Course Description

French 1412 Beginning French II

French 1412, Beginning French II,  is the second semester of a comprehensive beginning French course in which you will listen to, speak, read and write French. The class includes dialogues, tapes, oral and written exercises, role-playing, partner work and laboratory exercises. French 1412 fulfills the requirement for the cross-cultural core curriculum requirement. This course transfers to a university as a language-credit course.

Prerequisites

Course Goals (includes core competencies, incorporation of SCANS, etc.)

These descriptions reflect what most students will be able to do by the end of the course. The terms given in parentheses are descriptive terms of proficiency in foreign language based on a classification developed by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.

Listening Comprehension (Intermediate Low)

Comprehend statements and questions in standard spoken language using recombinations of learned vocabulary and expressions. Understand conversations or comments on familiar topics relating to personal information, daily activities and practical, everyday situations and social exchanges. Students will be able to follow the course of the conversation without necessarily understanding everything said.

Speaking (Novice-High)

Speak, using words, phrases and short sentences to give information, ask and answer questions, initiate or participate in conversations. Speech will consist of learned utterances, with some ability to recombine elements. Topics will generally relate to personal identity, family, daily life, leisure activities, everyday needs. Students will be most comfortable speaking about activities using the present tense and have limited ability to speak about past or future activities. Students will still make frequent errors. Basic elements of pronunciation of the foreign language will be apparent but there may be a strong influence from the first language.

Reading (Intermediate-Low)

Understand the main ideas and some facts and details in short, uncomplicated written passages relating to familiar topics. Students will need rereading and/or assistance from instructor. Students will be able to extract information from authentic texts that deal with familiar context.

Writing (Intermediate-Low)

Write sentences, and short paragraphs which describe, relate information, ask and answer factual questions, express in a limited way feelings and thoughts about familiar topics.

Cultural Awareness

Demonstrate general knowledge about the French language and culture, to include knowledge about:

1. French structure and pronunciation.
2. Cultural information to include: increased familiarity with francophone countries and regions increased knowledge of France, French geography and society; knowledge about social interaction in the situations studied, particularly in regard to formality and informality; awareness of factors affecting intercultural communication.

French 1412 fulfills the six basic intellectual competencies of the Core Curriculum.

READING: Reading material at the college level means having the ability of analyze and interpret a variety of printed materials, books, articles, and documents.

WRITING: Writing at the college level means having the ability to produce clear correct, and coherent prose adapted to purpose, occasion, and audience. In addition to knowing correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation, students should also become familiar with the writing process, including how to discover a topic, how to develop and organize it, and how to phrase it effectively for their audience. These abilities are acquired through practice and reflection.

SPEAKING: Effective speaking is the ability to communicate orally in clear, coherent, and persuasive language appropriate to purpose, occasion, and audience.

LISTENING: Listening at the college level means the ability to analyze and interpret various forms of spoken communication.

CRITICAL THINKING: Critical thinking embraces methods for applying both qualitative and quantitative skills analytically and creatively to subject matter in order to evaluate arguments and to construct alternatives strategies. Problem solving is one of the applications of critical thinking used to address an identified task.

COMPUTER LITERACY: Computer literacy at the college level means having the ability to use computer based technology in communicating, solving problems, and acquiring information. Core-educated students should have an understanding of the limits, problems, and possibilities associated with the use of the technology and should have the tools necessary to evaluate and learn new technologies ad they become available. (Houston Community College System 2000-2001 Catalog, 35)

Instructor Information

Textbook Information

1. Vis-à-vis: Beginning French, Amon, Muyskens & Omaggio Haddley, 1st ed., 1996, McGraw Hill , Chapters 8-14
   
2. Student Cassette for listening comprehension packaged with textbook
   
3. Workbook / Laboratory manual accompanying Vis-à-vis

Lab Requirements (if any)

Students with Disabilities

Academic Honesty

Attendance and Withdrawal Policies

Grading Policy

Course Requirements for example: Testing, Projects, Assignments, Portfolios, Service Learning, Internships, etc.

3 major tests
Final exam
Homework
Oral work
Short quizzes

Make-up policy

1. Students are responsible for material covered and announcements made during any absence. It is the responsibility of the student to consult with the instructor about work missed and make-up assignments. Exchanging phone numbers with one or two other students for times when you miss a single class is a good idea.
   
2. Quizzes: Must be made up prior to the next class meeting following the quiz.
   Missing one quiz will not count against you. Missing several will count.
   
3. One major test during the semester may be made up if you have a legitimate reason for your absence. Contact your instructor as soon as you return to class or, preferably, by telephone beforehand.

Course Content

Course Calendar with Due Dates for Assignments and Testing

Other Student Information (clubs, tutoring, web resources, student services, etc.)

French 1411: Vis-à-vis
Chapters 8-14 four 90-minute cassettes for complete set

Please turn off all cell phones and beepers before class.