- French 1A: Beginning French
- Spring 2006
- For specific information on Section #41279, see below.
- For additional French course offerings, go to the WVC Schedule of Classes
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Instructor: Linda Skaife
Phone: (408) 741-2519 Office location: LA 4h
Class meets: MW 10:30-1:25, room LA
22B
Office hours: M 10:30-10:50 and
1:30-2:30, Tu 10:30-2:00, W 10:30 - 10:50 and 1:30 - 2:30, Th 10:30-2:00, room
LA 22B
E-mail: [email protected]
Books and Materials:
| Textbook: Chez nous, 2nd edition, Valdman et al., aoutjors; Prentics Hall, publisher.
The textbook comes with a CD-ROM and 2 Student Audio CD's, which which
are used with the textbook. Workbook: Chez nous Workbook/Lab Manual , 2nd edition , Scullen and Cassidy Audio Program: Chez nous Lab CD Audio Program Note: The materials in these packages are for a two-semester sequence. We will only cover the first half of the textbook and workbook in French 1A. Other: � 3-ring binder with 7 tab dividers, which should be brought to every class � a pencil and pen or two pens of different colored ink (not red) for every class � a highlighter |
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Most students find it convenient to use a portable CD player at home and in their cars. Students are encouraged to use the Language Lab at the college as much as possible. The special equipment in the lab allows you not only to hear French but also to record your own voice and then compare it with that of the native speaker on the master track.
The Emergency Book Fund and the West-Valley Mission Foundation will be providing assistance to students who are financially unable to purchase their books. Book assistance consists primarily of loans that will need to be repaid. Applications to request emergency assistance for books will be available in the Club Room of the Campus Center at the beginning of the semester.
Lab class: French 11A, a lab class, is required of all students enrolled in French 1A. The lab class is a separate class from French 1A. You will earn an additional .5 units of credit for completing the work in the Lab Manual portion of your workbook and viewing a feature-length French film. See the French 11A course syllabus for complete requirements.
Lab hours: Hours for the Language Lab vary each semester. See the hours posted on the door of the lab (room LA27).
Lab location: LA27
The Tutorial Center:
Free tutoring is available in the Tutorial Center, located in the Library building. The entrance is on the side of the building facing the Language Arts building, under the sign marked "TASK."
Important Dates:
February 17-20 Presidents' holiday
March 6 Last day to complete 6-hour in lab assignment (for lab class)
March 11 Last day to declare CR/NC option
March 27-April 1 Spring Break
April 28 Last day to drop a semester-length class
May 1 Last day to turn in film or cultural event summary (for lab class)
Wednesday, May 24 Final exam (Wednesday, 9:40-11:40AM)Evaluation criteria:
General Requirements:
1. Active participation in classroom activities.
2. Completion of assigned written and oral homework, quizzes, and tests.
3. Attendance at all class sessions. Students missing more than 3 classes, without notifying the instructor of a valid excuse, may be dropped from the class.
Grades will be based on:
1. Student preparation and participation (in-class participation, homework,
assignments)
2. Quizzes and chapter tests
3. Final exam
4. Instructor's evaluation of the student's ability
to communicate in French through speaking and writing and to comprehend spoken
and written French
NOTE: The course may be taken Credit/No Credit (CR/NC). Students need to inform the instructor of their intention to do so by March 11.
Course Goals:
The goal of this course is to develop basic language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) in French. These skills will be acquired through classroom activities and through work with the textbook, workbook, and audio program. In addition, students will become familiar with selected aspects of the customs and culture of France and other French-speaking countries through classroom presentations, audio-visual media, and class discussion.
French 1A will cover Chapters 1-6 the textbook and workbook. For a list of specific topics, refer to the table of contents on pages vi-xi in the text.
Note to Students:
Most of the work in learning a language is not studying , but practicing the language skills as often as possible. Imitate your teacher, your book, and the voices you hear on your CD or tapes. Listen actively! Then try to apply what you have practiced. Talk to yourself; talk out loud. Pretend that you are in a real-life situation and must communicate the best you can with the French you know. Try to do this as often as possible. It's much better to do a little bit each day than to try and prepare a week's lesson in several hours at one time.
It is important to realize that our goal is not perfection, but the ability to communicate and to become familiar with French-speaking cultures. Accept the fact that the learning process implies making errors. Learn from these errors and don't be discouraged. With regular preparation and class attendance and practice, you will learn to communicate in French. You will acquire a valuable new skill and gain personal satisfaction from what you have accomplished.
West Valley College makes reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities. College materials may be available in alternate formats (Braille, audio, electronic format, or large print) upon request. Please contact the Disability and Educational Support Program at (408) 741-2010 (voice) or (408) 741-2658 (TTY) for assistance.
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Revised September 19, 2005 by Linda Skaife; e-mail address: [email protected]