French II Class Syllabus

Course # FR211Y - 1 credit

Grades 9- 10 – 11- 12

 

Instructor: Sarah Shackelford

                   Room 109

                   Email: knote@fuse.net (home) or shackelford_s@cneschools.org (school)

                   My Homepage: http://www.madameshackelford.com/ 

                   Phone: 513-625-1211, ext. 158(school) or 513-367-9013 (home)

 

Course description:

Lessons in French II engage mid- novice to low intermediate students in using the language in activities that are embedded in real life contexts and make frequent use of authentic materials produced by and for native French speakers. Activities encompass all three communicative modes (interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational) and provide practice in the skill areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. During this course you will learn to make suggestions, ask and answer increasingly complex questions about a variety of topics, relate orally and in writing a series of present and past events, and express opinions and advice. You will read short literary passages (e.g. stories and poems) and write letters, journals, and extended responses to reading. You will apply information gathered from authentic French sources for information, entertainment, and personal enrichment, and analyze and explain cultural and linguistic perspectives unique to francophone culture.

Pre-requisite: Grade of C or better in French I and permission of instructor

 

Class Goals and Activities:

French course goals support CNE High School’s mission and are based on Ohio State Foreign Language Academic Content Standards that outline what students should know and be able to do with a Foreign Language. Emphasis is placed on functional proficiency in a communicative context. The instructional approach is designed to facilitate genuine interaction with others, and offers opportunities to explore, develop, and use other subject content, communication strategies, learning strategies, critical thinking skills, and skills in technology as well as the appropriate elements of the language system and culture. Sample methods and techniques used in the classroom include TPR (Total Physical response), TPRS (Teaching proficiency through reading and storytelling), oral drills, cooperative learning in pairs and groups, drama, songs, games, pen pals, online grammar practice and internet based reading and research, and various projects relating to cultural practices, products and perspectives.

 

Resources:

There is no required textbook or workbook for this course. Resource materials are drawn from a wide variety of authentic sources in both print and non-print, and you will receive many handouts. You will be expected to maintain and bring to class every day: 1) a ring binder organized in four sections:

 a) handouts   b) class notes/journal   c) homework and graded assignments   d) miscellaneous

and 2) a writing instrument (pen or pencil) and straight edged paper.

 

Evaluation procedures: Class performance and progress toward proficiency will be measured often and by a variety of means: portfolios, graded assignments and projects, quizzes (oral and written), tests (oral and written), informal class participation and oral work, and performance based tasks. The latter are designed to assess a student’s competency to communicate in French by using the language to perform a variety of functions within specified contexts. Quizzes and tests are usually announced in advance, and rubrics describing grading criteria for assignments and activities will generally be available. Letter grades, based on percentage values, follow the scale outlined in the CNE Student Handbook.

 

Course Units: (Note that these may be subject to change during the course of the year). Units are broad in scope and cover a variety of topics, language functions, and activities.

 

1st Quarter (This quarter we will get re-acquainted, establish connections within and outside the classroom walls, tell lots of stories, and begin traveling in the Francophone world with French class passports and visas):

Moi (All about myself, my family and friends)

Regions of France

Voyageons! (Let’s travel!)

Fun and Sports

 

2nd Quarter (This quarter we will play the role of restaurant critics, explore the Arts via a variety of projects and activities, and travel to Quebec and Belgium!)

Les Repas (Meals)

Voyage au Canada

Pauvre Anne (Poor Anne)

Loisirs Culturels

 

3rd Quarter (This quarter we will celebrate Mardi Gras, soak up the sun in the Caribbean, and also travel to Africa!)

Folktales of Africa

The French in America

A Trip to Martinique

4th Quarter:  (This quarter we explore our pasts and the theme of childhood. We will read a mystery and continue our francophone travels...Switzerland and several other places await us! Games and other fun activities herald the approach of summertime.)

Tales of Childhood

Le voyage de sa vie

On s’amuse (Games, Plays, Dances,etc.)