Type of course

The course can be taught in-person or online. At 'timetable & registration' you find an overview of our courses.

In a classroom course, the teacher and all students are present in the classroom. To be able to participate online, you are advised to use a headset with microphone.To check that everything is working properly, please use: Quick Tech Check.

It is not possible to switch between courses once the course has started.

Course description

The French 8 course is intended for those who have completed the French 7 course or have a comparable level (B2.1) of French. From the beginning of this course, you will start communicating in French. The topics covered include: travelling, environment, literature, formulating a point of view, discussing actualities. The necessary grammar is explained and ample attention is paid to vocabulary. All skills are covered: speaking, writing, reading and listening. Attention is also paid to the cultural context of the countries in which the language is spoken.

After completing this course, you will be able to understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in your field of specialisation. You can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. You can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

The course makes use of the digital learning environment BrightSpace. Within this learning environment you will find the homework and additional learning materials. Course participants are expected to prepare the lessons at home. (approximately two hours per lesson)

The course is concluded with a test. A certificate is awarded if the test is completed successfully and the participant has attended 80% of the lessons.

Course material

• Entre nous 4,  Livre de l’élève + Cahier d’activités + CD, A. Avanzi en C. Malorey, Unités 5 t/m 8,    
  Version Premium, ISBN 9788417249762
• Grammaire progressive du français avec 400 exercises niveau avancé, 3e édition. Boulares e.a., CLE International. ISBN 9789054511571.
• Corrigés grammaire progressive du français 400 exercises niveau avancé, 3e édition. Boulares e.a., CLE International. ISBN 9789054511588.

The textbook Entre Nous 4 used in this course consists of eight chapters and corresponds to a complete level of the CEFR/ERK. The aim of this book is to guide you from level B1 to level B2. The content is divided into two courses. After the course French 7 you will reach level B2.1 and after following French 8 level B2.2 (B2).

The course material is not included in the registration fee. Course participants are required to purchase course materials themselves, well in advance. (for example at 'Talenland' online bookstore)

Target group and admission requirements

The course is intended for adults with a higher education, including both Leiden University students and staff members and other interested parties with no relation to the University. The course is open to persons aged 17 and older who have completed a secondary school education.

You can participate in this course if you have successfully completed the French 7 course or if you can prove that you have a comparable level of French. Potential participants who do not fulfil these entry requirements have to complete an entry test to determine whether their level is sufficient. This test is a computer test. It can either be taken at the Language Centre or downloaded and taken at home.

Other information

• The maximum number of participants for an online course is 16 and for a classroom course is 18. 
• The course load is 56 hours. On request a Course load declaration form can be issued. The student should enquire with their department whether course participation can be converted into credits.
• The holiday periods can be found in the Academic Language Centre's academic calendar.
• If classes are cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, they will be added on to the end of the course. Please take into account courses may end later than scheduled.
• The course level is indicated with the help of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.