DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES

SYLLABUS FRE 105
I.TITLE: INTRODUCTION TO FRENCH CULTURE
II. CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
A survey of contemporary French character and society. Using a historical and socio-cultural perspective attitudes, achievements, institutions and lifestyles of the French people are explored. Conducted in English. Designed to satisfy the general education humanities requirement. Not applicable toward a major or minor in French.
III-IV. PURPOSE AND COURSE OBJECTIVES:
a) to heighten awareness and tolerance of cultural diversity,
b) to identify characteristics of a specific cultural group,
c) to analyze the influences of geography, history, traditions and contemporary developments on a modern European state.
d) to improve interpersonal communication skills,
e) to increase and refine students’ awareness of and appreciation of French speaking peoples and their cultures.
V. CONTENT OUTLINE: Course content will include information on geography, history, literature and the arts, films, traditions, social institutions, politics, economy, new technologies and contemporary French lifestyle.
VI. INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
Students will read, research, listen to lectures, make presentations, discuss and analyze in small groups, explore Internet sites on France, observe video and multimedia presentations and examine authentic materials.
VII. FIELD AND CLINICAL EXPERIENCES: Students will research on the Internet, view and report on videos (films and documentaries) and attend available French feature films of the Cinema International series. Students are encouraged to participate in activities of the Foreign Language Club and Alpha Mu Gamma (the honor society for foreign languages). There will be some opportunities to meet and discuss with French and French-speaking people and engage in cultural activities.
VIII. RESOURCES:
The course website will be a primary source of information for the course. Email contact and website based work will be expected of all participants. Check the course information on the Instructor's webpage and download the handouts BEFORE class and complete these. Other resources include materials (films, magazines, books) on reserve at Waterfield Library and the Language and Culture Lab (Room 403).
IX. GRADING PROCEDURES:
In French 105 the course grade will be comprised of:
60 % 3 Exams
20 % Attendance, Active Class Participation* + Questionnaires

20 % Short projects (4, incl. 3 presentations and a history paper)
*Contribute often, make remarks, ask and answer questions, complete your questionnaires, basically show you have read, reflected and participate in discussions and you get your % participation no problem.

There will be no make-ups of quizzes or exams except in most extreme cases and only at the instructor’s discretion; if consent is given, the make-up of the regularly scheduled exam must be arranged in advance (Attention: Dance/ theatre/sports and music students)

X. ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Attendance is mandatory. Absences will affect your grade. Up to three documented absences are allowed for illness and family emergencies only. Final letter grades will be lowered for every unexcused absence above the three. If you miss more than one fourth of the class meetings for any reason (excused or unexcused), you will not pass this course.
AN ABSENCE IS NOT AN EXCUSE FOR BEING UNPREPARED. If you are late or absent, it is your responsibility to check the webpage and do the homework assignment before the next class period and contact me if questions.
XI. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY:
It is the responsibility of every student to be informed about the collegiate Academic Integrity Policy. Cheating in whatever form constitutes academic dishonesty.
Copies of the policy are available in: CIV workbooks, classroom bulletin boards, Department of Foreign Languages office, Dean of Humanistic Studies office.
Your signature on every assignment, quiz and exam represents a pledge that you have adhered to this policy.
XII. TEXT AND REFERENCES

WEBPAGE: This course info is on-line. For all detailed information about instructor and coursework, refer to this site essentially. Access via MSU page and Modern Language Department page under instructor's name or type:

  • It is your responsibility to download the Course guidelines and Daily Calendar with the handouts and homework.
  • BOOK:French or Foe?byP. Platt/ Au Contraire . Figuring out the French by G Asselin & R Mastron : supportive reading on reserve in Waterfield
  • FILMS/Docus : check murraystate.edu / libraries/on-line catalogs/ racertrac )--Videos on reserve at Waterfield Lib. Circulation desk and Dept. Lib (room 403 8:00am-4:00pm M-F) under course number and/or instructor.

XIII. PREREQUISITES: None.
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