AP French Language and Culture: 2015-2016 Syllabus
Teacher: Madame Fenn
rm. 330
E-mail: bethany.fenn@dvusd.org
Web Page: http://www.dvusd.org/Domain/5255
Tutor time: Tuesday’s afterschool 2:20-3:00
Prep: Fourth Period
Classroom Approach
This AP French Language course has been devised to “fine tune” the students’ skills, culled over the
first three years of French, within a meaningful study of six topical and cultural themes: Families and
Communities, Science and Technology, Beauty and Aesthetics, Contemporary Life, Global
Challenges, and Personal and Public Identities. These themes serve as springboards for practice
of interpersonal, interpretive and presentational communicative skills within interesting and relevant
contexts [CR1].
Assessment activities
Formative assessment – 80 %
-
Interpretive mode/skills set – 20%
Interpersonal mode/skill set – 20%
Presentational mode/skill set – 20%
Oral and written participation – 40%
I. Interpretive mode/skills (20% of total grade):
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Interpret formal and informal French through listening, reading, making
inferences, and analyzing linguistic clues.

This mode focuses on student understanding and interpretation of authentic French presented in
written and audio format. **This mode does NOT measure student production of the language, but
rather his/her comprehension and understanding of the language.
II. Interpersonal mode/skills set (20% of total grade):
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Interact (respond) to formal and informal conversational and written prompts
using level appropriate language skills.
This mode focuses on all interpersonal interaction—oral or in writing—a student has in French.
III. Presentational mode/skill set (20% of total grade):
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Individually respond to an audience orally or in writing to a variety of prompts
in French.
This mode focuses on developing a student’s confidence in oral and written presentation in French.
**All modes are directly aligned with the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language
(ACTFL) guidelines.
Summative finals – 20%
- Interpretive mode – 50%
- Interpersonal/Presentational modes – 50%
Grading
A = 90-100%
B = 80-90%
C = 70-79%
D= 60-69%
F = below 60%
All written and spoken presentational work in AP French and Culture course is
graded based on the various rubrics for Presentational and Interpersonal writing and
speaking developed by the College Board for the Advanced Placement Exam.
Speaking
Impromptu, unrehearsed speech is greatly emphasized on a daily basis in the classroom. Students
are encouraged to use the new thematic vocabulary they are learning in their discussion of topics
being studied. Each student is paired with one or more students to maximize speaking time and help
them engage in natural discussion in a non-threatening environment. Class discussions are open and
non-graded to also encourage students to feel comfortable speaking.
Writing
Daily warm-ups and exit tickets (interpersonal written) often consist of quick writes in which
students comment freely on topics being discussed, or dialogue journal entries/letters where they
write several questions to their partner, and respond to questions they receive. [CR3b] A variety of
formal essays (presentational written) are also shared and often peer-edited so that students can
detect and learn from the mistakes of others, as well as enjoy one another’s thoughts and
expressions. [CR5b]
Participation
Daily participation (oral participation) will be given through Classroom Dojo for students who
remain in the target language during class. Students will not be graded on the accuracy of their
French, but rather on their effort to use the language exclusively in class. Students will also receive 50
points for turning in their quarterly bellwork sheets (interpersonal written points).
Materials Used
The following text is used to support the curriculum: Thèmes (Vista Higher Learning)
In addition to the above, a wide variety of authentic materials are used, including articles from Le
Monde and other newspapers and magazines, Francophone films, literary texts (poems, excerpts
from books), internet articles and videos, music videos, advertising, and audio from RF (Radio France
International). [CR2a], [CR2b] & [CR2c]
Recommendations
Because the students are only in the classroom 55 minutes Monday-Friday, it is strongly encouraged
for them to practice French on their own. Some easy ways of doing so are following newspapers,
radio stations, T.V. channels, podcasts, etc. at home. Students can find links to at home practice on
the teacher’s website.
Trip to France
Our 2016 trip to France is planned for June 1st-9th. All students are invited to come along and gain
authentic experience with the language and culture while enjoying the beauty of France. The tour
information can be found at http://www.eftours.com/tour-website/1740920KY
AP Testing
It is the expectation of the AP class that ALL students will take the AP exam in May, 2015 on
the scheduled date to be announced. Funding is available for the exam on a financial need basis. In
addition, it is a BCHS policy for all students to take a complete practice exam. This practice exam will
be scheduled in advance and participation is mandatory.
All students, whether testing for Advanced Placement College Board credit or not, will sit for a
full board exam in May. On the exam day, students will miss a portion of their classes which
will be an excused internal school absence and will not count as an absence for school
attendance policy purposes {code 8}). Participation in the exam date is not optional.
Materials Due by Aug 17, 2015 – Please see me if you cannot complete this by the
due date.
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****** Internet access is ESSENTIAL at home, school or library.
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3 ring binder with individual tabs for:
o Bellwork
o Notes
o
o
o
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In-class participation guides
Study guides
Continous Classroom Improvement (PDSA)
Composition notebook for practice AP assessments/tests
Pen/pencil
Paper
Attendance
Regular and timely attendance is a critical part of learning a foreign language. If you must be absent,
it is your responsibility to check the assignment calendar and/or call a buddy student in class to make
up the work missed. Handouts for the day missed are the responsibility of the student. Please speak
with teacher before or after class. Upon reaching any combination of 12 excused or unexcused
absences, a student may lose credit in this class.
Powerschool Access
The Powerschools site allows parents/guardians and students to access the student’s grades,
attendance, and other information. If you need your access information, please stop by the front desk
during business hours. You will need a photo I.D.
The web address is: http://ps.dvusd.org/public
Adherence to the Boulder Creek Academic Integrity Code
All students enrolled in French 5-6H will adhere to the framework and guidelines set forth in the
Boulder Creek High School Academic Integrity Code. Cheating and Plagiarism will not be tolerated.
The purpose of this code is to promote a positive learning environment for all involved. As
humans, we will make mistakes as we grow. It is understood that we can learn from those mistakes
and become better individuals in the future. Any student who violates this code will be referred to the
Students Rights and Responsibilities handbook and assignment of appropriate consequences.
Please refer to the Academic Integrity Code in your student handbook for more details.
Make-Up Work Policy
Upon return to class after an absence, a student has one school day for each day missed to make up
work/test assigned during his/her absence regardless of the number of days absent. For example, if a
student is absent on Thursday and Friday, he/she will have Monday and Tuesday of the following
week to make up work and must turn in the work that was assigned during the days absent on
Wednesday.
Coursework and assessments assigned prior to the absence(s) may still be due on the date assigned.
It is the student’s responsibility to check with teachers immediately upon return for work missed and
possible adjustment of due dates. Teachers may choose to schedule an appointment with the student
to arrange due dates as needed.
If you must be absent, it is your responsibility to check the assignment calendar and/or teacher and/or
a buddy student in class to make up the work/notes missed. Handouts for the day missed will be in a
file folder for your period number.
Late Work
Assignments that are totally complete on the due date will receive credit. Assignments turned in
within one week of the due date will receive 50% of the earned credit. After one week late
assignment are not accepted and will receive a zero in the grade book.
Make-up Tests
Students who are absent on the day of a test, must come after school on a Monday. This will be the
designated day of the week for students to schedule make-up tests.
Long Term Project Policy
Long term projects are assignments given at least two weeks in advance. Teachers should note that
the assignment is a long term project in the written instructions provided for the students. Long term
projects are due on or before the date assigned, even if the student or teacher is absent on the due
date.
See the Student Handbook for additional details.
Classroom Rules:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Speak French once you enter the classroom
Be prompt and prepared daily to participate
No offensive language in the classroom
No electronic devices (cell phones) or personal items in class
If these are seen/heard anywhere in the classroom, immediate intervention will
take place
5. Dress and behave appropriately at all times
6. No use of electronic translating devices
Cell phones use is allowed outside, in hallway and in the cafeteria. No cell phone use in the
classroom unless otherwise directed.
Dress code is strictly enforced in my classroom, infractions will be sent to the office immediately –
Hats are removed before entering classroom or they will be confiscated and reported as a dress code
violation
Late to class is unacceptable and will be considered a sweep to the office where a consequence will
be given and the student may come back to class. Please do not disrupt class upon re-enter – enter
and sit quietly, listen for direction.
Consequences as a result of choice:
1. Verbal warning from teacher
2. Out of classroom with behavioral reflection sheet completed by student and reviewed by
teacher & student after class
3. Parent contact by teacher
4. Written referral to administration
Classroom Behavior Expectations and Consequences- PBIS
Learning Environment
BOULDER CREEK
Prepared

Bring materials

Come prepared to learn
Respectful

Respect others, their property, equipment, and the facility
Integrity

Complete your own work

All electronic devices are off and out of sight
Discipline

Arrive on time & be in your seat

Behave appropriately and use courteous language

Keep food and drink outside
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Encourage confidence

Cooperate and collaborate
Everyone United
Communication
Please contact the teacher for any student concerns at bethany.fenn@dvusd.org as
it is crucial that teachers, parents, and students maintain open lines of communication.
Contact information is also provided at the top of the first page.
The Deer Valley Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national
origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. For any inquiries regarding
nondiscrimination policies contact the Superintendent's Department, 20402 N. 15th Avenue, Phoenix,
AZ 85027. 623.445.5000.
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Bienvenue à la classe de français !
JOIN THE world language
CLUB!
Info. COMING SOON….
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Please return this portion by August 18, 2014.
I have read the Course Syllabus and Guidelines.
Student Name (Printed) _____________________________ Class Hour ____
Student Signature ________________________________________________
Parent Signature _________________________________________________
Date ____________________________________________________________
1. Write one item/area that makes you think….wooohooo! (cannot
leave this blank)
2. Write one item/area that will need you to put some time and effort
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3. Write one item that you would like more clarification on
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