French 1A: Beginning French - Homestudy Fall 2001 For specific information on Section #1708, 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 10:30-11:25 and 1:00-3:00, Tu 2:00-3:00, Th 1:00-3:00
E-mail: [email protected]

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.

Books and Materials

• Textbook: Horizons; Manley et al, authors, Heinle and Heinle Publishers
• Workbook: Horizons Cahier d’activit�s
• Study Guide: French 1A Study Guide (available only through West Valley College Bookstore)
• Other: Text tapes which accompany the textbook and audio tapes which are used with the workbook (These are usually sold in a package with the text and workbook.) You will also need the use of a cassette tape player.

Important Dates:

September 3: Labor Day holiday
September 24: Midterm I*
November 12: Veteran’s Day holiday
October 29: Midterm II*
November 16: Last day to drop a semester-length class
November 16: Last day to declare CR/NC option
December 15: Final exam*

* Midterm and final exams will be given in the language lab, West Valley College, room LA 27, at 9:00 on the dates indicated. The tests will each take approximately one and a half hours although you can take up to two hours if needed.

Course Description
The French 1A Homestudy course is designed to teach the fundamentals of the French language. It is a highly-structured course using a text, study guide, workbook, and series of audio cassettes. Students work independently, but are required to complete work, including two mid-terms and a final exam, by established deadlines.

Course Content
The student will study of the fundamentals of French grammar and pronunciation, and acquire a vocabulary appropriate for a first semester (1A) college course. The four skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking will be emphasized. In addition, the student will be introduced to various aspects of the customs and culture of France and other French-speaking countries. If you wish a more complete description of course content, please contact the instructor for a copy of the official course outline.

General Requirements
• Attendance at one orientation meeting. For those living out of the area, a phone interview may suffice.
• Completion of assigned written and oral work as explained in the Study Guide.
• Completion of two scheduled mid-terms and scheduled final exam.

NOTE: Midterm and final exams are given on Saturdays in order to minimize conflicts with other classes and work schedules. If you have date conflicts, you should talk to the instructor at the beginning of the semester. Make-up exams will not be given, except in very extenuating circumstances. Students are responsible for being present and on time for test sessions.

Evaluation criteria
• Homework assignments
• Two mid-term exams
• Final exam

College policies
This class will be conducted in accordance with policies listed in the college catalog. Cheating in any form will not be tolerated and will be dealt with according to published policy.

Credit/No Credit
This course may be taken Credit/No Credit (CR/NC) instead of for a letter grade. Students need to inform the instructor of their intention to do so by November 21.

The Tutorial Center: Free tutoring is available in the West Valley Collge 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".

FRENCH 11A: French laboratory

French 11A, a lab class, is normally 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 your oral work in the lab. Hours (one and a half per week) are by arrangement at the student’s convenience. To receive lab credit, enroll in French 11A and see the language lab supervisor for more details. For students living outside the area, the lab requirement may be waived; however, students will need to indicate how they plan to accomplish the necessary oral review and practice.

Lab hours: The lab is usually open M-Th from 8:30AM-7:00PM and Friday from 8:30 until 1:30. Hours vary slightly each semester so it's best to check the hours posted in the lab.

Lab location: LA27

	Go to the WVC Schedule of Classes; click F and then on French.
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Revised September 10, 2001 by Linda Skaife; e-mail address: [email protected]