Courses » Elementary French I » Course Description

Course Description

Je suis Charlie    Je suis Paris    Je suis Bruxelles

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Voilà!       FREN 1201       ELEMENTARY FRENCH I          Fall  2018
FREN 1201,001 & 003      MW 2:30-3:45, TR 2:30-3:45       COED 168, COED 434
Katherine Stephenson     COED 458      No office phone      ksstephe@uncc.edu
Office Hours: TWR 1:45-2:10, MW3:50-4:20, TR5:20-5:45 & by appt.
http://pages.charlotte.edu/katherine-stephenson/courses/elementary-french-i
Course Description last revised Sept. 5, 2018

ATTENTION:  This information and these guidelines are provided to you the first day of class and you are expected to read them immediately and ask the professor should any of the information be unclear.  You are then responsible for knowing this information, and you will be referred to this document should you ask questions that are answered by information in this document.  THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULES AND REGULATIONS INDICATED HEREIN, SO DO NOT ASK FOR ANY.

Description

The French program has a two-semester Introductory French sequence with 3-credit-hour courses.  In addition to the 3 hours of class meetings each week, you will approach some of the material and activities with the aid of technology.  This course serves as an introduction to French language and culture.  The course will introduce you to everyday French at a basic level and help you develop the necessary skills to express yourself in common situations.  In order to communicate effectively you will need to learn the sound system of the language, acquire a basic vocabulary, master some basic grammar structures, be aware of some cultural differences, and of course practice a lot.  I will conduct class primarily in French and will expect you to grasp main ideas rather than understand every word you hear.  Classroom activities will focus on helping you build vocabulary and develop communication skills, with attention paid to each of the four language skills (listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing).  We will also discuss French culture and geography.

FREN 1201 classes have been redesigned to integrate technology into the Languages and Culture Studies curriculum.  (In order to maintain accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, all UNC Charlotte departments are now required to assess student competency in computer skills.)  We will use e-mail (all students have been assigned an e-mail address by the university; see the campus online directory and the university’s Computing Policies), the Internet, and Canvs for some communications and activities, as well as the Language Resource Center (COED 434, ext. 78768).  The new GenEd Program at UNC Charlotte requires the following “basic skills of information literacy and technology”:

Incoming students are expected to have already developed the basic computer skills necessary to use word processing software, email, and the internet.  By the end of their first semester at UNC Charlotte, students are expected to have developed the basic skills necessary to find and evaluate information from the internet and bibliographic and database sources in Atkins Library.  These skills are developed in UWRT 1101 and UWRT 1103, and help with bibliographical and database search skills is available in the information commons of the Library. Basic tutorial help is also available at campus computer labs. Students are expected to exhibit ethical behavior in the use of computers.  More advanced information literacy and technology skills are required by individual departments and majors.
[http://catalog.uncc.edu/content.php?catoid=6&navoid=331#Baccalaureate_Degree_Requirements]

Goals and Objectives

This course fulfills in part the language requirements for the Colleges of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Architecture, and Health and Human Services (see The Language Proficiency Requirement for details on who must take a foreign language at UNC Charlotte).  The goals of the course are to help students develop conversational skills, awareness of different cultural practices and perspectives, to use the language to explore other disciplines, to compare French and their native language and culture, and to apply French beyond the classroom.  See Goals and Expectations for FREN 1201 for specific vocabulary and grammar covered.  These goals are in keeping with the national Standards for Foreign Language Learning, which propose activities in the areas of Communication, Culture, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities.  As for objectives, students are expected (1) to be able to greet people and count and tell the date and time in French, to understand and speak about rooms and furnishings, families, the weather, getting around in a town, and to describe people; (2) to demonstrate control of grammar such as pronouns, verbs, negatives, interrogatives and articles; (3) to write short compositions on familiar topics; (4) to read selected authentic texts for main ideas and information; (5) to evaluate language software programs; and (6) to navigate French sites on the Web.  The national Proficiency Guidelines are used to gauge students’ level of performance and progress.

Prerequisite

Beginning students only.  Students who have previously studied French are encouraged to take the language placement test to determine which course level is appropriate.  Information on the General Education foreign language proficiency requirement is available at https://languages.uncc.edu/undergraduate-programs/requirements-and-policies/general-guidelines-students-seeking-meet-their   For information on foreign language requirements of your major, consult your academic advisor.

Texts & Materials

OnIine and in student bookstore:

Required electronic Textbook: Voilà! 6th edition, Heilenman et al., ISBN10: 1-4282-6301-2, ISBN13: 978-1-4282-6301-7.

You can purchase access to Cengage Unlimited in the college bookstore or at www.cengage.com, A cheaper option was just made available Aug.1, 2018, accessible immediately when purchased through Cengage Unlimited—a digital subscription service designed to save you a lot of money. Go to the middle of the page, choose the 1-year subscription, then click on “Subscribe now,” then choose “iLrn,” or go directly to the book’s purchase page at  https://www.cengage.com/shop/ProductDisplay?storeId=10151&

urlLangId=-1&productId=515249&urlRequestType=Base&langId=-1&catalogId=10057. With Cengage Unlimited, you can access any Cengage materials you’re using across all of your courses and a library of over 22,000 ebooks, study guides and reference materials. Cengage Unlimited costs $119.99 for one term (four months), $179.99 for a multi-term (12 month) subscription–the one you’ll need for FREN 1201 and 1202–or $239.99 for a multi-term (24-month) subscription. Once you’ve purchased Cengage Unlimited, you’ll receive a book key by email to access your etextbook.  If you need a course code, it is FFPGHC469.  If you are not ready to purchase your book key and would like to access a free 3-week trial, follow the instructions on the purchase page.  You may also choose to purchase a print rental when you activate Voilà! for $7.99 + free shipping. You also have the option to purchase a loose-leaf version of your textbook, which you can keep. As a bonus, when your subscription ends, you can choose up to six ebooks to retain in your virtual locker for an additional 12 months.

Separate items not in packet:

  • Sparkchart French Vocabulary, Sparkchart French Grammar

Course Homepage: http://pages.charlotte.edu/katherine-stephenson/courses/elementary-french-i

On Canvas (Course Management System): Some information, study and homework materials, and all exams are on Canvas. You access our Canvas course from any computer on or off campus (campus computer labs are open 24/7) through an icon on the My UNC Charlotte page.  This icon will take you to the Canvas homepage for UNC Charlotte. Or you may go directly to the Canvas homepage at https://canvas.uncc.edu/ . LOGIN using your My UNC Charlotte user name and password.  This will then open the Canvas Access page, where all your Canvas courses will be listed on your Dashboard.  If you’re accessing your campus student account for the first time, see UNC Charlotte FAQ, or the Student Computing link at http://itservices.uncc.edu/student-services/.  Also see Canvas Student Tutorial  (https://uncc.instructure.com/courses/342/pages/student-tutorials?module_item_id=10109 ).  If you have any problems with Canvas not working correctly, you must contact Canvas Student Support, NOT the professor:

  1. You can get help 24/7 directly from Canvas by logging into Canvas and clicking on the Help button in the bottom left
    1. Online chat and phone support is available, along with documentation accessible 24/7
  2. You may also contact the IT Service Desk at x5500 with Canvas questions
  3. You may contact the Student Computing Help Center (see http://labs.uncc.edu/gethelp/help.html ).
  4. Other helpful student Canvas links are Getting Started with Canvas for Students ( https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-2036 ), and Canvas Student Guide (https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-4121).

After the first class meeting, immediately send the professor an e-mail message with the information indicated below. Use your own email account (see my email address at the top of this document). Type “[Your Name’s] 1201 contact info” in the “Subject” box and type the information below, in exactly the format below:

  • Name (for first name, indicate name you wish to be called by in class)
  • Telephone number
  • E-mail address (that you check every day)*
  • Classification, major, advisor
  • If you have a job, number of hours you work per week
  • Other languages, trips to France (where, when)

Attention: You may not be able to access your Canvas account until 24 hours after you are officially enrolled in the class.

*The university administration encourages students to use the official university-provided e-mail address when corresponding with professors and students, to be aware of the university’s Computing Policies, and to check their University e-mail account regularly.

Grade Breakdown

Class grade (attendance, preparation, participation, pop quizzes, HW, compositions) 20%
Tests 1 – 8 50%
Final Exam 30%

All grades are based on a 10‑point scale (90 – 100 = A, 80 – 89 = B, 70 – 79 = C, 60 – 69 = D).  Regular class attendance, participation, and homework completion can impact your grade substantially.  I suggest that you pay particular attention to these areas so that they work for you rather than against you.

Classroom Activities and Etiquette

The classroom is where you have the opportunity to hear and speak French.  I will review vocabulary, grammar structures, exercises, and readings that you study before class, will conduct drills, present other exercises and ask questions to check pronunciation and understanding.  On occasion, you will work in pairs or small groups and give brief reports.  Do not worry about making mistakes in class because making mistakes is part of the process of developing language fluency.  Also, take advantage of class time to ask about any material or concepts you do not understand.

Respectful classroom behavior is expected.  This includes arriving on time for class and turning off your cell phone before entering class.  Breaches of proper classroom etiquette have the following consequences: each time you disrupt class by coming in late or having an electronic device go off in class, you will be charged with a “late”; 3 lates/disruptions = 1 unexcused absence.

The use of cell phones, smart phones, or other mobile communication devices is disruptive and is therefore prohibited during class. Except in emergencies, those using such devices must leave the classroom for the remainder of the class period.  Class is for learning and complete attention to classroom activities is required.

Students are permitted to use computers during class for note-taking and other class-related work only. Those using computers during class for work not related to that class must leave the classroom for the remainder of the class period.

Homework

Most of the learning takes place outside of the classroom.  You will have to devote a minimum of two hours of preparation for each class hour (see UNC Charlotte Catalog).  The homework consists of reading about the language in the text, writing and oral exercises from both text and eSAM (iLrn Student Activities Manual) (iLrn eSAM Registration Instructions).  In addition, some homework activities will include using e-mail, the Internet, and software programs in the LRC.  See Study Guidelines for details on homework (e.g., detailed instructions on doing exerises in eSAM are in #4), preparing for class, and free tutoring.  All of these activities help you pin down and remember vocabulary and grammar and help develop communication skills.

Homework is assigned on a regular basis and is due on the assigned date on the syllabus by the beginning of class. While eSAM (iLrn Student Activities Manual) supplies you with grades for your work, I only count that you did the exercises when they were due, before class, for extra credit.  So if you do all the ILrn exercises on time, your ILrn grade is 100.  If you don’t do them by the assigned date, you should complete them at some point during the chapter, or you’ll get a zero for that chapter’s eSAM exercises. The homework is very important to help you learn the material, and it’s best to do it before the class period on specific material, because it helps you get the most out of the class period.  But for those times when your schedule doesn’t cooperate, I’m giving this extension. Please staple homework with multiple sheets before class.  If you hand in homework or class exercises on notebook paper, please do not use paper from a spiral-bound notebook, or be sure to remove any tabs from the left margin. I will only accept late homework for excused absences, and only on the day you return to class.  However, electronic submission of homework (see the university’s Computing Policies) should prevent you from having to turn in work late unless you are too sick to prepare homework, so please submit your homework electronically, by email attachment to my regular email address (provided at the top of this document) if you will not be in class on the day it is due. If you find you need additional help, the University Center for Academic Excellence (330 Fretwell http://ucae.uncc.edu/) provides free tutorials on French grammar (call Tutorial Services in 318K Fretwell at 704.687.7845 or contact them online through their website at http://ucae.uncc.edu/tutorial-services).  See also their FAQ at http://ucae.uncc.edu/tutorial-services/faqs.  The schedule for tutoring in the LRC is at http://lrc.uncc.edu/.  There are also many exercises you can do using the computer software in the Language Resource Center.

Tests

Tests appear on the syllabus, except for “pop” quizzes given at the instructor’s discretion, and will be taken in the LRC.  There will be eight chapter tests and a final exam, all of which have a similar format:  The first section is listening comprehension in which you listen to audio excerpts and do various exercises based on what you hear.  This section is vocabulary-intensive, but also includes some grammar.  The second section is on the grammar of the chapter and contains a variety of test items, including blank fill-ins, translations, asking or answering questions, and multiple-choice, among others.  The tests also include a reading passage with exercises to gauge comprehension.  To access the tests, you must use Mozilla Firefox or Internet Explorer as your browser, as Google Chrome doesn’t function correctly for these tests.  There are several ways to access accented characters.  Your quizzes, exams, and homework should have a line in one or more of the question instructions that provides all the accented characters you will need–[ACCENTS: à è ù é ç â ê î ô û ë ï ö ü]–and you can cut and paste the ones you need from that line into your answer.  You may also go to the bottom left of the screen and type “character map” in the open box.  If there is no open box, click on the Start button to create one. A box with all the accented characters available will appear that you can minimize and maximize as needed. Copy and paste the character you need into the test. You may also learn the Ascii codes for the accented characters you need.   While taking your test you may not talk to anyone or have any books or papers on the desk.  If you have any technical problems, find the LRC assistant and have them help you.  See “Taking Quizzes in Canvas” for information on taking tests in Canvas.

Canvas allows us to take advantage of testing in the LRC, where LRC staff and cameras proctor testing, and online, where the professor has access to everything students do while in Canvas.  Students have unlimited access to the sample test for each chapter and one week after the end of each chapter to take the chapter test in the LRC.  It is each student’s responsibility to access the chapter test only in the LRC when taking it.  Anyone who accesses the chapter test before then and outside the LRC will receive a “0” for the test, WITHOUT EXCEPTION, and be subject to further disciplinary action.  So outside of your LRC testing time be careful to click on the sample test only, which is clearly marked (e.g., Ch. 1 Sample Test), and not to accidentally click on the chapter test (e.g., Ch. 1 LRC Test).  No make-up quizzes or tests are given.  If you have an excused absence for the entire week during which a test is available, I will simply not count that particular grade (e.g., you will have 7 test grades instead of 8) and the remaining grades will count more.  Anyone who doesn’t take the test during the assigned week will receive a “0” for that grade.  Because you have an entire week to take the test, you must make sure you take it during that week.  I suggest you don’t wait until the last day possible to take the test, in case you get sick or something unexpected comes up, because I will not excuse students from a test when they wait until the last day to take it.  For further details on taking tests and accessing answer keys to all your HW and tests on Canvas, see #11 of the course Study Guidelines.

There will be a comprehensive written final exam during exam week.

Absence Policy

Students are expected to attend every class and remain in class for the duration of the session. Failure to attend class or arriving late may impact your ability to achieve course objectives which could affect your course grade.  An absence, excused or unexcused, does not relieve a student of any course requirement. Regular class attendance is a student’s obligation, as is a responsibility for all the work of class meetings, including tests and written tasks. The classroom is about the only place you can practice communicating in French and receive some guidance.  Students who miss classes usually do poorly on pop quizzes and exams.  Role is taken and class business is discussed at the beginning of each class.  Late arrivals are marked absent unless students remember to “check in” with the professor at the end of class to change the “absence” to a “late.”  Absences result in a reduction of points and therefore affect final grades.  After 2 unexcused absences, your class grade (20% of your grade) will drop 1/3 a letter for each unexcused absence (3 lates = 1 absence). Failure to attend at least 75% of classes (i.e., missing 8 or more classes, for whatever reason) will result in a failing grade in the course.  Absences will be excused only when student provides written confirmation of hospitalization, a doctor/ infirmary visit, an officially excused university activity, or a serious family crisis.  If you are absent from class, you are responsible for contacting a classmate, finding out what we did in class and the homework assignment, and preparing this assignment.  See also attendance policy in UNC Charlotte Catalog.

In accordance with University Policy #409: Religious Accommodation for Students, you may have a minimum of two excused absences each academic year for religious observances as required by your faith.  It is your obligation to provide me with reasonable notice of the dates of religious observances on which you will be absent by submitting a Request for Religious Accommodation Form to me prior to the census date for enrollment.  The census date for each semester (typically the tenth day of instruction) can be found in UNC Charlotte’s academic calendar.

Participation

All students are expected to participate in class activities.  I will ask students to repeat sounds, words, and phrases to improve pronunciation.  I will also ask students to answer questions based on the vocabulary and grammar of the lessons and to give brief reports to improve fluency.  Only students who participate on a daily basis and for the entire class should expect a positive evaluation.

Office Hours

I urge all of you to make use of my office hours.  Students who do so usually do better than those who do not.  I can help you not only with difficulties with the course material, but also with advice on studying habits, test‑taking techniques, organizational skills, etc.  Do not hesitate to ask me any questions, either pertaining to grammar or to the class in general.  The only stupid question is the one never asked.  I hope you have a fun and rewarding semester.

If you wish to contact me outside of class, you must do so during my office hours as I will not return phone calls.  You may also contact me by email, which I can usually respond to within 24 hours.  Please include a descriptive subject heading in all email you send to me.  Remember that if you are absent, you must contact a classmate to find out the assignment.

Honor Code

The Department of Languages and Culture Studies complies with the UNC Charlotte Code of Student Academic Integrity and Code of Student Responsibility.  The Code is available from the Dean of Students Office or online at http://www.legal.uncc.edu/policies/ps-105.html.  See also UNC Charlotte Catalog.  It is your responsibility to know and observe the requirements of these codes and all other University regulations.  Academic evaluations in this course include a judgment that your work is free from academic dishonesty of any type.  Penalty for violation of the code ranges from zero credit on the work involving dishonesty to expulsion from UNC Charlotte.  You are expected to report cases of academic dishonesty.

Incidents of Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Relationship Violence, and Stalking

UNC Charlotte is committed to providing an environment free of all forms of discrimination and sexual harassment, including sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.  If you (or someone you know) has experienced or experiences any of these incidents, know that you are not alone.  UNC Charlotte has staff members trained to support you in navigating campus life, accessing health and counseling services, providing academic and housing accommodations, helping with legal protective orders, and more.

Please be aware that many UNC Charlotte employees, including all faculty members, are required reporters.  This means that if you tell me about a situation involving sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking, I must report the information to the Title IX Coordinator.  Although I have to report the situation, you will still have options about how your case will be handled, including whether or not you wish to pursue a formal complaint.  Our goal is to make sure you are aware of the range of options available to you and have access to the resources you need.

If you wish to speak to someone confidentially, you can contact any of the following on-campus resources, who are not required to report the incident: (1) University Counseling Center (counselingcenter.uncc.edu, 7-0311); (2) Student Health Center (studenthealth.uncc.edu, 7-7400); or (3) Center for Wellness Promotion (wellness.uncc.edu, 7-7407).  Additional information about your options is also available at titleix.uncc.edu under the “Students” tab.

Students with learning disabilities

Students with documented disabilities who require accommodations in this class should access services as soon as possible through the UNC Charlotte Office of Disability Services in Fretwell Building, Room 230.