French II: Annie Knudsen

Course Overview:

French II        The College Preparatory School          2007-2008

Texts:
Deux Mondes (chapter 6 to end)
Deux Mondes (cahier d’exercices)
Deux Mondes – audio program    http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/007287659x/student_view0/index.html
Rêves Amers – Maryse Condé

Resources:
Café des Rêves (video series)
Clémentine (video series)
Films: Amélie

Goals: You will master useful communication skills so as to be able to perform a variety of tasks in listening, speaking, reading, and writing at an intermediate level. Paris and the geography of France will be studied.

Methodology: The method used is a “direct” and natural one. I will present new grammatical structures and / or vocabulary first in conversation. Then you use deductive analytical skills to recognize structural patterns and thereby determine grammatical rules or meaning from model sentences and situations. Drilling (practice) in class and at home in the form of assignments is carried out until you are able to produce accurate and correct sentences.
    Conversational French is practiced each day. The class is conducted entirely in French. Active participation of all students in all class discussions and activities (skits, oral presentations, guided dialogues etc.) is both expected and essential, and is thus included in your average grade each semester.
Time will be devoted to reading short stories. The readings have a conversational tone and offer everyday vocabulary which is of interest to your age group.
    Written work is done mostly at home.

Your Binder: you need a binder with 4 sections (one for the chapter packs and homework sheets, one for the cahier pages that correspond to the chapter under study, one for quizzes, tests and essays, and one for notes off of the board notes. I expect you to take notes on the explanations, examples and vocabulary words that I write on the board.

Homework: There will be a writing and / or reading assignment almost every night. Written assignments are to be written on a piece of paper or in a workbook in dark pencil or blue / black pen. You must write neatly for I cannot and will not correct that which I cannot read. Written work should include your full name, date and the specific assignment on the top of the page. Lines must be skipped so that there is room for corrections. You are required to correct your written work, including tests. Please use a different color pen to correct. Compositions must be word processed so as to allow for easy corrections. As in French I, the grade received on the corrected copy is the final grade. Although homework exercises are not usually graded so that you feel at ease to experiment and take risks, the seriousness of your effort is noted. An overall evaluation of both written and oral work is included in each semester’s grade.
You must also spend at least 10 additional minutes each night studying current vocabulary (from the lists at the end of the chapters, from the board and from the videos) and grammar, whether this is assigned or not.

Grades: The bulk of one’s grade is dependent upon performance in class activities, on homework assignments, quizzes, test and compositions. A purely numerical average is uncommon because daily preparation, readiness to participate in activities, long term retention of material, speaking and writing skills, attitude, effort, and attendance are taken into account. The bulk of the grade is the average of:
- Oral skills, daily preparation, class participation, oral presentations, quizzes and homework.         
- Tests- (chapter, January mid-year exam and June final exam)            
 - Essays   

Extra Help: I always welcome your questions, both in and outside of class. Asking questions is a sign that a student wants to understand and learn, and helps him/her stay on top of the work. We can review the material in English which helps to clarify and reassure. You should not wait until you are frustrated and discouraged or until the night before a test. I am usually available in the afternoons during my free periods. It is best, however, to make an appointment in advance to see me in case I have other commitments.

Language Department policy regarding homework
Homework is due the day for which it is assigned. If a student has an excused absence, he/she has the number of days absent to hand in assigned work or take tests. If a student foresees a problem turning in a longer assignment (composition, report, etc.), he/she must talk to the teacher before the due date. A due date may be determined. If a student does not meet this new date, the assignment will receive a failing grade.

Language Department regarding Cheating and Plagiarism.
The Foreign Language Department will not tolerate cheating and or plagiarism of any kind. The CPS handbook (page 9) clearly explains the definition of these terms. Forms of cheating and plagiarism specific to the learning of a Foreign language (i.e., including but not limited to the use of translation programs, the copying of grammar, vocabulary and translation exercises from any textual or virtual source, etc) are included. Any assignment deemed to have been plagiarized will need to be rewritten. Standard grading, but with a cap of 70%, will apply to the rewrite. If the assignment is not redone, the student will receive an incomplete in the course. A repeat offense will receive a zero. All infractions are reported to the Dean of Students.

Ah Oui, please!
No eating, snoozing, wearing of hats or speaking of the English language in class. Merci beaucoup.

Other Section Resources:

Student Work

Examples of student work prepared for this course.