Chabot College
Fall 2010
Course Outline for French 50A
FRENCH CONVERSATION AND CULTURE I
Catalog Description:
FRNC 50A - French Conversation and Culture I
3.00 units
Development of a basic understanding of spoken French through pronunciation, vocabulary, and applied
grammar. Introduction to the everyday culture of Francophone people. Following an immersion instruction
format, the class is entirely taught in the target world language of the selected course.
Requisites: none
Units
Contact Hours
Week
Term
3.00
Lecture
Laboratory
Clinical
Total
3.00
3.00
1.00
0.00
4.00
52.50
17.50
0.00
70.00
Prerequisite Skills:
None
Measurable Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. demonstrate a practical knowledge of the French conversational patterns presented;
2. ask and answer questions in French dealing with everyday situations in the present tense;
3. use active vocabulary, idiomatic expressions and basic grammar to engage in routine
conversational interactions in the target language;
4. demonstrate a basic knowledge of the history, culture, and geography of the Francophone countries;
5. demonstrate an understanding and an appreciation of the culture of the Francophone people.
Course Content:
1. Introduction of the basic French conversation patterns using correct intonation and stress needed
by students to talk about themselves, their family and work in the target language.
2. Introduction of the present tense in areas of immediate needs and on familiar topics: order food
and drink in restaurants and buy food in shops and markets, greet others, make introductions, take
leave, and express appreciation.
3. Introduction of vocabulary in interrogative and declarative sentences by using the present tense
and the immediate future.
4. Introduction to the history, culture, and geography of the Francophone countries.
5. Introduction of the social and cultural differences between French and American cultural practices.
Course Content (Laboratory):
1. Activate lecture content using interactive audio and audiovisual programs on CDs, DVDs, CD
ROMS, target language websites, etc., featuring culturally authentic and contextual guided
speaking, reading, writing activities.
2. Organized laboratory activities including conversation groups.
3. Fundamentals of French pronunciation:
A. Syllabification and rhythm
B. Final consonants: pronounced and unpronounced
C. Vowels and spelling
D. The vowels /a/, /i/ and /u/
E. The o in closed and open vowels
Methods of Presentation
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Lecture/Discussion
Introduction and discussion of French conversational methods
Choral/individual repetition of model speech
Simulation by instructor and re-creation of dialogues and improvisation
Small group activities leading skits, dialogues, etc
Use of supplementary materials such as audio and visual
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
1. Typical Assignments
A. Prepare a 5-minute skit reflecting a social situation in a culturally appropriate manner for
example, greetings and introductions.
B. Read and present a brief one-page newspaper or magazine article. Good examples of
newspapers and magazines can be found at the library and for online articles you can find
them at the World Languages department website.
C. Watch short 30-minute film clips or listen to audio material that can be found at our
Learning Center and summarize to the class.
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
A. Quizzes
B. Class Participation
C. Homework
D. Oral reports
E. Final Examination
Textbook (Typical):
1. Véronique Anover and Theresa A. Antes (2008). Á Vous!, Heinle and Cengage Learning.
Special Student Materials