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Professor Paula LeverageFall 2002

FR 301 French Level V : Langue et Civilisation

Professor Paula Leverage

Office: SC280

Email:

Tel: 494 0397

Office Hours: Tues. 9-10, and Fri. 1-2pm and by appointment.

Class meets: MWF 2.30pm

Location: M (odd weeks) SC114, M (even weeks) JNSN B012

WF SC114

Catalogue description of the course:

Class 3, cr. 3. Prerequisite: FR 202

Continued development of French speaking, listening, reading, and writing abilities, using materials dealing primarily with everyday life and civilization in France and the other French-speaking countries from various sources (eg. Newspapers, magazines, TV, recent literature, etc.). Conducted exclusively in French.

Required Textbooks for FR301:

Bien Sûr: Culture et Communication, Weidmann-Koop (Prentice Hall)

Bien Sûr: Grammaire en Contexte, Weidmann-Koop (Prentice Hall)

Description of the Course Activities:

When you enter the classroom for FR301 you a entering an ALL FRENCH ZONE. For the 50 minutes of the class, imagine that you are in France, that nobody understands English, and that you are Francophone!!! If you like, bring something with you (a postcard from France, a photo, a souvenir, a French product) to place on your writing surface to remind you that you are in Ouest Lafayette, France! If you have any French music cassettes, or CDs, we can listen to them at the beginning of the class, as we get prepared for the class.

Whenever new vocabulary is introduced during the class, I shall expect that you will have learned this vocabulary by the next class.

Every second Monday, class will be held in a computer lab, where we will engage in computer-based activities, such as reading French newspapers online, listening to French radio, writing and research.

I will ask you to prepare for each class by reading assigned passages and articles, and reflecting on them. In addition to this reading you will be assigned grammar exercises on Mondays and Wednesdays from Bien Sûr: Grammaire en Contexte. These exercises must be returned to me for grading at the beginning of Wednesday’s and Friday’s classes. On Friday you will be assigned a longer written exercise, which will be due the following Monday. These longer written exercises must be typed, and double-spaced, so that I can easily make interlinear corrections and comments.

You will be expected to work hard, so that you can obtain the maximum benefit from this course, and end the semester with much improved written, and spoken French.

Evaluation of Performance:

Participation / preparation : 15%

Written homework : 15%

Quizzes: 15%

Compositions (2 of 2-3 pages each) : 15%

Exams (2 in-class exams and 1 final exam) : 30%

Oral presentations (2): 10%

Attendance and Participation:

Students are expected to read and prepare all assignments carefully before coming to class, to attend all classes, and to participate actively in class discussions. Attendance is required, although students are allowed 3 absences. More than three absences will typically result in a lowering of the final grade by one letter (i.e.: from B to C); more than ten absences may prevent the students from getting credit for the course (F). I will circulate an attendance sheet at the beginning of every class. It is your responsibility to initial the sheet to indicate your presence, otherwise, I shall assume that you were absent.

Grading of participation:

AStudent arrives on time and speaks only French while in the classroom, both to other students and to the professor. Student always prepares the homework (thoroughly completing the assigned reading, written exercises, and the oral preparation; learning vocabulary necessary for participating in class discussions). While in class, student participates actively by asking questions, voluntarily offering comments, engaging thoroughly in the topic at hand with classmates in paired and small-group work. Student is willing to take risks with the language (i.e. makes an effort to use new vocabulary and structures, responding with more than basic yes / no answers).

BStudent has prepared the homework assignment and is attentive in class, but only contributes occasionally to discussions.

CStudent’s participation is irregular. Student works well but uses a lot of anglicisms; frequently relies on English words rather than making an effort to speak French (you must first try to say it in French; if you have trouble, the professor will help you with vocabulary); student is attentive but not at all active in class activities; student answers questions only sporadically.

DStudent is late, does not pay attention, engages in small talk, participates minimally, does not stick to task in group work and does not do his / her part to elevate the quality of conversation, etc.

EStudent is absent or its equivalent (i.e. student is disruptive, does work for another class, speaks English, doesn’t participate whether in small or large groups).

Course Policies:

  1. Assignments must be turned in on time in the classroom at the beginning of the class. Students may not work on written homework during class time. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to contact another student or the professor to find out what you missed. Late work may be corrected, but no grade or credit will be awarded.
  2. Therre will be no make-ups for hourly exams or quizzes. NB: The final exam will be given at the time determined by the university’s master schedule. Students with university-authorized, verifiable conflicts may take the final exam after the regularly scheduled time but not before the regularly scheduled time. Please verify your final exam schedule before making travel plans!
  3. Anyone cheating or aiding in cheating on an assignment or a text may receive a failing grade in the course. See Sections II and III of University Regulations.
  4. Students should work alone on all written assignments unless the professor explicitly invites students to seek outside help or to collaborate on a group project. Any assignment must be solely the work of the individual handing it in; this includes grammar, wording and spelling.
  5. Extra help is available. If you feel that you are having difficulty and need assistance, see me asap. I am here to help and welcome you to office hours. If you have a conflict, make an appointment. Remember, it’s your responsibility to ask for extra help.
  6. Students with disabilities. If you have special needs related to a disability which may affect your performance in the course, please speak to me after class to arrange an appointment to discuss those needs privately. To qualify for accommodations in the course related to a disability, a student must be registered with Adaptive Services in the Dean of Students Office.
  7. Course policies will be applied fairly and consistently to all students. Please do not ask for exceptions.

Course Calendar:

Hourly exams: September 27 and November 20.

Compositions: First composition due October 4; second composition due November 8

Oral presentations: First presentation in the week of 9/16; second presentation in the week of 10/21.

Final exam : the week of 12/9 (refer to University exam schedule).