Texts:

Collage, Révision de grammaire, 5e édition
Collage, Cahier d'exercices oraux et écrits, 5e édition (with audio tapes at AV Center)
Autour de la littérature, Peter Schofer and Donald Rice, new 4th ed. 1999 with audio CD

Listening Comprehension and Spoken French

With an emphasis on the exclusive use of French in class (and outside if you prefer!), you will gradually gain more confidence as your comprehension skills improve. We will also carefully review basic phonetic rules throughout the process. Each grammar chapter in Collage has a listening comprehension section to prepare in the AV Center; it will help you to train your ear (there is no substitute for this essential step). You may request that a copy tape be made for your use at home. If so, bring a blank cassette tape to the AV Center in ARH.) Some of the literary readings may also require advanced listening on the CD that accompanies the text, Autour de la littérature. Exams will also test your listening comprehension skills. Your spoken French will be evaluated throughout the semester both in class (through formal oral assignments and informal participation) and in two individualized meetings outside of class with your instructor. French Assistant Aurélie Noël is also available during French Lab hours to help you work on any aspect of French. Feel free to call upon her enthusiasm and expertise (especially for oral work).

Grammar

French 221 presents a review of basic grammatical concepts. You are expected to complete all assigned work BEFORE the class day indicated on the syllabus. This means reading the grammar presentations carefully, reviewing vocabulary, listening to the assigned exercises and completing the assigned written exercises in the Cahier. Two hours of preparation time per class would not be unusual.

Readings and Discussion

We will explore how language expresses meaning in a variety of contexts: poetry, prose, film, and advertisements ("la publicité"). Vocabulary acquisition is crucial at this level. Therefore you should expect to work with a good French/English dictionary. Although Collage has a glossary, you will definitely need a dictionary for the readings in the text Autour de la littérature, and for your written assignments.

GRADES:

20% examen final
20% examens partiels (hourly exams)
20% devoirs écrits (DE)
10% rédactions
20% exposés/participation en classe/progrès
10% évaluations orales

ACTIVITES CONSEILLEES

1. La Table Française: le lundi à Cowles PDR de 6.00 à 7.00.
2. Cours de conversation: FRN 201 (1 credit).
3. French Lab: ARH 221, avec l'assistante de français, Aurélie Noël
4. Informations télévisées (Scola): au centre audio-visuel (émissions en direct ou enregistrées).
5. Films français: à voir au centre audio-visuel; French Film Series à la Maison Française.

ABBREVIATIONS:

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