Français II
BIENVENUE À LA CLASSE DE FRANÇAIS
Teacher: Madame Klein
Lower Dauphin High School
aklein@ldsd.org
Phone: 566-5330 Ext. 2081
Français II
I. Course Description:
This course is a continuation of French II, which stresses the basic elements of the language. Vocabulary and grammar are studied as students continue to develop the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. French II begins with a rapid review of the vocabulary and grammatical points presented in the French I course. The comprehension of new content is facilitated by the constant re-entry of previously learned material. Cultural information is integrated into the learning experience through cultural readings in the text and through a variety of supplemental materials. We will also study some aspects of art, music, history, geography and customs in the French speaking world.
II. Course Length:
This is a year long course which meets every day.
III. Textbook:
Discovering French Today (blanc) by Jean-Paul and Rebecca Valette.
IV. Overview:
Approximately the first 2 weeks will be devoted to a review of French II vocabulary and grammar concepts. After completing the review approximately 15-20 school days will be devoted to each chapter. Adherence to these time lines is, of course, dependent on class ability levels. Throughout each chapter, homework and conversations will be assigned and quizzes on vocabulary, listening comprehension, grammar and culture will be given. A test comprised of listening, reading and writing components will follow the completion of each chapter. Tests may also be given periodically on specific areas of study within each chapter. A Tests de contrôle or review section, which follows every three or four chapters, helps students review the content of previous chapters. Since language acquisition is a skill-building subject, students can expect to observe vocabulary and grammar learned in the beginning of the year being constantly reintegrated and reinforced throughout the length of the course. It is very important to study, starting with the first day of class, so that the foundation will be strong enough to support future skills. Students will learn about French culture by reading and translating the lectures, cultural readings and selected reading material of the course.
V. Course Requirements:
Students are required to keep an up to date notebook containing class notes, handouts, workbook pages and homework assignments. All papers in the notebook should be dated. Students are advised to purchase or borrow a French/English dictionary for use away from the French classroom. Students are expected to complete ALL homework assignments carefully and neatly.
VI. Grading:
Grades in French II, like all grades at Lower Dauphin High School, are based on percentages.
Their letter grade equivalents are as follows:
90% - 100% = A
850% - 89% = B
70% - 79% = C
60% - 69% = D
Below 59% = F
Evaluation procedures include:
Non-written homework: studying vocabulary spelling and meaning, memorizing sentence patterns, verb endings and other similar activities serve as a foundation for class participation and may be evaluated as a grade.
Written homework: preparing homework is an integral part of the course and is an aid to daily class activities. Homework assignments are always checked, recorded as part of a grade and corrected to further stress daily practice in the language. Missed homework, due to an excused absence, is required to be made up in accordance to the guidelines set up in the high school handbook.
Recitations: vocabulary lists, grammar terms and rules, songs and short poems are frequently assigned and graded. Length of the recitation will determine how much time is given for preparation.
Conversations: at times, text conversations, which appear in each chapter, are assigned to be memorized. Students generally work with one or two partners. Additional conversations, created by students, are also assigned to promote creative self expression.
Notebook: includes all handouts, beginning with the course syllabus, the component parts of each chapter and any notes taken in class. The notebook is cumulative from the beginning of the year to the end of the year.
Projects: several will be assigned. The number of major projects depends on time availability and class readiness. When assigned, students will have 1-3 weeks to complete the project. A written list of grading criteria will accompany each assigned special project.
Quizzes: teacher-generated and/or textbook-published quizzes are regularly given on vocabulary and small sections of grammar or culture. Quizzes are always announced in advance and can involve listening skills, speaking skills, reading skills or writing skills or any combination of these. Students are accountable for the correct spelling of French words, spelling counts!
Tests/Exams: teacher-generated and/or textbook-published tests are given at the end of each chapter and/or after each unit of work. Tests are always announced several days in advance. Tests/Exams are comprehensive in nature and will include listening, speaking, reading and writing components. A Final Exam is given in June and covers material from the entire year.
Class participation: each student automatically receives the maximum value of class participation points at the beginning of each marking period. Points are then either maintained or deducted based on the individual student’s behavior in and preparation for class. Criteria used in class participation includes: 1) the student’s use of French in the classroom, 2) the student’s willingness to contribute to class activities, 3) the student’s cooperation in group and pair work, 4) having all materials (text book, notebook, pencil, etc.) readily available and 5) the student’s positive attitude toward the class and his/her peers.
All students are encouraged to write assignments in their school planners.
VII. Classroom Expectations: Students should ………………………………
1) attend class regularly. Frequent absences affect mastery of skills needed to progress through subsequent lessons.
2) complete homework as it is assigned. Homework is viewed as a tool to practice and reinforce what has been introduced in class. It is, therefore, an extension of the learning process.
3) be on time with all materials ready. You will need your textbook, notebook, writing utensils and component parts of the lesson with you every day.
4) complete any missed homework, quizzes, tests, lesson information, recitations, etc. in accordance with the policy listed in the student handbook.
5) not have their cell phones out in class unless Madame Klein asks for it.