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FRENCH 1A: HOMESTUDY
ESSENTIAL COURSE INFORMATION
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FRENCH 1A: HOMESTUDY
ESSENTIAL COURSE INFORMATION
AN INTRODUCTION TO FRENCH 1A: HOMESTUDY
Like the regularly scheduled French 1A class, French 1A-Homestudy aims to develop the four basic skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. It differs from the standard classroom course in that it allows you more freedom in scheduling your study time. It is an independent study course in that it provides you with both the opportunity and the resources for learning on an independent basis and for assuming the responsibility for your own learning.
French 1A-Homestudy is not a self-paced course, since specific amounts of material must be covered by specific dates. In addition, midterm and final exams will be given at pre-determined times and you will be responsible for learning the material covered in those exams by the date the tests are given. There is, however, a certain amount of flexibility in arranging a study schedule. You are not required to come to class and you may find that you will put in more or fewer hours on any given week depending on the demands of your own personal schedule.
French 1A-Homestudy may not be suitable for everybody. It
cannot provide the kind of interaction and opportunity for conversation that a
classroom situation can.* Some
students will miss having an instructor set deadlines and guiding them through
the lessons. At the same time, many students are interested in learning French
but are prohibited from attending a regularly scheduled class because of work
or other commitments. Others have previously studied French, perhaps some time
ago, and feel a need to review before going on to a higher level. People choose
the Homestudy option for a variety of reasons but, whatever your reason, your
success will depend on:
1) your own effort and initiative
2) the extent to which you profit from
the resources
and study aids available to you
3) the discipline with which you
establish and stick to
an
effective study schedule
In general,
language ability will not be the key factor for success in this course. Of
greater importance are motivation and organization and the self-discipline
required for setting goals and accomplishing them.
* A number of students have found that
taking the Beginning Conversational French and Culture course (French 50A) in
conjunction with the 1A class has been an easy and enjoyable way to reinforce
oral practice. The 50A class meets one night a week for 3 hours. Since the 50A
course contains a minimum of grammar, most of the structures covered in that
course will already have been learned in the 1A course. However, additional
cultural material and the opportunity for conversational practice make the 50A
class an enjoyable and helpful supplement.
Grades will be determined by averaging the grades from homework assignments, the two midterm exams, and the final exam as shown below.
Assignments 25%
Midterm
I 25%
Midterm
II 25%
Final
exam 25%
Exam dates are listed on the course calendar, as well as on
the course syllabus. Mark the dates on your calendars now. If you have a time
conflict, let your instructor know immediately. Each exam will take
approximately 1 1/2 hours but you'll have up to two hours if needed. All exams
will be given ON CAMPUS in the language laboratory, room LA27.
Exams will cover the four basic skills: reading, writing,
listening and speaking. In addition to the written part of the exams, you will
be asked a number of short oral questions and will be given oral topics to
briefly discuss on tape. In addition, each exam will include some general
questions on the assigned cultural information presented in the text.
ABOUT THE TEXTBOOK/WORKBOOK PACKAGE
Modern
Language Learning has progressed tremendously in the last decade. Increases in
technology have provided a great variety of tools to assist and speed up the
learning process. Unfortunately, the abundance of materials and media can
sometimes seem overwhelming.
It will
take you a while to figure out the different components of this course.
However, once you�ve completed one chapter, you will understand how everything
works together. You�ll find that the succeeding chapters will go much more
smoothly. The information on the following pages gives an overview of the
different tools that are included in the textbook/workbook package.
First, a word about the textbook/workbook package itself�
The textbook and workbook (Chez nous 2nd edition) are sold as a package because
they�re less expensive than if purchased separately. In addition to the
textbook and workbook, the package includes the complete Audio Program on CD (used with the
Workbook/Lab Manual), two Student Audio CD�s and a CD-ROM, which are used in
conjunction with the textbook. It also includes two vocabulary CD�s, which contain
recordings of the vocabulary
listed at the end of each chapter in the textbook.
The textbook/workbook package may also contain a
complementary French-English dictionary. A dictionary will be useful, but is
not required. The textbook has a limited French-English and English-French
lexicon at the back of the book, which gives the definitions for many of the
vocabulary words used in the book.
For those purchasing used textbooks�
If you purchased a used textbook, you will also need to
purchase a workbook. If the bookstore is out of single copies of the workbook,
you�ll need to order one ASAP, either through the bookstore or from an on-line
source. If you order from the college bookstore, Check periodically to see if
your order is in as you�ll need it as soon as possible.
If you purchased a used textbook, it likely did not come
with the auxiliary media. You can listen to the recordings on tape in the
Language Lab (room LA27) or in the library (AV desk) in order to complete your
workbook assignments. You can also ask to have the Audio Program (used with the
workbook), the Student Audio CD and the Vocabulary CD (used with the textbook)
copied onto CD�s for use at home by taking new CD�s to the Language Lab, room
LA27, and requesting duplication.
The textbook is normally packed with an interactive CD-ROM.
The use of the CD-ROM is optional. If you bought a used textbook without one,
it can�t be copied, but you can view the CD-ROM in the library (AV desk).
Note: The materials in these packages are
for a two-semester sequence. In other words, if you take French 1B next
semester, you won�t need to buy new materials. If you do not continue, you can
sell the book
back to the bookstore at the end of the semester. Used workbooks may not be
resold.
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See the Media Reference Guide for an index to the
materials contained in the different media components.
THE COURSE TOOLS: HOW TO
USE THEM
Part III of the Study Guide contains a list of all of the assignments for the course and answers to the assigned textbook exercises.
French 1A covers the first six chapters in the textbook, Chez
nous, and its
corresponding Workbook/ Lab Manual. Essentially, the homework consists of:
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studying
the pages assigned for each chapter in the textbook and learning the concepts
presented on those pages
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learning
the vocabulary listed at the end of each chapter
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doing
the assigned textbook exercises and self-correcting them using answers provided
in this Study Guide
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completing
the written exercises in the Workbook/Lab Manual
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completing
the listening comprehension exercises in the Workbook/Lab Manual with the aid
of the Lab CD�s (or cassettes), and self-correcting these exercises from the
Answer Key at the back of the Workbook/Lab Manual
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reviewing
the instructor�s corrections and comments on homework assignments and tests
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In addition, you should spend time during each study session speaking French out loud, using the vocabulary and structures in complete sentences. The whole point of studying and doing the homework is to enable you to apply what you�ve learned. The homework is only a tool to accomplish the main goal of the course: to allow you to communicate in basic French.
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To receive full credit, the
assignments in the Workbook/Lab Manual must be turned in by the deadline stated
on the Schedule of Assignments (a handout that was given out during the course
orientation). You can also find the due dates on the course calendar on this
website. Late assignments will be marked down accordingly.
French 1A Chapters 1 through 6 in
the textbook, Chez nous. (The second half of the book is covered in French 1B.) Each chapter is
broken down into three lessons, or le�ons, followed by a Venez chez nous section, a kind of cultural
magazine.
Each of the chapters in the textbook
should be prepared in more or less the same way. First, study a section of a
lesson. Then do the assigned exercises in the textbook that directly follow.
Next, refer to the answers that are included in Part III of this Study Guide to
correct your work. Use a pen or pencil of a different color�but not red�to draw a line through an incorrect
answer and then write the correct answer above it. If you forgot an accent,
write in the correct answer and circle it so that it stands out. You should use
your corrections as a study aid. This will be especially important as you review
for exams.
Do not
hand in the textbook exercises. They are intended as a kind of self-test to help you digest
the information presented and to get you ready for the workbook assignment.
Keep your corrected textbook exercises in your course binder and bring your
binder to each of your exams. If you�re having difficulty with the course, or
if you receive a low grade on an exam, the instructor may ask to see your
textbook exercises or require them to be handed in with future workbook
assignments.
Some of the
textbook exercises assigned do not have standard answers; thus, answers for
these exercises cannot be included. Other assigned exercises, intended for
in-class use, indicate that you should prepare them with a partner. For most
Homestudy students, this will not be possible. You should, however, prepare
both the individualized and role-play activities by writing out and/or
practicing them orally, playing both roles yourself. The individualized and
paired exercises provide an excellent opportunity for applying the material and
for preparing for your exams.
At the end of each chapter of the textbook there is a vocabulary list. You should know both the meaning and spelling of the words on the list by the time you�ve completed the assignments for each chapter.
For more detailed information on each of the chapter
sections in the textbook, you can read the information on pages xix-xx at the
beginning of your book.
A supplemental tape has been made specifically for the homestudy course to use in conjunction with the textbook. The supplemental tape contains recordings of selected narratives, primarily the introductory dialogues or texts in your textbook, as well as the pronunciation of essential elements of the grammar sections. A list of all of the selections recorded on this tape appears in the Media Reference Guide.
If you purchased the complete CD Audio program along with
the textbook and workbook, you have two vocabulary CD�s which contain a
recording of all of the vocabulary words that appear in the lists at the end of
each chapter. This is a very important tool as it is absolutely essential that
you learn the correct pronunciation of new words.
If you did not purchase the CD Audio program, you can listen
to the vocabulary recording in the Language Lab or in the library. You can also
have the recording copied on cassette if you take a blank 60-minute tape to the lab or AV desk in
the library. Write your name on the tape and label it as follows: �French 1A � Chez
nous Vocabulary
Tape 1.�
The two
Student Audio CD�s that came with your textbook/workbook package contain
recordings of selected material in your textbook that focus on pronunciation
and oral response.
The
textbook sections recorded on the Student Audio CD�s are usually preceded by
one of the following icons:
or
If you didn�t purchase the CD Audio program, you can listen
to the vocabulary recording in the Language Lab or in the library. You can also
have the recording copied if you take a new CD to the Language Lab, room LA 27.
Write your name on the tape and label it as follows: �French 1A � Student Audio
Cassette (Ch 1-6)� and request duplication.
The CD-ROM
that came with your textbook gives additional, optional interactive practice
for a number of topics treated in each chapter of the textbook.
The Workbook/Lab Manual contains two sections: the Workbook
section, with written activities, and the Lab Manual section, with listening
comprehension and speaking exercises. The Workbook/Lab Manual also contains an
Answer Key for the listening comprehension exercises.
Each lesson in the textbook has a corresponding section in
both the Workbook and Lab Manual. Once you�ve prepared a section in the
textbook, turn to the corresponding section in the workbook and do the
exercises there.
Next, turn to
the same section of the Lab Manual. Listen to the corresponding Lab CD (or
cassette) to complete the exercises. Once you�ve completed an exercise, turn to
the Answer Key in the back of the Workbook/Lab Manual and correct your
exercises. Be sure to correct using a different color (but not red). If you
missed more than one or two items in a section, you should go back and listen to
the exercise again.
After
completing the exercises, listen to the recording as many times as you can to
develop good comprehension skills. Your comprehension in later lessons will
depend on how well you have mastered the early chapters. The speed of the voices on the recordings increases
with each chapter.
When you�ve finished the Workbook/Lab Manual assignment for
a chapter, place it in the front folder of the Homestudy Assignment box in the lab by the
due date listed on the schedule of assignments. Late assignments will be marked
down substantially--and assignments count for 25% of your final grade. Except
under extenuating circumstances, late assignments will not be accepted after
the due date for the following chapter's work. You may choose to turn assignments
in early in order to get the corrections back prior to taking the midterm
exams.
THE LAB CD�S
If you purchased the
textbook/workbook package, you have a complete set of all of the Lab CD�s
you�ll need to do the listening comprehension exercises in the Lab Manual. Once
you�ve completed the exercises, you�ll need to continue listening to the
recorded material until you can thoroughly comprehend each selection.
If you didn�t purchase the complete package, you can listen
to the recordings in the Language Lab or in the library. You can also ask to
have the recordings copied if you take blank CD�s to the lab. Write your name
on each CD and be sure to label it clearly with the name of the CD you want
(e.g. Fr. 1A, Chez nous Audio Program CD #1, etc.).
THE CHEZ NOUS VIDEO
There is a video program that includes authentic clips that
are thematically linked to each chapter in the textbook. The video is available
for viewing in both the language lab and at the AV desk in the library. The
viewing of this tape is optional and is not required.
There are numerous other related videos, French films, and
travel-type videos available in the West Valley College library, which may be
checked out and taken home for viewing.
THE CHEZ NOUS WEB SITE
The Chez nous website (http://www.prenhall.com/cheznous)
provides additional grammar and vocabulary practice, as well as enrichment
activities for each chapter in the textbook. These activities are optional, but
be sure to check out the site, as you will undoubtedly find something of
interest.
Additional help is available through the college Tutorial
Center, which offers free on-campus tutoring. The Tutorial Center is located in
the Library. The entrance is on the side of the building facing the Language
Arts building, under the �TASK� sign.
You are encouraged to make use of a tutor even if you are
not having problems. Working with an individual tutor is a great way to
practice your oral skills and to develop correct pronunciation habits. And it�s
free to all students enrolled in the course!
FRENCH 11A: THE LABORATORY
COMPONENT OF FRENCH 1A
French 11A is a separate, required, 1/2-unit course. To
receive credit for this course:
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Chapters
1-6 of the Lab Manual section of your workbook must be completed.
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A
total of 6 hours must be spent in the language lab in the first four weeks
of the semester. If
you are not on campus for other courses or the in-lab requirement poses a
hardship, see the instructor for alternatives.
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A
short (100 word in English) summary in your own words must be handed in for one French
film (English subtitles okay) or other French-related cultural event. The
French film may be viewed in the library, at a theater, or at home with a rented
film. The cultural event may be related to any Francophone country or culture.
See the course syllabus for French 11A for additional
information about the lab course, including grading criteria.
The hours for the language lab are posted on the door of the
lab. While only six hours in the language lab are required of students enrolled
in the Homestudy course, you are encouraged to use the lab as often as possible
to help develop your speaking and pronunciation skills. The equipment in the
language lab is different from the portable equipment you may have at home. It
allows you to record your own voice and then play it back and compare your
answer with that of the native speaker to verify accuracy and pronunciation.
To receive credit for your lab time, be sure to request a
time card and to punch in and out on the time clock each time you use the lab.
TURNING IN ASSIGNMENTS
You will
have approximately two weeks to complete each chapter. Prepare the textbook
material as explained in the list of assignments. Then do the corresponding
written exercises in the workbook and use the Lab CD�s to do the oral exercises
in the Lab Manual. Detach the pages from the written section of your workbook
and staple them together in order. Do the same for the Lab Manual section. Do not use paper
clips. Turn in both sections to the assignment box in the Language Lab. You can
also mail them if you follow the directions below.
Turn in
your assignments to the Language Laboratory, room LA27. First, stamp your
assignment with the date and time using the automatic time clock in the lab.
Next, place your assignment in the folder labeled "ASSIGNMENTS" in the FRONT of the French Homestudy Assignment
box. Be sure to write your name on the first page and your name or initials on
the following pages. If the lab is closed, you can leave your assignment in the
instructor�s mailbox, which is located in the office of the Language Arts
building. If you leave an assignment in the instructor�s mailbox, please write
the date you are dropping it off on the top page. Plan to drop your assignments
off no later than 6:30PM, as this is when the lab usually closes. The offices
are usually open until a little later.
Your
assignment will be corrected and placed in the appropriate folder in the back
of the assignment box in the Language Lab within approximately one week (longer
if your assignment is late). Look in the folder with the initial of your last
name for your corrected assignment. Be sure to pick up your assignments in a
timely manner. You
should use the corrected assignment as a study aid; be sure to go over all
corrections thoroughly.
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It�s a good idea to make a photocopy of your assignment before mailing it. |
The
Homestudy option for learning French provides you with both the opportunity and
the resources for assuming a greater responsibility for your own learning. As
explained earlier, your success will depend mainly on your effort,
organization, and motivation.
Be sure to
learn each lesson thoroughly before going on to the next. If you are having a
lot of difficulty with a lesson, it is probably because you have not completely
mastered the preceding lesson(s). In that case, it�s a good idea to go back to
the chapter where you feel you began having problems. Rework that lesson until
you are completely sure of it, and until you can understand the recording and
do the exercises with ease. Then proceed to the new material. If you continue
to have problems, you should request a tutor. See the earlier section, �The
Tutorial Program� for location of the tutorial center.
Since your time is undoubtedly
limited, it is important that you develop efficient and effective study habits.
Learning a second language is not difficult; it is easy if you go about it the
right way. But you must be willing to do some steady work each day. The
following study hints are offered to help you make this work easy and
enjoyable.
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A language is a set of habits. Our first language is our set of
acquired habits that were mastered
at about the age of five or six. To do this, we had to
listen to other people since birth and, in order to communicate, we copied or
imitated what the people around us said. You need to do the same with a second
language.
1. YOU MUST LEARN TO
LISTEN AND IMITATE.
We are like children at
this stage of the game. In fact, it's worse, since our own language habits keep
getting in the way.
2. YOU MUST
MEMORIZE.
To learn this set of
new habits, you must practice, practice, practice, until all the sets of new
habits become automatic responses. It's as simple, and as hard, as that.
3. STUDY OUT LOUD.
You double your efficiency when you add
auditory memory to visual memory. You quadruple your efficiency when you add motor
memory (physical reinforcement).
4. DIVIDE YOUR
MATERIALS INTO SMALL UNITS FOR MEMORIZATION. THEN STRING THEM TOGETHER.
When you need to
memorize (e.g. vocabulary, verb forms, etc.) divide your materials into small
units of 15 minutes of study time. Do some other work. Then go back to another
15 minutes of language study. Do your language study just before going to bed.
When you are dressing in the morning, try to remember and to repeat what you
learned the night before. You will be surprised at the results.
5. YOU CANNOT CRAM
FOR A FOREIGN LANGUAGE CLASS.
Foreign language study
is steady day-by-day work. You cannot cram for a language test. You do not learn habits and
skills that way. Language learning is a cumulative process; you build on top of
what you did the day before.
6. YOU NEED TO
THINK.
Because you are more
mature than when you were a child learning your own language, you have the
advantage of being able to analyze the materials you are learning. You will
discover, for example, the way your second language changes endings. You will
start making your own observations and rules accordingly. This can speed up
your learning process considerably. But the only use for this �structural
analysis� is to help you to imitate more successfully.
7. REPEATED READING
IS NECESSARY. GUESS INTELLIGENTLY WHEN YOU ARE READING THE FOREIGN LANGUAGE.
To read quickly and for
content, figure out what a word must mean because of the context in which it is
used. You will often have to reread a sentence or paragraph several times in
order for all of the pieces to fall into place. Depending upon the nature of
what you are reading, it is most often not necessary to understand every word
in order to grasp the main concepts.
8. NEVER LOOK UP A
WORD IN THE DICTIONARY OR GLOSSARY UNTIL YOU HAVE READ THE CONTEXT IN WHICH IT
APPEARS.
Assume that you have
read through a paragraph and are having trouble understanding it. Go back and
reread the paragraph at least once. You will probably find that some of the
words you didn�t understand the first time will become clear in context on the
second or third reading.
Now reread the paragraph again until
you come to the first word that appears critical to your understanding that you
still can't seem to guess. Underline it. Look it up. Put a pencil dot in the
margin to show that you have looked it up once. Reread the phrase in which the
word occurs to reinforce its meaning. Go through the entire paragraph in this
way, looking up only the words essential for comprehension. Finish up by
rereading the total paragraph.
9. DO NOT WASTE TIME
ON PASSAGES YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND.
If you do not
understand a passage after rereading it a few times, and after consulting a
dictionary for key words, ask for help.
REPETITION
IS THE ESSENCE OF LANGUAGE LEARNING!!!
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