Chabot College
March 1993
Course Outline for French 50A
CONVERSATIONAL FRENCH
Catalog Description:
50A - Conversational French
2 units
Development of a basic understanding of spoken French through a study of pronunciation,
vocabulary, and applied grammar, and an introduction to the everyday culture of French-speaking
people. 3 hours.
[Typical contact hours: 52.5]
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course, the student should:
1. have become proficient in using the conversational structures and vocabulary presented;
2. have begun to develop an understanding and appreciation of the culture of French-speaking
people.
Course Content:
1. Functional vocabulary and grammar to allow students to:
a. identify themselves in the target language (name, age, nationality, of birth, profession or
occupation);
b. order food and drink in restaurants and buy food in shops and markets;
c. greet others, make introductions, take leave, and thank;
d. be able to express spatial relationships (far, near, right, left, etc.);
e. be able to ask for and understand street directions.
f. discuss in simple terms their likes and dislikes and to inquire in culturally sensitive terms into
likes and dislikes of others;
g. identify clock time, the date, the weather;
h. to function successfully in basic cultural interactions that involve buying tickets, requesting
and paying for services (taxis, post office, hotels);
i. be sufficiently comfortable with numbers for simple financial transactions in the currency of the
target culture(s).
2. Major geographical features of French-speaking regions
3. Political and cultural information necessary to be sensitive to cultural differences in social
interactions
4. Student-teacher interaction in the target language
Methods of Presentation:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Lecture/discussion in target language
Choral/individual repetition of model speech
Re-creation of dialogues and improvisation
Small group activities leading to skits, dialogues, etc.
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Tests and quizzes on material presented, including oral proficiency interviews
Student participation in class activities
Homework assignments, such as preparation for brief oral presentations
Final exam
Chabot College
Course Outline for French 50A, Page 2
March 1993
Textbook(s) Typical:
French in Action, A Beginning Course in Language and Culture, Pierre J. Capretz, Yale University
Press
Special Student Materials:
None
FH:kh French.50A
Revised: 3/10/93