CORE 141 - BEGINNING FRENCH
Core Category: Foreign Languages and Cultures
Fall 2010
Mr. Robert Zavada
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Essentials of grammar and pronunciation and practice in speaking and writing French. Readings will increase student’s knowledge of French culture and that of other francophone countries.
INTRODUCTION
An awareness of foreign cultures deepens our understanding of the diverse world in which we live and our place in it. When we step beyond our limited cultural surroundings and attempt to enter into the minds of others in the world community, we are often confronted with alien values and perspectives that challenge our beliefs and assumptions. The liberally educated individual, whose philosophy of life is solidly grounded in human and humane principles, should understand cultural diversity and be equipped to deal with it with empathy and sensitivity. Foreign culture courses taught in English and foreign language courses provide this important dimension of a liberal arts education.
OBJECTIVES
As a result of this course, you should be able:
1. To assess and appreciate with deeper insight and sensitivity the culture of a
foreign people;
2. To analyze the interrelation of the geography, history and culture achievements
of a foreign nation;
3. To compare and contrast the American mode of thinking, creating, behaving
and communicating with the French mode;
4. To master a clearly defined body of knowledge drawn from the culture, e.g., from
the language, literature, history, contemporary culture, etc., of the French people.
GOALS
As a result of this course, you should also:
1. Recognize the need to avoid prejudice, provincialism and cultural and linguistic
chauvinism;
2. Understand and appreciate with empathy culture values, patterns and points of
view different from your own;
3. Be better prepared to deal with cross-cultural contacts;
4. Have developed new insights into human and cultural values;
5. Understand that language is an integral part of a national heritage;
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6. Have developed a broader perspective on your own language and culture by
having compared it with another;
7. Have developed a global perspective which recognizes the political, economic
and cultural interdependence of all nations.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
As a result of this course, you should be able:
1. To develop an active command of the fundamentals of the French language;
2. To develop proficiency in communicating orally and in writing in a variety of
daily life situations;
3. To develop proficiency in pronouncing the sounds of the language correctly;
4. To develop further proficiency in reading French;
5. To expand knowledge of French culture and that of other francophone countries.
TEXTBOOK
Allons-y (Sixth Edition) by Jeannette Bragger and Donald Rice
COURSE PROCEDURES AND ASSIGNMENTS
The first six chapters will be the matter covered during the first semester. Speaking is considered as a major component of the class period. Writing is developed primarily outside the class. Reading skills are incorporated into both class and homework time.
A vocabulary quiz and a test will be given following the completion of each chapter. Students are responsible for all exercises that are assigned and are expected to come to class prepared at all times. Frequent written assignments will be given and are to be handed in on the date due.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Students are expected to attend all classes since improvement of listening comprehension and speaking ability in French is a major goal of the course. Absences will result in a lowering of a student’s class participation grade. Should a student miss a class due to an emergency, the student should inform the teacher of the reason for absence at the next class period. Students are responsible fro all work covered during absence and assignments made. Excessive absences without a satisfactory explanation will be reported to the administration for assistance in dealing with the problem. It is also important to be punctual for class. Lateness will reduce a student’s class participation grade.
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FINAL GRADE
The following will be considered in the final grade:
Attendance and oral participation - 25%
Quizzes and written assignments - 25%
Tests - 25%
Final exam - 25%
There will be no make-up dates for vocabulary quizzes. A student who misses a vocabulary quiz will receive an automatic “zero” in that quiz. The lowest vocabulary quiz grade will be dropped at the end of the semester.
The grade on a written assignment which is late will be lowered by one-half letter grade for each class day it is overdue.
The grade on an oral presentation given late will be lowered by one-half letter grade for each class period it is overdue.
GRADING SCALE
A = 93-100
A- = 90-92
B+ = 88-89
B = 83-87
B- = 80-82
C+ = 78-79
C = 73-77
C- = 70-72
D = 60-69
F = Below 60
OFFICE
Hafey-Marian Hall
5th Floor
Email:
OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. by appointment