FRENCH V - CULTURE AND COMMUNICATION

Course Prospectus 2006-7   Mme Simona Ghirlanda

OBJECTIVES

- To develop a deeper understanding of French and Francophone contemporary cultures and societies and be able to communicate about these in French

- To compare French and American civilizations through class discussion and group work

- To attain the ability to read and analyze French newspapers and magazine articles, view and understand French films and newscasts, and compare these with American media

- To acquire a taste for literature while reading excerpts by modern and contemporary French and Francophone authors

- To refine communicative skills in the four areas of speaking, listening, reading, and writing in French

TEXTS

a- Handouts distributed by the instructor (worksheets on press articles, poetry and literature excerpts, films, music)

b- L'Etranger - Albert Camus (first semester)

c-  Street French: the best of French slang

EXPECTATIONS

It is your obligation to check your school e-mail daily. Also, if you wish to contact me, please DO NOT use your personal e-mail address.

Eating and drinking (except for water) are not allowed in class. Gum chewing, too: it does not help French pronunciation!

Be on time and prepared to work. (You will need a three-ring binder).

In this course a lot of material is distributed and analyzed in class, and the rhythm is fast. Attendance is a very important aspect of your work. Make sure that you always bring your texts and other material with you. Take good care of your binder, which will become your main source of information.

Oral expression will be especially emphasized in our course; therefore don’t stop experimenting with your French skills. You are not expected to be a perfect speaker, but to work consistently on your communicative competence. Participate energetically in every class activity. The effort you will put into class participation will be a major aspect of your grade, and it should be visible on a daily basis.

Quizzes, compositions and tests will be given on a regular basis, and you will be expected to take them with the class, unless you have an excused absence. If you miss one, you will be expected to take it upon your return at the earliest possible date.

If you miss a class because of an extra-curricular activity, please let me know in advance. This is particularly important if a test or other project is taking place that day, in which case it is your responsibility to arrange with me in advance to make it up as soon as possible.

The homework load is limited in this course. Nevertheless, you will often be asked to read material in advance, to enable you to be active during our class discussions.

Definition of CHEATING for French V

Cheating on tests and quizzes is the giving or receiving of assistance or information verbally or in writing on the part of a student. A student who gives assistance is as guilty of cheating as a student who receives the information. Cheating also includes using “cheat sheets,” or class notes on a test or quiz that is not designated as an “open book test.”

Plagiarism is the direct copying of someone’s else thoughts and passing them off as one’s own without crediting the actual author. This includes using another student’s composition or part of it, or having another student write a composition for you. You will be reading and analyzing many articles this year, so please keep in mind that another’s ideas must be cited.

Any instance of cheating or plagiarism may result in loss of credit for the assignment or test in question, and may also be referred to your Dean. If you have any questions regarding what is or is not acceptable, please contact me before an assignment is due.

GRADING GUIDELINES

Grades at the end of each marking period are based on the following:

Quizzes                                     15%                                         93-100  =          A

Compositions                             20%                                         90-92    =          A-

Tests                                        15%                                         87-89    =          B+

                                                                                                83-86    =          B

Oral expression                         30%                                          80-82    =          B-

                                                                                                77-79    =          C+

Homework (mainly readings)     10%                                           73-76    =          C

                                                                                                70-72    =          C-

Semester Finals                         10%                                          67-69    =          D+                                                                 

                                                                                               63-66    =         D

                                                ----                                           60-62    =          D-

                                                100%                                        0-59      =          F

As you can see, much of your grade will depend on your effort and commitment. Participate, and do the best you can, not only for the grade, but because you will help maintaining the course exciting and interesting!!!!!

Simona Ghirlanda