Course Syllabus for FREN 101 – First semester French
Washington State University (Vancouver)
Instructor: Nicolas Hinsinger (Email: nhinsinger@wsu.edu) – Office: VMMC 102P
Class Hours: Tu-Th 13:25-14:40 pm (Classroom: VUCB 126), and lab (mandatory) Tu
14:50-15:40 pm (Classroom: VCLS 214).
Office Hours: on Tuesdays & Thursdays, 15:50-16:50 pm.
1. The course
French 101 (First semester) is an introductory course on French language and culture.
Therefore, the course will help you build and develop writing, reading, listening and
speaking skills in the French language while learning more about the specificities of
French traditions and culture. The course concentrates on the acquisition and correct use
of pronunciation and intonation, grammatical structures, useful vocabulary in everyday
life. A successful completion of this course (grade of C or better) is necessary to be able
to register for French 102. By the end of the course, students will be able to talk about
family, daily life, food and clothing, activities and sports, the weather, their studies, their
campus and neighborhood, and things they intend to do in the future. They will begin to
talk about things they have done in the past. Aspects of life in France and other Frenchspeaking regions and countries will be explored through readings and videos in each unit
chapters.
French 101 will be taught exclusively in French as an opportunity to be immersed in
French language and culture during class time. Students will be encouraged to only use
French during the instructional time and collaborative activities with other students.
Students who challenge themselves in trying to communicate only in French make quick
and steady improvements in carrying conversation in the language, which is very
rewarding. In addition, there will be during each class time opportunities to ask questions
or ask for clarifications in English at the end of the class.
Tuesdays and Thursdays class time will be devoted to the instruction of the French
language based on the competences from the textbook. Students will have extensive
opportunities to demonstrate their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through
several kinds of activities (activities with a partner, group work, games, songs, etc…). On
the other hand, during the lab session we will explore and discuss topics related to French
culture (movies, music, cuisine, regions, etc…) through the readings of short articles, and
also get a sense of French lifestyle through an educational TV series we will watch that
features young French people living in Paris. Each episode introduces a topic of daily life
and follows the adventures of the three main protagonists.
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Learning Goals and Outcomes for FREN 101
•
Learning Goals
Students will be able to understand
familiar words and very basic phrases
when people speak slowly and clearly.
•
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to comprehend
and respond appropriately to basic
questions, commands, and instructions.
•
Students will read for information and
comprehend familiar words and simple
sentences.
•
Students will be able to respond
appropriately to basic content questions
about selected texts, that may include
for example greetings, basic
information about one’s family, telling
time, making appointments, schedules,
maps, menus, calendars.
•
Students will be able use simple
phrases and sentences on a limited
number of topics related to daily life.
•
Students will be able to relay
information and converse (ask and
respond to basic questions) about
themselves and a limited number of
day-to-day topics.
•
Students will able to write words and
simple sentences.
•
Students will be able to complete basic
writing tasks, for example lists, short
statements about themselves and daily
life.
Students will understand basic cultural
behaviors inherent to daily life.
•
Students will demonstrate awareness of
basic non-verbal or cultural skills.
•
2. How to contact the teacher
You can contact me by email (nhinsinger@wsu.edu ) or by coming to my office during
my office hours. I would recommend that you make an appointment in advance as
students with a set appointment will have priority over students just dropping by my
office.
I will also provide extra help, clarification on the learning materials and answer any
questions before each class time. I will make myself available 10mn before the class
starts in our classroom except if there is a conflict with the previous class.
3. Textbooks and other resources for French language learners
You will be purchasing the 4th edition of the hardcover textbook called HORIZONS in a
package that also includes the passcode for the Web-based QUIA workbook and lab
manual. You will NOT need to purchase the paper workbook/manual. THIS BUNDLE IS
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USED IN BOTH FREN 101 AND 102 (Chapters 0-5 in FREN 101 and Chapters 6-10 in
FREN 102).
The Horizons website provides rich access to hyperlinks, media clips, and embedded
audio, enrichment activities, and diagnostics - bookmark it and visit it often !
www.heinle.com and then follow links for FRENCH, INTRODUCTORY, Horizons 4th
ed. Access to the online workbook is permitted for 18 months with the passcode you
receive. After you buy the passcode, you will register for FREN 101/ QUIA at
books.quia.com. You will need the passcode AND our FREN 101 course code, which
follows:
Course: French 101- First Semester French
Code: EAMH779
Books: Horizons 4th Edition Hardcover Textbook
Horizons 4th Edition Online Workbook Manual Activities
Web:
books.quia.com
Once you are registered, I will see your name on my roster and you can begin the
exercises. Please register as soon as possible. If you have questions regarding Quia
Online Workbook, please email me at nhinsinger@wsu.edu . Note: We will go over how
to use Quia and how to access the Moodle course in the first Lab session on the first week
of class.
I would also encourage you to go to the Language Learning Resource Center (LLRC
in VCLS 214), where you can find the required technology and useful insight to practice
and do your French homework in an ideal learning environment.
Additional resources
Additional resources and class information (syllabus, study guide, etc…) will be
accessible on our Moodle course: http://moodle.forlang.wsu.edu or my website:
www.nicolas-hinsinger.com . First, click in the menu on “my classes”, then “College”,
and then“Washington State University – French 101”. The website also provides links to
additional resources to study French (online dictionaries, listening comprehension
websites, games, etc…).
4. Evaluation and grades
PLEASE NOTE: A grade of C or better is required to continue into FREN 102.
Letter grades will be assigned according to Washington State University guidelines:
93% - 100% = A
80-82 = B68-69 = D+
90-92 = A78-79 = C+ 63-67 =D
88-89 = B+
73-77 = C
62 and below = F
83-87 = B
70-72 = C-
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You can check your progress report by checking the Grades section in the Moodle
course. Your final grade will be based following these criteria:
Class participation/Attendance
20%
Homework assignments (Online Quia exercises
20%
and take home assignments)
Chapter tests (preliminary chapter test : 2% 27%
chapter 1 to 5 tests : 5% each)
Independent projects (submit 3 projects : 1%
3%
each)
Mid-term exam
10%
Final project
20% (Report: 10% - Oral presentation: 10%)
Class participation/Attendance
Following each class period, you will self-assess and record your participation grade
using a point system (on the scale of 1 to 5) on a personal record sheet that I will keep at
all times. The grade should be based on the degree of your participation in class in
French. For the lab session, your attendance and the completion of activities will be
rewarded with full points (5 pts) for class participation in that lab session. Both class and
lab attendance/participation score will be added for the overall grade calculation of that
category.
If you use your native language during instruction or when addressing a classmate during
an activity, your score should be reduced. The use of French is encouraged at all times
during the class period. You should take risks with the language as making mistakes is an
essential part of learning a foreign language. Please be supportive of each other by
making positive comments in French, not correcting others in the middle of their
sentence. Since the class is conducted exclusively in French, when you have questions,
either try in French or take a note in order to ask in English at the end of the class.
Moreover, disruptive behaviors such as, talking with a neighbor while the teacher is
addressing the class or while a classmate is answering a question, refusal to participate in
an activity should also be taken into account during your self-evaluation. Take the time to
reflect on your performance, motivation, and enthusiasm to give yourself the daily
participation grade you think you deserve. Next to your daily grade, I will often add
feedback and remarks on your participation. So be the most honest you can be as this is
an opportunity for you to reflect on what you’ve learned and demonstrated in the class.
This exercise will prove to be very valuable in your life in helping you become more
responsible for your work and your actions.
Attendance is essential to language learning. Twenty percent of your final grade is for
attendance (at class and lab) and participation. You are responsible for any material
missed because of an absence. If you must be absent, make arrangements with a
classmate in order to get the notes from class or to hand in assignments on time. You can
also log in the Moodle course to download my powerpoint slides of the lesson. If you
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miss a class, you will receive a 0 as your daily grade. However, I will drop from the
Class participation/Attendance overall grade the two lowest daily grades of the semester.
Explanation of the daily grade:
0= Absent for class.
1= Attending class, but refuses to participate and do effective work with small groups or
partners, repeatedly uses English in class, and several breaking of class rules that disrupt
the class.
2= Attending class, and being involved in class activities, demonstrating a willingness to
participate but uses English often, has a hard time concentrating on material being
presented, and breaks a few classroom rules that disrupt the class
3= Attending class, plus working constructively and effectively with partners by perhaps
reading the materials. Effective work means doing the language practice in French, not
just translating. May respond or volunteer in an activity in front of the whole class.
4= All of the above plus giving one or two linguistically and culturally appropriate
responses in activities, demonstrating ability to correct one’s own mistakes. Appropriate
responses should indicate the student’s comprehension of the topic and grammar
structure being practiced, actually communicating in French instead of merely reading the
textbook materials.
5= All of the above plus being patient with others during group or partner activities. This
means not answering for someone else or not interrupting another student. Also,
demonstrating a willingness and ability to teach what you learned to others by explaining
in French.
Homework assignments
Most of the homework assignments will be completing QUIA exercises on-line. They are
all accessible once you have purchased your passcode and registered for the course. Take
some time to explore their great features that can help you learn French.
The workbook/lab manual exercises for each chapter must be finished by midnight of
the day on which you will take the chapter test. These deadlines are as follows:
Preliminary Chapter = [Sept 2]
Chapter 1 = [Sept 14]
Chapter 2 = [Sept 30]
Chapter 3 = [Oct 26]
Chapter 4 = [Nov 11]
Chapter 5 = [Dec 2]
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Since the exercises in the QUIA workbook are automatically corrected by the system,
you will get your score as soon as you click “Submit”. For this reason, you need to be
very careful that you know what you are being asked to do, then that you spell words
and place accents precisely. The slightest misspelling will be seen as an error. That said,
you will have a maximum of THREE attempts at each exercise (before the deadline given
above), with the score overwritten each time you retake it. The score on your last attempt
(which could be your first, second or third attempt, depending upon when you decide to
cease taking it) will be what I will see when I check your grades the day after the
deadlines above. Once you have completed your three attempts on a QUIA exercise
and/or after midnight on the dates above, you can still go in and use the exercises as
practice tools, but this activity will not affect your final score for those assignments.
Once in a while I will assign additional homework that could take the form, for instance,
of a short project, a short composition, a reading comprehension section. These
assignments should be submitted on the due date (check Moodle course for assignments
due dates). Late assignments will be accepted (either turned in person or in my teacher
box), but will earn reduced points (10% of the maximum score of the homework).
Assignments completed and submitted will be returned to you with a pending grade for
editing. Grammatical, spelling, and structure errors will be highlighted for you to find the
corrections (Use the corrections abbreviation chart for reference about the type of
corrections needed). You may resubmit the assignment with the appropriate corrections
only one time for a final grade. Therefore, take your time to identify the corrections
needed by using your textbook, other resources, or by checking with me. After being
resubmitted, your assignment, if all the proper corrections have been made, may earn full
points (100%).
Chapter tests and Mid-term
There is a chapter test for each chapter. It includes a listening comprehension section, a
reading comprehension section, short answer questions, essay sections, and a cultural
information section. Each is a one-hour exam, taken during class time. The midterm
exam follows the same format, but is comprehensive in nature.
If you miss a test, you will receive a 0 for that test. Make-up exams or homework
extensions are only considered in cases of an excused absence, i.e. documented illness
and/or extraordinary circumstances. An email saying simply that you will be absent is not
considered cause to excuse an absence. Makeup exams may be different than the original
exam. If you fall behind, make an appointment to see me.
Group final project
The group final project will serve as your final exam. The group final project will consist
of a written dialogue (1-2 pages – double spaced – Times, 12pts) and of an in-class oral
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presentation with your partner (such as acting out the dialogue) at the end of the semester.
The dialogue should be relevant to some of the cultural topics and conversations we’ve
been studying. The purpose of the final project is to set the stage for a communicative
situation that you would often encounter if you were to visit a French speaking country.
Being able to communicate in a culturally appropriate way, while using good grammar
and pronunciation are the main goals of that assignment. Ultimately, I want you to enjoy
the opportunity to express yourself freely in French, have fun, be creative, use props,
etc… The project will require some research, and we’ll also work in class together during
the semester to prepare for the final presentation. More details such as, guidelines and
grading criteria, will be given later in the first weeks of class.
Independent projects
Independent projects let you explore French culture from different perspectives. You get
to choose among a variety of activities such as, attending a French cultural event, watch a
French movie, designing a poster about France, reading a book from a French author,
etc… You can also propose your own project as long as it is related to France or French
culture. I will frequently give you updates about opportunities to attend French cultural
events. Then, submit a 1 page report/summary about the activity you did (in English).
You have to submit a minimum of 3 projects. These projects can be done and turned in at
any time during the semester.
5. Optional Conversation Course FREN 105
To get extra practice speaking French, which is always the hardest skill to master, we
offer a one credit course, graded Pass/Fail, that is for small group conversation practice –
FREN 105. I will guide the discussion based on what is being covered in class that week.
We may also read a short news article and then react on the subject in French. There is no
homework for this class. During the first week of classes, we will ask you for your time
schedule, then we will try to form small groups (typically mid- to late-afternoon, one
hour per week).
6. Students with Disabilities
Accommodations are available for students with a documented disability. If you have a
disability and may need accommodations to fully participate in this class, please visit the
Disability Services Program (DSP) Coordinator, located in VSSC Lower Level or by
phone at 360-546-9138. Information on the center is available at
http://studentaffairs.vancouver.wsu.edu/student-resource-center/disability-services . All
accommodations MUST be approved through the DSP. Once approval has been granted,
please notify the instructor immediately of the nature of the accommodation, as late
notification may render the accommodation unfeasible.
7. Statement on Plagiarism and Academic Honesty
According to the Washington State University Student Handbook (WAC 504-25-010
through 015), all instances of plagiarism or collusion will result in the student receiving a
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failing grade for the course and all incidents of plagiarism and collusion will be reported
to the Office of Student Affairs for further university action. Plagiarism is understood to
be the attempt to represent the work of another as one’s own or to allow another to
represent one’s own work as his or hers. Examples of plagiarism include the direct use of
another’s writing in one’s own work without the use of quotation marks or clear
attribution, the quotation of texts verbatim without citing such texts, the close paraphrase
of other works or other people’s ideas in one’s own work without attribution,
collaboration on the final production of papers, examinations, homework or reading
responses. Sharing ideas, discussing course material, studying together for examinations
is allowed and encouraged, but the product of such endeavors must be your own work,
not that of another. Any work (including papers, examinations, reading responses,
projects, or anything else) submitted contrary to this policy or any work that you have
done which you knowingly allow another student to claim as his or her own, is
inappropriate and will be dealt with as such.
8. Emergency Notification System and Evacuation Policies
WSU has made an emergency notification system available for faculty, students and
staff. Please register at myWSU with emergency contact information (cell, email, text,
etc). You may have been prompted to complete emergency contact information when
registering for classes on RONet. In the event of a Building Evacuation, a map at each
classroom entrance shows the evacuation point for each building. Please refer to it.
Finally, in case of class cancellation campus-wide, please check local media, the WSU
Vancouver web page and/or http://www.flashalert.net/. Individual class cancellations
may be made at the discretion of the instructor. Each individual is expected to make the
best decision for their personal circumstances, taking safety into account. Safety plan
website - http://admin.vancouver.wsu.edu/finance-and-operations/publicsafety/emergency-closure-suspended-operations-procedure
9. Important Dates and Deadlines
Please refer to the academic calendar often to be aware of critical deadlines throughout
the semester. The academic calendar can be found at
www.registrar.wsu.edu/Registrar/Apps/AcadCal.ASPX. Questions regarding the
academic calendar can be directed to the Office of Student Affairs in VSSC 100 or call
360-546-9559.
10. Weekly Schedule for FREN 101
Comp = Compétence
Tuesday
Thursday
13:25-14:40
13:25-14:40
Week One
Introductions
Preliminary Chapter
August 24 & 26 Preliminary Chapter
Week Two
August 31 &
Preliminary
chapter test
Chapter 1 – Comp 2
Lab Tuesday
14:50-15:40
• Intro to QUIA and Moodle
• QUIA Activities: Preliminary
Chapter.
• Video: Images – Parlons
français
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Sept 2
Chapter 1 – Comp 1
Week Three
Sept 7 & 9
Week Four
Sept 14 & 16
Week Five
Sept 21 & 23
Week Six
Sept 28 & 30
Chapter 1 – Comp 3
Chapter 1 – Comp 4
•
•
•
Chapter 1 Test
Lecture : Bonne année
Chapter 2 – Comp 2
Chapter 2 – Comp 1
•
Reading strategies: Cognates.
Lecture : Ils parlent français !
Activities: Useful classroom
expressions.
Video : Reflets - Episode 1
Chapter 2 – Comp 3
•
Video : Reflets - Episode 2
Chapter 2 – Comp 4
•
Video : Reflets - Episode 3
Week Seven
Oct 5 & 7
Review for exam
•
Video : Reflets - Episode 4
Week Eight
Oct 12 & 14
Week Nine
Oct 19 & 21
Week Ten
Oct 26 & 28
Chapter 3 – Comp 1
Chapter 2 Test
Lecture : Lettre de
Martinique
Mid-term Exam =
Preliminary Chapter
thru Chapter 2
Chapter 3 – Comp 2
•
Video : Reflets - Episode 5
Chapter 3 – Comp 3
Chapter 3 – Comp 4
•
Video : Reflets - Episode 6
Chapter 3 Test
Lecture: Qu’est-ce que
vous dites ?
Chapter 4 – Comp 2
Chapter 4 – Comp 1
•
Video : Reflets - Episode 7
Chapter 4 – Comp 3
•
Video : Reflets - Episode 8
Chapter 4 – Comp 4
Chapter 4 Test
Video: Images Paris
Chapter 5 – Comp 2
•
Video : Reflets - Episode 9
•
Video : Reflets - Episode 10
•
Continuing Chapter 5 – Comp 4
•
Video : Reflets - Episode 11
Week Eleven
Nov 2 & 4
Week Twelve
Nov 9 & 11
Week Thirteen
Nov 16 & 18
Week Fourteen
Nov 31 & Dec
2
Week Fifteen
“Dead Week”
Dec 7 & 9
Week Sixteen
Finals Week
Dec 14 (1:003:00pm)
Chapter 5 – Comp 1
Thanksgiving
Break
Chapter 5 – Comp 3
Chapter 5 Test
Start Chapter 5 – Comp 4 Activities: Creating a
dialogue.
- Lecture : Qui suis-je ?
- Activities:
- Review for Group
Preparing for oral
project assignment.
presentation.
- Review for Group
project assignment.
Final Project
Presentation
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