UC Center Program
Fall 2007

SYLLABUS Practicum SECTION V

Friday, Aug 24 – Friday, Sept 7 9 am – 12 noon

Instructor: Léa SCATTOLIN

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The two/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, as well as six excursions scheduled to introduce Paris. (Excursions last around 2 to 3 hours, and will leave from the courtyard of the UC Centre at 1:00 pm) The basic aim of the practicum is for students to get to know one another and to refresh and consolidate their knowledge of French. The course will provide the foundation for the following semester, where grammar, methodology, and literary activities will be explored in much greater depth.

COURSE MATERIALS

Descotes-Genon C., Morsel M-H. & Richou C., L’Exercisier, PUG, 2005 (nouvelle édition)

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. You will find your comprehension increasing as the course progresses.

Participation

Your French class will become a small, tightly-knit community. This is the place where you should take risks in trying to express yourself. Try to use the new vocabulary and grammar in creating your own meaning. This is one of the best strategies to really 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 still want to participate, let your instructor know you wish to be called on. And finally, don’t compare your French with your classmates’.

Requirements

ATTENDANCE and PUNCTUALITY: Daily attendance is mandatory. This class will move at a brisk pace. New topics with associated grammar and vocabulary will be presented every day. Absences and lateness will automatically lower your class participation grade. If you MUST be absent or late, let your instructor know.

ORAL PARTICIPATION: 25% of your grade is based on your oral work in class, a combination of your ability and overall effort. HOMEWORK: Daily homework will be assigned and collected at the beginning of the next class. Every assignment must be handed in on a neat squared sheet of paper, be written in a legible way with a pen and include the following: your name, instructor’s name, date, page and exercise number.

NO LATE HOMEWORK WILL BE ACCEPTED.

COMPOSITION: Compositions are an opportunity for you to use French creatively, pulling together everything you have learned to describe the afternoon excursions. An “A” composition will be accurate, thoroughly address the topic and express something unique about you, the writer. Compositions are to be typed, double-spaced 12 point font and include a number of 30 lines.

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

Grades Attendance, participation and in-class work 25%
Homework 15%
2 quizzes 20%
3 Excursion reports 20%
Exam 20%