Course Outline for French 50A
French Conversation and Culture I

Effective: Fall 2020
SLO Rev: 10/10/2019
Catalog Description:

FRNC 50A - French Conversation and Culture I

3.00 Units

Development of a basic understanding of spoken French through pronunciation, vocabulary, and applied grammar. Introduction to the everyday culture of Francophone people. Following an immersion instruction format, the class is entirely taught in the target world language of the selected course.
1102.00 - French
Optional
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00
Laboratory 0.00 18.00 0.00 18.00
Total 3.00 72.00 108.00 180.00
Measurable Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. demonstrate a practical knowledge of the French conversational patterns presented;
  2. ask and answer questions in French dealing with everyday situations in the present tense;
  3. use active vocabulary, idiomatic expressions and basic grammar to engage in routine conversational interactions in the target language;
  4. demonstrate a basic knowledge of the history, culture, and geography of the Francophone countries;
  5. demonstrate an understanding and an appreciation of the culture of the Francophone people.
Course Content:
  1. Introduction of the basic French conversation patterns using correct intonation and stress needed by students to talk about themselves, their family and work in the target language.   
  2. Introduction of the present tense in areas of immediate needs and on familiar topics: 
    1. order food and drink in restaurants  
    2. buy food in shops and markets
    3. greet others make introductions
    4. take leave, and express appreciation.
  3. Introduction of vocabulary in interrogative and declarative sentences by using the present tense and the immediate future.
  4. Introduction to the history, culture, and geography of the Francophone countries.
  5. Introduction of the social and cultural differences between French and American cultural practices.


Course Content (Laboratory):

  1. Activate lecture content using interactive audio and audiovisual programs on CDs, DVDs, CD ROMS, target language websites, etc., featuring culturally authentic and contextual guided speaking, reading, writing activities.
  2. Organized laboratory activities including conversation groups.
  3. Fundamentals of French pronunciation:
    1. Syllabification and rhythm
    2. Final consonants: pronounced and unpronounced
    3. Vowels and spelling
    4. The vowels /a/, /i/ and /u/
    5. The o in closed and open vowels
Methods of Instruction:
  1. Choral/individual repetition of model speech
  2. Introduction and discussion of French conversational methods
  3. Lecture/Discussion
  4. Simulation by instructor and re-creation of dialogues and improvisation
  5. Small group activities leading skits, dialogues, etc
  6. Use of supplementary materials such as audio and visual
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
  1. Prepare a 5-minute skit reflecting a social situation in a culturally appropriate manner for example, greetings and introductions.
  2. Read and present a brief one-page newspaper or magazine article. Good examples of newspapers and magazines can be found at the library and for online articles you can find them at the World Languages department website.
  3. Watch short 30-minute film clips or listen to audio material that can be found at our Learning Center and summarize to the class.
  1. Quizzes
  2. Class Participation
  3. Homework
  4. Oral reports
  5. Final Examination
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. Demonstrate proficiency in understanding and use orally the grammatical structures presented and vocabulary assigned.
  2. Demonstrate proficiency in understanding and use in writing the grammatical structures presented and vocabulary assigned.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the culture, including formative historical events and relevant geographical information.
Textbooks (Typical):
  1. Véronique Anover and Theresa A. Antes (2014). A Vous! Heinle and Cengage Learning.
  • none
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
Beginning conversation class taught in the target language. Will learn French through pronunciation, vocabulary, applied grammar, and cultural topics.