Miami Dade College
Department of ESL and Foreign Languages
Building 7 - Third Floor – Room 7307
Phone: (305) 237-1304
WELCOME TO MDC NORTH CAMPUS
FRE 1120
Bienvenue à la classe de français!
The basic French Program at MDC/North includes four levels: FRE 1120, FRE
1121, FRE 2220 & FRE 2221.
Course:
Reference:
Credits:
Term:
Days:
Time:
Pre-Requisite:
FRE 1120 / Elementary French 1
729874
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Spring Term (2012-2)
Mondays and Wednesdays
5:40-9:00 PM
None
Instructor Information
Name:
Phone Number:
E-mail:
Office Hours:
Dr. Leon Palombo
(305) 237-1521
lpalombo@mdc.edu
Place  7322-05
Days and Times  TBA
Mailbox Location: Building 7, Third Floor, Room 7324
Textbook and Materials
Textbook:
CONTACTS (8th Edition) By Valette/Valette
Textbook and Student Online Manual (QUIA)
Recommended:
-A set of wired index cards / A three-hole binder / A highlighter
-An erasable ink pen or a pencil for tests
-Scantrons
Course Description
FRE 1120 is a proficiency-oriented course, emphasizing the mastery of the basic
skills of the language. An integrated (multi-media) approach to develop proficiency
in all the basic language skills: listening/understanding, speaking, reading, writing
and cross-cultural awareness. Students will build on their ability to understand
frequently used words in oral contexts, as well as understand and respond
appropriately to simple phrases and questions. Emphasis is placed on practical
vocabulary and accurate pronunciation. FRE 1120 covers from Lesson 1
through Lesson 9 in your textbook. This is a course that requires a considerable
amount of effort, but the knowledge acquired will definitely be an asset in daily
life, as well as in a wide diversity of jobs and professions.
Learning Outcomes
The following Miami Dade College Learning Outcomes will be assessed in this
course:
1. Communicate effectively using listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of diverse cultures, including global and historical
perspectives.
Course Competencies
1. The student will comprehend selected words, phrases, common idioms and
sentences related to:
a. greetings and social pleasantries.
b. classroom objects and activities.
c. personal and family data.
d. daily activities and interests.
2. The student will respond appropriately in French to questions, to social
pleasantries, class activities, personal data, daily activities and interests by:
a. responding to oral classroom directions given in French.
b. responding in French to questions addressed to them.
c. choosing correct responses to oral questions.
d. responding to oral questions requiring structural changes.
e. speaking in a manner comprehensible to a native speaker.
3. The student will read and comprehend previously learned material by:
a. reading orally with some assistance in pronunciation.
b. giving the correct response to oral and written questions.
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4. The student will write basic sentences and paragraphs in French utilizing the
acquired vocabulary and grammar by:
a. writing controlled and original sentences in French.
b. writing controlled and independent paragraphs in French.
5. The student will use verbs in high frequency, be aware of sentence patterns on
affirmative and negative statements and questions, and be familiar with the
pronouns of French by:
a. using verbs in high frequency tenses in oral and written communication.
b. recognizing and responding to declarative and interrogative, affirmative
and negative sentences.
c. using the pronouns in French.
6. The student will be aware of basic aspects of the culture, such as holidays,
customs, common foods, leisure activities, and selected artistic forms by:
a. identifying some holidays, festivals, typical foods, leisure-time activities,
behaviors, selected artistic forms, geographical data and major historical
events.
b. demonstrating awareness of the life-style of people who speak French.
c. demonstrating an appreciation of similarities and differences of lifestyles in France and those of the United States.
Teaching Methods and Strategies
Students will be expected to participate both individually and/or in pairs or small
groups, role-playing conversations in which they interact using acquired
vocabulary and expressions as appropriate. Participation includes being ready for
class (bringing textbook, completed homework assignments, etc…), and the
willingness to use the French language in a variety of classroom activities.
Course Regulations
Attendance: Active participation is an integral part of the learning process since
the key to mastering a foreign language is practice. If you are not present in
class, you cannot make up for lost work. Therefore, you are expected to attend
every class. I understand that occasional emergencies (illness or family problems)
may occur; if for some reason you are unable to attend one class session, you
must notify me either in advance or on the same day of the session class you
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miss. If you cannot speak to me in person, you can leave me a voice mail or send
me an e-mail message with your phone number and the reason of your absence.
Even if you are absent, you are still responsible for finding out what you missed in
class, and for coming prepared the following day of classes. Absences beyond two
(2) may result in a reduction of your final grade, unless a documented excuse is
presented.
The student must have a valid reason for missing class (e.g. serious illness, family
emergency, religious observance, attendance to statutory governmental
responsibilities—jury duty, court appearance, military obligation— or participation
in a college-sponsored event at which the student is representing the College) to
obtain an excused absence.
After three (3) consecutive absences without notification, you must drop
the course, or you will receive a final grade of “F”.
Withdrawals: You are responsible for officially withdrawing from or dropping the
course within the allotted time if you cannot continue attending classes. Do not
expect me to do it for you; it is your responsibility. I may initiate drops for noshows and non-attendance, and only in those cases I will personally drop you.
For last day(s) to withdraw from classes this semester, please refer to the
Academic Calendar available at the Miami Dade College website.
Punctuality: We have only a short time together, and punctuality is imperative
so as to avoid distraction to both your instructor and classmates; therefore,
tardiness is unacceptable in my class. Always observe starting times of the class,
and also when we reconvene after a break. Make every effort to be on time since
not only is arriving late rude, but it also disrupts the learning process for the entire
class. Late arrivals will affect your weekly class participation points. If
you have an emergency and must be late, before entering the classroom make
sure the class is not taking a test. If so, wait until I allow you to enter. If you
arrive late and the class is not taking a test, sit down quietly without greeting your
classmates. The fact that you are late is already an unacceptable behavior.
Tardiness is disruptive to the class; therefore, the students should be on time for
class. Attendance will be taken at the beginning and end of each class period.
Your instructor has the prerogative to deny admission to students who arrive more
than 10 minutes late.
Class Participation: Active class participation, which amounts for 10% of the
final grade, is essential in the language learning process, and by participation I
mean taking an active role, not only in the classroom but also in your interaction
with your classmates outside the classroom, practicing the target language and
doing your part in any group project assigned.
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Each week, your instructor will evaluate your participation level and determine a
grade. You will have the opportunity to earn 5 points for every class. To
increase your opportunities to participate in class, you must complete all work and
readings before every class meeting. Students are expected to come to class
prepared and ready to participate actively. A student who has perfect attendance
may still receive a low grade in participation if he or she does not actively
participate in class. Students are expected to attempt to speak French regardless
of any mistakes they may make. Errors are to be expected and are viewed as a
natural part of language learning.
Quia Assignments: Part of your homework will be assigned online and checked
upon completion. For more on the online homework, please check the Quia page
attached to the syllabus. If you have a problem, you can use the Language
Speech Lab located in Room 1391.
Students are responsible for completing assigned online activities timely. The total
of these completed assignments is worth 25% of the final grade. Students
receive the percentage points, only when the work is totally completed, by the
end of each lesson. Students failing to complete the assigned activities by the
deadline date will lose the percentage points assigned to that specific lesson.
QUIA COURSE CODE: TBPJ739
Group Oral Presentations: There will be ONE (1) group oral presentation (also
worth 10% of the final grade), around the end of the semester. This presentation
will consist of a situation skit in which groups of two, three, or four students
interact. The performance will be evaluated both individually and as a team.
Chapter Quizzes and Final Exam: There will be a total of FOUR (4) quizzes
(worth 30% of the final grade), in addition to a cumulative Final Exam
(worth 25% of the final grade). Tests and the Final Exam include vocabulary,
writing, grammar and listening comprehension sections. The Final Exam will not
be administered early under any circumstance. If you are planning a trip or
vacation, make sure that you do it around the Miami Dade College Final Exam
Schedule. NO exceptions will be made.
Make-Up Tests: There will be no make-up tests.
Temporary Grade of Incomplete: According to departmental policy, a
temporary grade of ‘INCOMPLETE’ will be assigned ONLY to students under
extreme hardship, in good academic standing nearing the end of the semester,
and when the outstanding coursework is mainly the final exam. An agreement to
complete the outstanding coursework must be signed by the student and the
instructor, and it must contain a description of the work to be done and a
timetable. If a change-grade form is not submitted by the completion date, the
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grade of I becomes an F. All agreed upon work must be concluded within the
next major semester.
Grading Criteria
Criteria used for grading is outlined below. Missed assignments, presentations,
collaborative activities, tests, etc. etc., will receive grades of zero, which will be
computed in your final average.
Quizzes
Class Participation
Group Presentation
Quia Assignments
Final Exam
Grading Scale:
A
B
C
D
F
30%
10%
10%
25%
25%
90 - 100%
80 - 89%
70 - 79%
60 - 69%
Below 60%
If you receive a final grade of “D,” “F,” “W,” or “IW,” you MUST repeat the
course.
Student Records: I will keep information of your academic records, attendance
and grades, for one additional semester; therefore, any questions or concerns
regarding grades must be presented within this time frame.
MDC Student E-Mail Account: Every Miami Dade College student has a free
Miami Dade College e-mail, which is the means of communication that the College
uses to post announcements to students using a class electronic list.
Consequently, if we need to communicate electronically, this is the only means of
communication we will use, and it is your responsibility to access and check your
electronic correspondence regularly.
Student Questions: I look forward to and appreciate intelligent subject-related
questions from my students, not just during class time, but in my office, or
electronically as well. If you have doubts on a specific course issue, please feel
free to contact me either personally during my office hours, by telephone, or via email. If by e-mail, please use your MDC e-mail account, as stated above. Be sure
that I will respond as soon as time permits.
Seating Arrangements: If I consider it necessary, either at the beginning or
during the development of the course, and for the purpose of facilitating the
learning process and interaction among the students (as well as to maintain
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discipline), I may ask you to take a specific seat in the classroom. It is my right as
your instructor. Please make sure that when you come to class you are aware of
this convention and that you follow it.
Classroom Etiquette
Student Conduct: Instructors are responsible for maintaining order and a
positive learning environment in the classroom. Students whose behavior is
disruptive either to the instructor or to other students will be asked to leave.
Students whose behavior suggests the need for counseling or other assistance
may be referred to the Chairperson of the Department of ESL and Foreign
Languages. If a student’s behavior happens to be more serious and delicate, and
violates Miami Dade College Student Conduct Code, the student will be referred to
the Dean of Students Office.
Cellular Phones: When entering the classroom, you should make sure to TURN
OFF your cellular telephone or any other “up to date” electronic device; students
CANNOT leave the classroom to answer their cell phones, or send text messages
during class, so if you are really expecting to receive an important phone call from
either a relative, or from work, I must be notified in advance so that you can set
your cell phone on vibrate mode. If a cell phone loudly rings while in class (or
even worse, while taking a test!), the final grade of the offender will drop by one
(1) grade. I understand that modern electronic devices have become a necessary
part of contemporary life, but they could also be an annoying distraction if used
inappropriately. In addition, I do consider that the disruption they might cause is a
sign of disrespect to the instructor and classmates alike. *Additional note: No
student will be allowed to leave the classroom while taking a test unless there is a
very serious emergency.
Food and Drinks: While class is in progress, it is NOT permitted to bring any
food or drinks to the classroom, so please abstain from doing so.
Important
Academic Dishonesty: We will adhere to the rules and guidelines delineated in
the Miami Dade College Students’ Rights & Responsibilities Handbook (Code of
Conduct – Procedure 4025) and (Academic Dishonesty – Procedure 4035) in
dealing with academic dishonesty. The ramifications for cheating or any other form
of academic dishonesty may include a grade of “F” for the course, a student being
placed on academic probation, suspension, or dismissal from the College. We
encourage you to familiarize yourself with this document. In this course, students
who are caught cheating will automatically fail the test.
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Services for Disabled Students: The Department extends its commitment to
the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The college has developed special
support services to assist disabled students in achieving equal opportunity.
Students who have a disability that might affect their performance in the class are
encouraged to contact Access Services, in confidence, as soon as possible. This
office will aid in appropriate accommodations for the student. This is in
accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American
with Disabilities Act of 1990. Please inform me during the first week of classes if
you need special accommodations due to a disability that might otherwise affect
your performance in the class. Access Services at MDC/North is located in Room
6112, and the number to call for information is (305) 237-1272.
Names, telephone numbers and /or e-mails of two classmates:
___________________________
________________________
__________________________________
_______________________________
Course Outline
The following is the course outline for this semester’s work. I reserve the right to
make any necessary changes. This is only a guideline for you to be aware of the
material to be covered, and when there will be group oral presentations and tests.
Calendrier
1/9
(Leçon 1)
1/14
(Leçon 1)
1/16
(Leçon 2)
1/23
(Leçon 3)
Vocabulaire/Grammaire
Dates Limites
Discuss Syllabus
Greeting People
Introducing Oneself
Nationality
Pages 2-6
Counting from 0-12
French Alphabet
Telling Time
À Votre Tour (Listening Comprehension)
Pages 6-9
Review for Lessons #1 & 2 Quiz
Pointing People Out, Pages 10-14
Expressing Likes and Dislikes, Page 15
Prononciation (Pronunciation), Page 16
À Votre Tour (Listening Comprehension), Page 17
Read Syllabus
Register for Quia
Lesson #1 & 2 Quiz
Exchanging Greetings, Pages 18-19
Talking about School Subjects, Pages 20-21
Numbers 13-60, Page 22
Telling Time in Minutes, Pages 22-23
Prononciation (Pronunciation), Page 24
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Lesson #1 Quia
Lesson #2 Quia
Take Lessons 1 & 2
Quiz
1/28
(Leçon 4)
À Votre Tour (Listening Comprehension), Page 25
Vie Pratique #1: Au Café, Pages 26-29
Images du Monde Francophone, Pages 30-35
1/30
(Leçon 4)
Saying Who We Are (Être), Pages 38-41
Describing What We Do and Do Not Do (-Er
Verbes), Pages 42-46
To Make Generalizations with “On”, Page 46
À Votre Tour (Listening Comprehension), Page 47
Review for Lessons 3 & 4 Quiz
Lessons 3 & 4 Quiz
Activity Related Vocabulary, Pages 48-51
Answering Yes / No Questions, Pages 52-53
Saying What We Like To Do, Pages 54-55
Days of the Week Vocabulary, Page 56
À Votre Tour (Listening Comprehension), Page 57
2/4
(Leçon 5)
2/6
(Leçon 6)
To Ask for Specific Information, Pages 58-62
To Ask About People and Things, Pages 62-63
Stress Pronouns, Pages 64-65
Giving the Date, Page 66
À Votre Tour (Listening Comprehension), Page 67
Vie Pratique #2: La Communication, Pages 68-71
Images du Monde Francophone, Pages 72-77
2/11
(Leçon 7)
Review for Lessons 5 & 6 Quiz
To Say What We Have (Avoir), Pages 80-84
To Talk About One Person or One Object,
Pages 85-87
To Speak About Several People and Things, Pages
88-89
Lessons 5 & 6 Quiz
Indefinite Articles with Affirmative and Negative
Sentences, Page 90
Prepare for Group Presentation
2/13
(Leçon 7)
Lesson #3 Quia
Lesson #4 Quia
Take Lessons 3 & 4
Quiz
Lesson #5 Quia
Lesson #6 Quia
Take Lesson 5 & 6
Quiz
2/20
(Leçon 8)
To Talk of What There is or There is Not, Page 91
Listening Comprehension, Page 92
To Describe a Person or an Object, Pages 94-99
Irregular Adjectives, Pages 100-101
Group Presentation #1
Group Presentation:
Conversation
Dirigée:
Pages 9, 17, 25 & 47
2/25
(Leçon 9)
Placement of Adjectives, Pages 103-103
To Refer to People and Things, Pages 104-106
À Votre Tour (Listening Comprehension), Page 107
To Express General Opinions, Pages 108-110
Usage of Prepositions A and De, Pages 111-112
Review for Lessons 7 & 8 Quiz
Lesson #7 Quia
9
2/27
(Leçon 9)
3/4
(Leçon 9 )
3/6
Lesson 7 & 8 Quiz
The Verbs Jouer and Penser, Pages 112-113
To Say Where You Are Going (Aller), Pages 114-115
To Talk About Future Events, Pages 116-117
Usage of Preposition “Chez”, Page 118
À Votre Tour (Listening Comprehension), Page 119
Vie Pratique #3: La Ville, Pages 120-123
Images du Monde Francophone, Pages 124-129
Lesson #8 Quia
Take Lesson 7 & 8
Quiz
Lesson #9 Quia
REVIEW FOR FINAL EXAM
LESSONS 1-9
FINAL EXAM
(This program is subject to adjustments and/or modifications)
ABOUT THIS SYLLABUS: This syllabus establishes the requirements of this
course. Please use it as a reference for the nature of the assignments, tests,
classroom regulations, attendance policies, and grading procedures.
BONNE CHANCE!
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