CLINTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE

SPRING 2012

 


FRE 101-102 Beginning French I and II

INSTRUCTOR:  Monsieur Graham

OFFICE – 5th fl. 520

PHONE: 563-1779

E-mail: David.Graham@clinton.edu

                or mrquebec@gmail.com


OFFICE HOURS: Mon. and Wed. 9:00 - 10:00 A .M. and others by appointment

 

Course Descriptions

French 101 Beginning French I (First 8 Weeks) is designed for the beginning student with no previous experience in French.  The main objectives of this course are to help students develop effective communication skills in French through the elementary development of the four basic language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing), while focusing on and critically examining cultural beliefs, values and aspects of everyday life in French-speaking nations.

 

FRE 101 Course Goals and Objectives

I. Students will demonstrate effective communication skills in French through their ability to listen, read, write and speak clearly.  Students will be able to: 

·         Understand French that is spoken at moderate conversational speed and that deals with everyday topics.  (Listening Comprehension Novice Level II of the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines)

·         Engage in simple conversations with speakers of French in everyday situations.   (ACTFL Proficiency Level:  Novice II)

·         Read non-technical French in non-complex, familiar texts on various aspects of French culture. 

·         Write simple sentences correctly on the topics and activities presented in the course to fulfill writing assignments, including writing interview questions, descriptions of people and things, E-mail messages, postcards, dialogues, poems, and short essays.

 

II.                 Students will demonstrate an awareness of the cultures of the Francophone world.  Students will:

·         Formulate answers to personalized questions related to the cultural practices of daily life, such as family, housing, shopping, dining, and travel.

·         Identify the countries, some of the key famous people, and some of the distinguishing features where French is spoken.

 

French 102  Beginning French II (Second 8 Weeks) is a direct continuation of FRE 101 with further development of the four language skills to a High Novice Level III and continued introduction to Francophone culture (ACTFL Guidelines).  (Prerequisite: First semester beginning college level course or 2-3 years High School French.) This course meets the SUNY General Education Requirements for Foreign Language.

 

 

 SUNY General Education Knowledge Area Learning Outcomes:

Students will demonstrate:

1.               basic proficiency in the understanding and use of a foreign language; and

2.               knowledge of the distinctive features of culture(s) associated with the language they are studying.

 

French 102 Course Specific Objectives

I. Students will demonstrate effective communication skills in French through their ability to listen, read, write and speak clearly.  Students will be able to: 

§  Understand French that is spoken at moderate conversational speed and that deals with everyday topics.  (Listening Comprehension Novice Level II of the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines)

§  Engage in simple conversations with speakers of French in everyday situations.   (ACTFL Proficiency Level:  Novice II)

§  Read non-technical French in non-complex, familiar texts on various aspects of French culture. 

§  Write simple sentences correctly on the topics and activities presented in the course to fulfill writing assignments, including writing interview questions, descriptions of people and things, E-mail messages, postcards, dialogues,  poems, and short essays.

 

II.                  Students will demonstrate an awareness of the cultures of the Francophone world.  Students will:

§  Formulate answers to personalized questions related to the cultural practices of daily life, such as family, housing, shopping, dining, and travel.

§  Identify the countries, some of the key famous people and distinguishing features, where French is spoken.

 

The SUNY General Education Foreign Language Silo can be fulfilled by:

                Any college level foreign language course at the 102 level or above;

                or

A score in the 50th percentile on the CLEP credit by exam Proficiency test (This exam is offered several times every semester at the Lifelong Learning Center at PSUNY. For information on how to register, call 564-2050). Students with prior knowledge of French, German or French may earn up to 12 credit hours depending on the score they receive on the exam.

                                                                                                                                                                                   

Materials Needed

·         Deux Mondes, Terrell et all, 6th edition, text and audio tapes or CD.

·         Deux Mondes Workbook

·         CD’s to accompany Workbook/Laboratory Manual (these will be provided in class)

·         Marble Vocabulary Book

Recommended
·         An English/French pocket dictionary

 

Course Methods and Requirements

Learning a language is a positive experience because it broadens our horizons and increases openness to other cultures, to new experiences.  It’s a great way to get to know people from other cultures.  Keep an open mind about why you are taking French—don’t think of it as just another requirement (after all you likely chose French from among the other languages offered here and at CCC); think of studying French as a truly enriching learning experience. 

 

As soon as you feel you do not understand something, come to see me during my office hours or ask right after class.  Some frustration in the learning process is normal; analyze the source of your frustrations, and talk to me about it.  Study French on a daily basis; be as organized as possible.  Language learning takes time and effort.

Very important to everyone’s success in the course will be your attendance and active participation in class. As outlined in the Programme d’études (attached), we will cover the first five chapters in the required book, Deux Mondes with accompanying CD and workbook in the first seven weeks (FRE101) and chapters five through nine in the second seven weeks.  

 

All chapter assignments in the text and on-line are to be prepared in advance and written out, unless they are designated as oral exercises. This is especially important because this is an intensive course and we will be covering a full semester’s work in seven weeks. You should consider this course as two courses (6 credit hours) and devote the appropriate time outside of class to prepare the homework.  To complete your taped sections of your book and workbook assignments, you should listen to the CD tapes at least 3 times a week at home or in the library AV center. The language tapes will provide additional opportunities outside of class to develop your listening skills. Remember, listening is a skill that improves with practice. Practicing your listening skill will improve your speaking, reading and writing as well.


Workbook Writing Assignments
 

In addition to in-class writings and activities, you will be required to complete the corresponding oral (based on the CD) and written assignments in the workbook out of class. Workbooks are due at the beginning of class on or before the test day for the corresponding chapter. A 25% reduction in points will be applied to work turned in late up to one class after the due date. Homework turned in after that will receive 0 points.  Requests to submit late work for full credit must be made in writing and include a complete explanation of circumstances.  These requests will be considered on an individual basis.

 

Quizzes and OPI

You can also expect short proficiency quizzes, activities or games, called Opportunities for Improvement (OPI) given at anytime during the class period.  These will sometimes accrue points towards your final grade.

 

Optional On-line Learning Center

Additional practice and help are available at the following website learning center (OLC).

http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0073535443/student_view0/index.html

Resources for students include vocabulary and grammar activities for each chapter, Internet cultural links and activities, vocabulary, grammar, listening, audio and video activities. 

 

In addition a new DVD video program is available in the library for students who desire extra practice with pronunciation of Québécois French.

 

Written Exams 

There will be four chapter tests and a comprehensive final during each seven-week session.  The tests will be given during regular class meetings and each will include listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing sections. The comprehensive final exam will be in two parts: the written portion will assess listening, reading, writing, and culture skills, while the oral interview will assess speaking and listening.  Only under extenuating circumstances will students be allowed to make up a test, if they contact the instructor AHEAD OF TIME.

 

Oral Proficiency Exam

At the end of the fall semester you will be required to participate in a five-minute oral interview which will assess your listening and speaking skills. The criteria and sample topics are attached.

Oral/Class Participation                                                                                                                               

Speaking correctly and fluently is an important function of learning a foreign language.  Your in-class participation grade will be based on a) attendance  b) greeting people in French  c) listening when other people speak  d) speaking in French  e) participating in the activities with a positive attitude  f) helping others.     The attached Level of Participation Sheet outlines grading criteria.

 

Grading

Your grade in the course will be determined as follows:

                Chapter tests and final exam                                                      50%

                Writing assignments - Workbook                                              20%

                Class/oral participation/homework prep                               30%

                                                               

 

Quality Pts.         Percentage

A……..4.0              92-100%

A-…….3.7             89-91

B+……3.3              86-88

B……..3.0              82-85

B-…….2.7              79-81

C+……2.3              76-78

C……..2.0              72-75

C-…….1.7              69-71

D+……1.3              66-68

D……..1.0              62-65

F ……..0                 61 and below    

 

Attendance

Attending class everyday is required.  If you do not need to attend class to pass the exams, you belong in a more advanced class or should take the CLEP proficiency exam to earn credit by exam. Arriving late three times equals one absence.   Students who leave class unannounced or during a break will be marked absent for the day.  Missing 15% (5) or more of classes will result in an F or YW grade.

 

Students with perfect attendance (no more than ONE absence, 0 tardies) will have the option to delete their lowest written test score from their final average.

 

Four allowed Absences only means you won’t be dropped from the class; it does NOT entitle you to receive points for any quizzes or homework you missed. The only exception to this is if you are called for jury duty, and can provide written documentation.  Remember: It is your responsibility to ask a classmate or the instructor for any schedule changes, handouts, and assignments after an absence. It is also your responsibility to formally withdraw from a class you no longer attend.  If you find you must miss more than five days of class, please consider whether or not this is the best semester for you to be enrolled in this class.


In this class, there is a NO MAKE-UP policy.  This means if you miss an activity or exam, you cannot make it up.  I understand that from time to time students have legitimate reasons for missing class; however, each quiz, examen, workbook and class activity loses its value as an effective learning tool when taken out of sequence or schedule.  If you should find yourself in a situation where you will miss an assignment or written exam, communicate with me immediately before or after the absence. Students who give reasonable notice of an absence before an exam may be able to make it up before the exam date, however any activities missed during their absence on an exam date may not be made up ahead of time.  You must notify the instructor prior to your absence (reasonable notice) in order to qualify for this option.

 

Ethics

Each student is responsible for completing his/her own work and signing his/her own name on the attendance roster. Duplicating another person’s work or turning in assignments that are not your own will result in a zero on that assignment or quiz for all parties involved. Cheating on a quiz/exam will result in a zero on that quiz/exam. (Refer to the CCC Policy on Academic Honesty.)

 

Conduct

Students are expected to behave respectfully.  Behavior that interferes with the orderly functioning of the College, interferes with an individual’s pursuit of education, or disrupts the learning environments is prohibited. (Refer to the CCC Student Code of Conduct).

 

Individual Assistance

If you would like individual help or require any special accommodations, come to Room 520M during office hours, or we can make an appointment to meet at another more convenient time. Additional help is available in the Academic Assistance Center on the 4th floor.  Should any difficulties arise at anytime during the semester, see me immediately.   In addition to coming to my office (room 520), you may also contact me by phone message (563-1779) or e-mail (David.Graham@clinton.edu or mrquebec@gmail.com)

 

Cancellation of Classes

Notice of cancellation of classes will be announced on local radio/media. This includes snow and/or other weather or emergency situations. Please call my voice mail (563-1779) to find out about our class.

 

Course Continuity Plan

In the case of a pandemic emergency, or other emergency which causes a short term disruption of this course, we will utilize email to continue this course in the short term (1-3 weeks).  All students need to utilize their campus email to receive course related information.  Please see me, if you need assistance with logging on to your campus email.

 

You can easily secure a good grade if you attend class regularly, prepare all homework assignments on time, participate in class and listen to the language tapes as often as you can.

 

If you have any difficulties, please see me immediately!

I am available before and after this class, if you need to talk with me for any reason.  I am also in my office at other times for appointments, or you can leave a message on my voice mail 563-1779 or e-mail:  David.Graham@clinton.edu or mrquebec@gmail.com). 

 

Bienvenue à la classe de français!


French 101                                                                                                                                          Fall 2011

Deadline to complete:  _______   
 
 
Make-up Credit

 

In this class, there is a NO MAKE-UP policy.  This means if you miss an activity or exam, you cannot make it up.  However, from time to time students have legitimate reasons for missing class.  You may earn make-up credit points UP TO the number of points you missed, but no more than 60 points (this is NOT extra credit). 

 

Students who give reasonable notice of an absence before an exam may be able to make it up before the exam date, however any activities missed during their absence on an exam date may not be made up ahead of time.  You must notify the instructor prior to your absence (reasonable notice) in order to qualify for this option.

 

It is your responsibility to schedule a make-up credit assignment with your instructor before you begin. 

 

You may select from the following list (you may only repeat activity #1)

 

1.       Sign up for video time in the AV /Computer Center located in the back of the Douglas Library.  For each hour of practice time spent, you will receive 10 points of make-up credit.  This is above and beyond any required workbook assignments. The AV assistant will need to sign a verification slip and you’ll turn that in to the instructor. You may repeat this activity up to six times (not to exceed total points deficient).

 

2.       Do an Internet search on French/Francophone subject (i.e. latest news about politics in Québec). Print out the selected pages and write a one-page, typed reaction paper (in college level, standard English).  Attach the internet pages to your paper.  You will be graded on the accurate completion of this assignment and your presentation of your reaction in writing. You will have ONE week to complete this assignment (20 pts).

 

3.       View a video or motion picture whose theme centers on a French or Francophone subject.  Then write a two-page, typed reaction paper (in college level, standard English) telling what the movie was about and your reaction.  You will be graded on whether your explanation of the story is accurate and your reaction is clearly explained.  You will have ONE week to complete this assignment (20 pts).