Students attend classes 5 hours per week and participate in a variety of class activities. These courses are offered in the Fall and in the Spring. Homework and attendance are required. Students receive 5 units for each of the following:

French 1A Beginning French: 1st semester; transferable, fulfills Foreign Language requirement.

French 1B Beginning French: 2nd semester, transferable, fulfills Foreign Language requirement.

French 2A Intermediate French: 3rd semester, transferable, fulfills Foreign Language requirement.

French 2B Intermediate French: 4th semester, transferable, fulfills Foreign Language requirement.

French 3A Advanced French: 5th semester. This course may not transfer as advanced French. Contact University for trans. level.

French 3B Advanced French: 6th semester. This course may not transfer as advanced French. Contact University for trans. level.

The following French courses are offered as independent study courses. These courses are transferable and are offered in the Fall and Spring semesters.
French 1A-Homestudy 5 units, independent study. See course syllabus for French 1A-Homestudy for more information.
French 1B-Homestudy 5 units, independent study. See course syllabus for French 1B-Homestudy for more information.

The following courses are offered by television (French in Action). Viewing may be done at home or one campus. Individual tutorial services are available (a free service to students). Although these courses are generally transferable, please contact your 4-year institution for transferability. All of these courses are offered both Fall and Spring semesters.
French 50A (1st semester) an elementary 3-unit course
French 50B (2nd semester) an elementary 3-unit course
French 51A (3rd semester) an intermediate 3-unit course
French 51B (4th semester) an intermediate 3-unit course

The following courses stress conversation with limited grammar. Emphasis is on culture, basic pronunciation, practical vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. Although designed for travelers, anyone would benefit from these enjoyable classes. These courses are generally transferable as humanities or electives. Contact your 4-year institution for specifics.
French 50A (1st semester) beginning course, 3-units; offered Fall and Spring semesters.
French 50B (2nd semester) continuing course, 3-units; offered Spring semester

 

The following courses include culture, idiomatic expressions, basic vocabularies, and conversation, with a minimum of grammar. Emphasis is on elementary terminology for the business community. Transferability is determined by the 4-year institution.
French 57A 3-unit beginning course; offered fall semester

French 57B 3-unit continuing course; offered spring semester

 

French 58A 3-units

This 3-day total Immersion Weekend is an outstanding way for adults of all ages to practice French in a supportive environment. The course takes place on the beautiful grounds of a retreat center located in the Los Gatos mountains. In addition to the regular 3-unit tuition fee ($33), a separate fee is charged for food, lodging, and materials (approximately $190-$200). The course is offered Spring semester, usually in April. The number of spaces is limited.
Contact Linda Skaife, 408 741-2519 for more information.

 

The following courses are mandatory for students taking the traditional French 1A and French 1B courses. However, students not enrolled in a language course may also enroll in the laboratory courses for credit. Lab materials available include audio and video tapes, French movies (on video), and computerized drills.Each laboratory course is offered both Fall and Spring semesters.

French 11A 1/2-unit

French 11B 1/2-unit

The following three courses are individualized, self paced project-oriented courses (reading, research, conversation, or writing, etc.). They are offered only with the approval of an instructor. Units are determined by choice of project and number of hours. These courses have limited enrollment and are offered in both Fall and Spring semesters.
French 91 1-unit, transferability determined by 4 year institution.
French 92 2-units, transferability determined by 4 year institution.
French 93 3-units, transferability determined by 4 year institution.

Summer courses vary each year. For current offerings see the West Valley College Schedule of Classes or contact the program coordinator.

Extra Curricular Activities

Honor Societies : The Foreign Language Department of West Valley College is a member is Alpha Mu Gamma, a national honor society. Students are invited to participate. Zeta Kapa is the French society. It's members meet socially to practice French and to plan activities. New members are welcomed.

Contact Linda Skaife(408) 741-2519