French 1A: Beginning French - Homestudy Spring 2006 For specific information on Section #41280, see below. For additional French course offerings, go to the WVC Schedule of Classes; click F and then on French.

Instructor: Linda Skaife
Phone: (408) 741-2519 Office location: LA 4h
Office hours: MW 10:30 - 10:50 and 1:00 - 2:30, Th 10:30 - 2:00
E-mail: linda_skaife@westvalley.edu

Welcome to French 1A - Homestudy. Click on the links below to go to the appropriate page:

About the Homestudy Course:

French 1A: Homestudy is an independent study course. Like the regularly-scheduled French 1A class, the Homestudy French 1A 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. It is not a self-paced course, since specific amounts of material must be covered by specific dates. 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 great deal of flexibility in arranging a study schedule. You are not required to come to a 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 guide 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.

Go to Linda Skaife's Home Page

Revised February 2, 2006 by Linda Skaife; e-mail address: linda_skaife@wvmccd.cc.ca.us