of a research project incorporating a literature review, research proposal formulation, and pilot project report.
Each module will have appropriate assessment methods such as tests, assignments, written examinations, and dissertations for modules like Research Methodology, Landmarks in Modern Linguistic Thought, Learning and Cognition, as well as assignments and tests for Initiation to Additional Language Proficiency. Teaching Observation requires a logbook with critical awareness and metalinguistic reflection, while Teaching Practice involves continuous assessment. The Research Dissertation, a 15,000-word project, focuses on a theoretical framework and critical assessment of a pedagogical activity implemented during teaching practice.
The integrated assessment of a BA Honours learner in Teaching French as a Foreign Language includes foundational, practical, and reflective competencies. Assignments and essays contribute 40%, written tests and examinations 24%, oral presentations 12%, and the portfolio 4%. The research dissertation forms 20% of the assessment. Learners are evaluated on their ability to organize ideas logically, anticipate reader responses, incorporate technical data, and cite references accurately.
The summative assessment involves a research paper demonstrating independent thought, research capacity, knowledge of theoretical foundations, and scholarly literature. Criteria include a literature review, research question formulation, development of a research proposal, professional response to supervisor comments, and execution of the research project following disciplinary publication conventions.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.