French III Class Syllabus

Course # FR311Y - 1 credit

Grades 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 III engage high novice to 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 exchange detailed information by asking for and giving explanations, expressing feelings and emotions, persuading others, describing past events and places, and telling future plans. You will identify/explain perspectives unique to francophone cultures, examine contributions of people from these cultures, and interact with French speakers via email, videoconferencing, and/or other means. French and Francophone History, Literature and Civilization are highlighted, primarily through research, AV materials, and the reading of full length texts. You will perform a variety of writing tasks and speak mostly in French during class time.

 

Pre-requisite: Grade of C or better in French II 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, TPRS (Teaching proficiency through reading and storytelling), cooperative learning in pairs and groups, drama, songs, games, pen pals, blogging (and/or other internet based activities), reading, writing 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 reacquainted, establish connections within and outside classroom walls, re-live our childhood, script our futures, and re-enact a very famous battle).

La Vie Scolaire (We’re going to do a play about French class!)

Memories and stories of Childhood

Mon Avenir à venir (My Future)

Vercingétorix contre César (An Epic Battle between the Romans and Gaul!)

 

2nd Quarter (This quarter we will make a quick trip Quebec, celebrate Halloween, and examine the French Renaissance period and the Revolution).

Crimes and Mysteries

Le Chandail de Hockey (“The Hockey Shirt”, plus an in depth look at sports)

Of Kings and castles and Revolutions

 

3rd Quarter (This quarter we will take a driving tour of France, learn how to learn by cooking, and discuss personal problems!)

A Vacation in France

Cuisiner et apprendre le français  (Cook and learn French!)

“Dear Abby…” (Personal problems)

 

4th Quarter:  (This quarter we’ll take a look at French journalism and current events, and anticipate the approaching summer vacation via a variety of fun activities.)

 Quoi de nouveau? (What’s new?)

Spring and Summer Delights (Sports, Music, Games and other Recreation)