UC Center Program
Fall 2007

Introductory Language Practicum
Mon - Fri, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Instructor: Belanger

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The three-week practicum, an intensive grammar course intended to immerse students in the French language and culture and provide a “jump start” for the semester of study in Paris, includes daily class sessions that meet from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon, Monday through Friday. A number of excursions are scheduled to introduce Paris . Excursions last 2 to 3 hours.

COURSE MATERIALS

    * Jansma, K., Motifs: An Introduction to French, Heinle.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Introduction

Welcome to Paris and to the French language! The French language practicum teaches listening, speaking, reading and writing with a focus on communication. You will have the opportunity to use everything you learn in class as you go about your daily activities. You can expect to be able to talk about your friends and family, your courses, your living situation, and a wide variety of activities. While you are learning how to speak the language, you will continue your introduction to the culture of the French speaking world. To immerse you in the language, only French will be spoken in class. Although you are not expected to understand every word, try to follow the gist by paying attention to the context. Pick out words you may recognize to piece meaning together. Your instructor will use gestures, pantomime, pictures, and other clues to get the message across. You will find your comprehension increasing as the course progresses.


Participation

Your French class will become a tightly-knit community. This is the place where
you should take risks in expressing yourself. Try to use the new vocabulary and grammar to create your own understanding of the material. This is one of the best strategies to learn the language and to make the vocabulary and grammar a part of your linguistic repertoire. Don't always wait to be called on. Initiate! Ask questions. Follow up on the comments of others. Say the unexpected. Listen to your classmates so that you can ask questions and respond. Silently answer all questions, including those not directed towards you. If you have trouble speaking up but want to participate, let your instructor know you wish to be called on. And finally, don't compare your French with your classmates'.

Requirements

1. ATTENDANCE: Daily attendance is mandatory. Please arrive on time! The course will move at a brisk pace. New topics with associated grammar and vocabulary will be presented every day. Absences will automatically lower your class participation grade. If you MUST be absent, let your instructor know.

 

2. ORAL PARTICIPATION: 25% of your grade is based on your oral work in class, a combination of your ability and overall effort.

3. HOMEWORK: Daily homework will be assigned and collected at the beginning of the next class. Every assignment must include the following: your name, date, page and exercise number. Please DOUBLE SPACE your handwriting so that space remains for corrections and comments.

 

The answers to most exercises in Motifs are available in the appendix of the book. When these exercises are assigned, check your own work and correct it with contrasting ink before turning it in. You will receive a Bien if it is completed and corrected. Homework that is more substantial will receive Assez Bien, Bien or Très Bien. NO LATE HOMEWORK WILL BE ACCEPTED.

 

4. EXCURSION REPORTS: These assignments are an opportunity for you to use French creatively, pulling together everything you have learned to describe the afternoon excursions. An “A” excursion report will be accurate, thoroughly address the topic and express unique ideas based on your individual experience. Compositions are to be typed, double-spaced 12 point font.

5. QUIZZES AND EXAMS: There will be a quiz at the end of each week of the practicum. The exam at the end of the practicum will be cumulative, addressing all of the grammatical structures discussed in class and practiced in homework exercises.

Attendance, participation and in-class work 25%

Homework 15%
2 quizzes 20%
3 Excursion Reports 20%
Exam 20%