OBJECTIVES

-- To perfect your grasp of all grammar rules, sentence patterns, standard idioms, verb use, etc. In this course, you will be equipped with a full understanding of the structure and workings of the language.

--To achieve near fluency, at least in daily, conversational French, to the point where you can converse with some ease on a wide variety of topics with a command of phonetic skills which will allow for correct accent and intonation.

-- To develop your ability to read articles, novels, poetry, plays and other primary material not simplified for a student audience, but written by noted authors or from serious publications.

-- To develop your ability to write essays of substantial content, meaningfulness and length.

-- To prepare you for the Advanced Placement French Language Exam, the Achievement Test and the National French Contest.

TEXTS AND MATERIALS

1. Qu’est-ce qui se passe, (Expression écrite)

2. AP French (“preparing for the language examination.”)

3. Sartre, Huis Clos

4. Pagnol, Jean de Florette

5. Good French/English Dictionary (recommended: Le Collins et Robert, available in the bookstore.)

6. Handouts distributed by the instructor (press articles, literature excerpts).

7. Audio and Video materials; films

DAILY EXPECTATIONS

-- Much of your work in this class will be done independently, according to a schedule which I will distribute to you. Please keep track on a calendar of when assignments are due.

-- Be on time and fully prepared to work.

-- Bring the book on which we are working when your schedule so indicates.

-- Use a three-ring binder for the class (no spiral notebook).

-- Participate fully and energetically in every class session. Class participation will constitute an important part of your grade.

-- All assignments must be done on time and, when self-correctable, corrected completely before class. If you are absent with a valid excuse, the assignment must be done upon your return. Obviously, if you are sick and unable to do the work, we will make other arrangements for you to get the late work in.

-- If you will miss a class because of an extra-curricular activity such as a sports meet, let me know in advance. If you can't find me, a simple note on my desk will suffice. This is especially important if you will be missing an announced quiz or test, in which case you MUST arrange with me in advance to make up the test at the earliest possible date.

GRADING

The grade you will receive is based on the totality of work that you do in the course. The following are the major criteria which will be considered in the grading process:

-- Homework: You will receive daily written, as well as long-term, assignments. It is important to keep up to date with your homework assignments.

-- Tests: There will be tests after each unit. You will be responsible on each test for all material covered from the beginning of the course, since the new topics we learn build inevitably on what we have learned before.

-- Essays: There will be frequent essays. During first semester, you will have the chance to write most essays in two drafts, in which case only the second draft will be graded. During second semester, you will write one graded draft only.

-- Oral grading: You will be judged on how correctly and creatively you use the grammatical structures and vocabulary you have learned, both in response to my questions and in conversation pairs and small groups. There will be graded assignments to be done in the Language Lab.

-- Class participation, attendance, daily preparation and attitude.

-- End of semester exams. (January)

The percentage breakdown in your quarter grade is as follows:

Tests: 30%

Essays: 20%

Oral Expression (Recorded activities): 10%

Homework/ AP French Exercises: 15%

Classwork/Oral participation: 10%

January Final Exam: 15% of semester grade

N.B. My schedule is posted in the Foreign Language Department Office. If you are having any difficulty whatsoever understanding classwork, an assignment, or my expectations, there are frequent times during the day when I am available. An appointment can always be arranged. Please do not put off a visit, assuming that things will "work out". Since you need to understand what went before in order to grasp what's coming next, postponing help will only complicate matters further.

I look forward to working with you this year.

Dr. Jane Balkin Matz