Courses » Intermediate French I » Course Description

Course Description

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Inateraction!      FREN 2201      INTERMEDIATE FRENCH I      Spring 2018
FREN 2201,001 & 002      MW 2:00-3:15, 3:30-4:45        COED 168
Katherine Stephenson      COED 458     No office phone     ksstephe@uncc.edu
Office Hours: 1:30-1:50 TWR, 4:50-5:20 MW, 3:20-3:50 TR & by appt.
https://pages.charlotte.edu/katherine-stephenson/courses/intermediate-french-i/
Syllabus last revised Jan. 8, 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
This course is the first half of a two-part sequence that aims at refining and expanding the French you studied in elementary French classes.  It includes the review and study of grammatical rules, as well as the reading and discussion of cultural material such as literature and film.  You will learn new vocabulary, refresh and expand your knowledge of grammar, and work at improving your speaking and reading abilities and aural comprehension.  You will do exercises from the book and workbook (oral exercises to be found on the Language Resource Center website (http://lrc.uncc.edu), write short compositions in French and present short oral presentations. All classes will be conducted entirely in French.

FREN 2201 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 Moodle 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.  Goals and expectations for FREN 2201 are in keeping with the national Standards for Foreign Language Learning, which propose activities in the areas of Communication, Culture, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities.  The national Proficiency Guidelines are used to gauge students’ level of performance and progress.

Prerequisite

French 2201 is open to students who have completed French 1202 at UNCC, OR who have had two or more years of high school French AND have placed into this level according to their language placement test taken in the Language Resource Center.  Information on the General Education Foreign Language Proficiency Requirement is available at http://www.languages.unccc.edu/proficiency.htm. For information on the foreign language requirement of your major, consult your academic advisor.

Texts & Materials

  • Course material available at bookstore:
    Text: Interaction: Révision de grammaire française, 9th edition
    Workbook:  Interaction: Electronic Student Activity Manual (eSAM) for 9th editionHere are the 3 options for purchasing the course materials:

    1. INTERACTION:LANGUE ET CULTURE-ACCESS ISBN: 9781133612933

    This is an access card for the electronic textbook and electronic student activity manual (eSAM). You are welcome to purchase this package if you can bring a tablet or a laptop to class, as you need access to the textbook in class. 

    1. INTERACTION:LANGUE ET CULTURE W/ACCESS ISBN: 9781285480831

    Same as 1. + includes a print copy of the textbook. You need to choose this option if you cannot bring a tablet or a laptop to class to access the etextbook. 

    1. A third option is to buy a used copy of Interaction 9th edition and the access card listed under 1. to purchase the electronic textbook and electronic student activity manual (eSAM).

    Once you have purchased your access card, you can register to use the etextbook and eSAM. Registration instructions are posted on the course website (Course Description) and the course Moodle page.

Separate items not in packet:

  • Sparkchart French Vocabulary, Sparkchart French Grammar

Course Homepage: https://pages.charlotte.edu/katherine-stephenson/courses/intermediate-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] 2201 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 – 5 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 #3), 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 date assigned on Canvas at the beginning of class. It is expected that you will come to class having already studied new vocabulary words and grammar points as homework, so that the bulk of class time can be devoted to communicative activities. Although occasional brief vocabulary and grammar explanations will be offered in class, it is primarily your own responsibility to study the pages and complete the exercises assigned before coming to class.  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.

You are required to attend the French Coffee Hour (Pause-café) and/or a French cultural activity, like the French Club, twice during the semester, once before March 3rd, once after.  After you attend these events, you will need to turn in a 50-word write-up/reaction to this event in English in order to get credit. These count towards the homework grade. Dates TBA in weekly emails!  You should also consider getting involved in the French Club as a way to explore the culture, films, food, while earning some extra credit.

How to Study Best:

  • Often and for a short period of time. It is better to study twice/day for shorter periods of time than to try to cram it all in in one long session.
  • By closing the book and writing out verb conjugations, vocabulary lists (French to English, then English to French), or the actual grammatical principle you’ve been reading about.
  • By closing the book and writing a few original sentences using the vocabulary, new verb, or grammar just studied. (Ask me to check them after class if you wish–it will only take a moment and will pinpoint any problems you might be having.)
  • Be attentive and participate in class. When someone else is answering a question, don’t just sit there.  Think about the answer to yourself.
  • Make sure you understand the corrections I have made on quizzes, compositions, and homework assignments that are handed back to you.
  • Write out extra exercises from the text or textbook or activities manual and ask me to check them.
  • Take the time to get homework right. Don’t just settle for answers you are not sure of. This will help you prepare for exams, as well.
  • Watch French films (see extensive collection at the Language Resource Center or on Netflix)
  • Study in a quiet environment with no distractions. You cannot study effectively while texting, checking Facebook or other social media sites, listening to loud music, and chatting.

Tests

Tests appear on the syllabus, except for “pop” quizzes given at the instructor’s discretion.  There will be five 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.  No make-up quizzes or tests are given.  If you have an excused absence for the day of a test, I will simply not count that particular grade (e.g., you will have 4 test grades instead of 5) and the remaining grades will count more. You must contact me at least 24 hours before the exam with a valid excuse for why you will be unable to attend class, and you must provide me with valid, signed documentation the day of your return to class to confirm the validity of your excuse.

Your exams will be returned to you to go over during class, but you must return them to your instructor at the end of class.  You are welcome, of course, to consult your exams during your instructor’s office hour.

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, to discuss readings and vocabulary, to give oral reports to improve fluency, present short sketches with other students, etc..  Only students who participate on a daily basis and for the entire class should expect a positive evaluation.

In addition to being physically present in class, you will get credit for actively participating in the activities proposed. Do not merely plan to be in class on scheduled days, but also plan to be alert, active, and ready to learn. Needless to say, someone with excessive absences will receive a low score in this portion of her/his grade. However, it is also possible for someone who has good attendance—but who is not engaged in the class—to receive a low score for participation. To receive the maximum amount of points, arrive on time, appear engaged in the material, maintain eye contact with the professor, raise your hand often and participate enthusiastically.

Ici, on parle français.  All discussion, official and unofficial, will be in French unless the instructor allows the use of English.  The use of English, including especially chatting with a neighbor (even if it is to clarify for her/him what is going on in French) will result in a lowered participation grade.

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.

Study Abroad

We have the right program for you to continue your study of French in Limoges or Lyon, France, at or below the cost of a semester at UNC Charlotte.  We also have a new summer study abroad program in Limoges as well as a new Spring Break program in Paris. For more information on either of these programs, contact Professor Michèle Bissière (mhbissie@uncc.edu) or visit the Office of Education Abroad on the second floor of the CHHS building.

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.