FR 401 FRENCH LANGUAGE IN CONTEXT: EMERGING COMPETENT ABROAD I IES Abroad Paris BIA

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1 FR 401 FRENCH LANGUAGE IN CONTEXT: EMERGING COMPETENT ABROAD I IES Abroad Paris BIA DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to help students develop a thorough understanding of French culture through observation, discussion and research. Students experiences in daily life will serve as point of entry to analyzing complex themes such as social codes, habits, media, history Each theme is studied in regards to the five fundamental linguistic skills: reading, writing, listening, speaking and intercultural communication. The focus is put on motivation, creativity, and group work: presentation of a book or film, ideas to become better acquainted with Paris, investigating and reporting, etc. Research has demonstrated that study abroad can enhance every aspect of language ability. One of the most important general findings of this research is, however, that study abroad is most beneficial for the development of abilities related to social interaction. Students who go abroad are able to learn how to produce language in a variety of situations, such as the making of requests, the use of compliments and apologies, and they also may develop skills to interpret such interactions within the local cultural context In short, study abroad has been show to enhance the aspects of communicative competence that are most difficult to foster in classroom settings (IES Abroad MAP for Language and Intercultural Communication, p. 6). CREDITS: 4 credits LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION: French PREREQUISITES: Proficiency at a level equivalent to IES Abroad s Independent Abroad, as determined by placement test. METHOD OF PRESENTATION: Special focus is given to oral comprehension and expression. Knowledge of codes of behavior and everyday culture is an essential component of this course. After a period of adapting to daily life in Paris, the group chooses a CORE project. Each student will take his/her specific interests into account in order to determine the role of each student involved in the project and the specific skill to acquire. Evaluations are conducted throughout the semester as well as through midterm and final exams. REQUIRED WORK AND FORM OF ASSESSMENT: Participation, regularity and punctuality, intellectual rigor, homework - 10 % -asking questions, being attentive, interacting with classmates OPI (Oral Proficiency Interview) Language Test 10 % Graded assignments 20 % - Written assignments will be graded based upon grammar, structure, ideas, richness of vocabulary, communication skills. 2 oral presentations 20 % - In-class presentation on a novel of student s choice. Grading will be based upon understanding of the story, knowledge of the author and the context, grammar, structure, richness of vocabulary, communication skills. (10%) - CORE Project: in groups of 2, students will work on a topic of their choice related to their personal discovery of France and Paris. This project will require students to meet and interview locals, visit places and research on their own. Grading will be based upon thoroughness of exploration of the subject, degree of analysis and clarity of the presentation of the results. (10%) Midterm exam - 20 % -Evaluation of linguistic and cultural understanding Final exam 20 % -Evaluation of linguistic and cultural understanding LEARNING OUTCOMES:

2 Students who are placed in this level should be capable of achieving the outcomes in the Independent Abroad level as defined by the IES Abroad MAP for Language and Intercultural Communication. By the end of the course, students will be able to achieve some of the outcomes for the Emerging Competent Abroad level as defined by the MAP for Language and Intercultural Communication. The key learning outcomes from the MAP are summarized below: I. Intercultural Communication A. Students will begin to recognize and describe key host cultures, subcultures, habits, norms, and behaviors in a variety of settings, and they will be aware of the risk that generalizations can lead to stereotypes. B. Students will be able to reflect on and discuss the validity of their own cultural beliefs, behaviors, and values by contrasting and comparing them with those of the host cultures. C. Students will demonstrate openness toward different beliefs and styles even when they do not agree with them. D. Students will accept responsibility for their own learning by defining their linguistic goals and demonstrating independence in their exploration of the culture. II. Listening A. Students will be able to understand many complex communications on a wide range of everyday topics as well as abstract topics covered in classes. B. Students will be able to understand a variety of native speakers and non-native experts and comprehend an array of moderately complex interactions. III. Speaking A. Students will participate reasonably well in most academic and social interactions using when appropriate complex language including slang, colloquial expressions, double meaning, and humor with increasing confidence. B. Students will be able to make arguments and form opinions on almost any topic of their interest. IV. Reading A. Students will be able to read and understand textbooks and academic articles for classes taught in the host language as well as some popular texts for enjoyment. B. Students will be able to read and understand authentic materials including newspapers, advertisements, brochures, instruction manuals, etc. on abstract and unfamiliar topics with some assistance at times. V. Writing A. Students will be able to write for certain native audiences (resumes, applications, administrative documents) and express themselves somewhat clearly and effectively. B. Students will be able to write essays for classes incorporating aspects of appropriate academic style with some assistance at times. ATTENDANCE POLICY: CONTENT:

3 Week Content Assignments Corresponding Learning Outcome(s) Week 1 Knowledge about Paris (history and Presentation of monuments; I. A, C, D Intensive sociology), presenting oneself Session precisely, understanding of the social Homework: Short paper: personal 01/16 codes and registers of language story; go to a café and present to the 01/17 class about your experience; III. A 01/18 1.Functional: introducing yourself; 01/19 taking notes ; situating Parisian IV. A 01/20 monuments; adapting to life in Paris ; raconter une expérience dans un V. A café, présentation de monuments 2.Grammatical: verb conjugation in the present indicative (review of difficulties); telling a story in the past tense; placement of adverbs (review); conjugation of present subjunctive (review of difficulties), using the auxiliary être or avoir 3.Vocabulary: vocabulary specific to the history of Paris; vocabulary of transportation; vocabulary of everyday life (in a café, in a store); language registers 4.Culture: construction of Paris (history of Paris); Visit of the Marais; intercultural: greetings; how to get around in Paris; culture of everyday life, politeness and manners à la française, visit of the Latin Quarter Week 1 French Literature and use of Preparation for exposés and debates; I. A 01/24 - language in politics 01/26 Homework: Reading of a short story (written comprehension)

4 1.Functional: Phonetics: difficult III. A sounds (1); class discussion; oral comprehension (video) IV. B 2.Grammatical: use of the past and V. B present subjunctive; agreement of tenses 3.Vocabulary: reading of a short story: rhetoric of discourse (structure and style); synonyms 4.Culture: great contemporary speeches influential in France (appel du 18 juin, appel de l abbé Pierre). Discussion and debate about use of language in different contexts. Week 2 French cinema and society Exposé-debate (1) I. A, C 01/31-02/02 1.Functional: Phonetics : difficult Homework: Reading of a news article II. B sounds (2); exposé-debates by (written comprehension) students on a current event or I societal theme (1); field trip to the Write a film review cinema IV. B 2.Grammatical: use of past tenses; V. A agreement of tenses 3.Vocabulary: telling in writing, critiquing a film (vocabulary for expressing appreciation and opinion) 4.Culture: the cinema in France (directors and the public). Comparison and debate about French and U.S. cinema in each society, and mass culture.

5 Week 3 Education and school in France Exposé- debate (2) I. A, B, C 02/07-02/09 1.Functional: Phonetics: intonation Homework: Reading of a literary text and melody of sentence structure (written comprehension) (Winter (1); exposés-debates on a current I Break Feb event or societal theme, (1); Write a literary review 10-19) listening comprehension (news story) V. A, B 2.Grammatical: conjugation of the conditional; expression of time 3.Vocabulary: reading of a literary text; giving your opinion: nuancing the expression of your thoughts 4.Culture: les grandes écoles; student life; working life. Discussion about elites in French and U.S. politics Week 4 Age and religion in France; social Exposé-debate (3) I. A, B, C 02/21 - groups 02/23 Homework: Reading of a literary text 1.Functional: Phonetics : intonation (written comprehension) and melody of sentence structure (2) I exposé-debate on a current event or societal theme (2); listening comprehension (news story). V. B 2.Grammatical: use of the present and past conditional, expression of condition 3.Vocabulary: how young people speak, reading of a newspaper or magazine article 4.Culture: Paris et the suburbs; Islam in France ; secularism. Discussion

6 about the presence of religion in French and American society. Week 5 1.Functional: listening Oral presentation for the CORE I. A, B, C 02/28 comprehension (video) Reading of a literary text (written 2.Grammatical: conjugations, uses of comprehension) modes and tenses, of condition, of I opposition IV. A 3. Vocabulary: all vocabulary covered in class V. A, B 4.Culture: all cultural themes covered in class Midterm Exam: 03/02 Week 6 Leisure and life in Paris Revision of all lessons for the midterm I. A, B, D 03/07 - exam 1. Functional: intonation and melody of sentence structure (3) exposé- Midterm exam. debate on a current event or societal The test will involve: I theme (3); listening comprehension (news story) - Listening comprehension; 2.Grammatical: agreement of the - Grammar exercises; V. A, B past participle; expression of opposition - Text analysis (vocabulary comprehension) ; 3.Vocabulary: preparing for an interview; expressing and nuancing - Essay on one or more cultural your agreement or disagreement themes discussed in class 4.Culture: discussion of personal themes for CORE projects; the theater in Paris. Discussion and analysis of students lives in Paris.

7 (03/09 no class) Week 7 03/14 & 03/16 Savoir-vivre and customs 1.Functional: Oral presentation 1. Oral presentation for the CORE Homework: Reading of an news article I.A, B, C (CORE); listening comprehension (written comprehension) (audio); discussion on bonnes I manières (good manners) (giving Write a one page synthesis of your your opinion); field trip to the CORE project theater V. B 2.Grammatical: language registers (2); writing simply (short and clear Field trip : sentences) Montmartre or another district of Paris 3.Vocabulary: formal (salutations ) and informal informelle (texto, ) written communication; synonyms (enhancing, depreciative) 4.Culture: Savoir-vivre à la française ; bonnes manières (good manners); intercultural work. Discussion and debate about needs for intercultural skills. Week 8 French way to debate, opinions and Oral presentation for the CORE I.A, B, C 03/21 - conversations 03/23 Reading of an news article (written 1.Functional: Oral presentation 2. comprehension) (CORE); listening comprehension I, D (video) IV. B 2.Grammatical: personal pronouns; expression of intensity and comparison

8 3.Vocabulary: vocabulary of politics, implicit and explicit expressions in political discourse. 4.Culture: French politics in everyday life; intercultural discussion: parties, elections, strikes, demonstrations etc. Discussion and debate surrounding political organization and the power of the political system. Week 9 Discussing the role of the medias Oral presentation for the CORE I. A, B, D 03/28-03/30 1.Functional: Oral presentation 3 Write a one page synthesis of the (CORE); listening comprehension progression of your CORE project (audio); analysis or current stories in III. B local newspapers IV. B 2.Grammatical: relative pronouns; expression of cause V. B 3.Vocabulary: vocabulary of the media 4.Culture: French media; analysis of major headlines; Debate in teams about the role of the medias. Week 10 French music and music in French Reading of humorous texts (literary I. A, B, C 04/04 - and non-literary) 04/06 1.Functional: Oral presentation 4 II. B (CORE); listening comprehension Writing of a literary or film review (audio et video); III. B 2.Grammatical: adapting your style to the context; expression of consequence V. A, B

9 3.Vocabulary: vocabulary of song and poetry 4.Culture: contemporary French music; intercultural discussion (English language music) Week 11 French humor Reviews all course content in I. A, B 04/11 - preparation for the final exam 04/13 1.Functional: French humor: II. B (political cartoons, texts, songs); humorous videos enjoyed by young III. A French IV. A 2.Grammatical: nominal sentences; synthetic phrases V. B 3.Vocabulary: word play (jokes, spoonerisms ) other vocabulary used in humor; vocabulary of advertising 4.Culture: intercultural: French humor, anglo-saxon humor, humor in publications and advertising. Pros and Cons of humor in French society. Week 12 Final Exam I. A, B, C 04/18 - The test will involve: - Listening comprehension I - Grammar exercises - Text analysis (vocabulary V. A, B comprehension)

10 - Essay on one or more cultural themes discussed in class 1.Functional: listening comprehension (audio) 2.Grammatical: expression of logical relationships, syntax 3.Vocabulary: synonyms and language registers; expressing yourself clearly, with nuance and opinion Final Exam: 04/20 REQUIRED READINGS: A language book : Le Nouvel Edito, niveau B2, éditions Didier. An exercise book : Grammaire Progressive niveau Avancé, édition CLE International. One French novel. RECOMMENDED READINGS: Other novels in French, poetry, newspapers, magazines, dictionary.