Course Outline for French 50B
French Conversation and Culture II

Effective: Fall 2020
SLO Rev: 10/07/2019
Catalog Description:

FRNC 50B - French Conversation and Culture II

3.00 Units

Development of skills learned in French 50A. Understanding of spoken French through pronunciation, vocabulary, and applied grammar. Further study of the life and culture of the Francophone people. Following an immersion instruction format, the class is entirely taught in the target world language of the selected course.
Prerequisite: FRNC 50A.
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. use with confidence the basic structures of the language with an active vocabulary of approximately 1,200 words in speech and writing;
  2. understand the basic features of the sound system in order to communicate orally and in writing in the target language on everyday topics and settings such as the doctor’s office, the bank, the post office, the airport;
  3. narrate, describe, and explain not only current but also past activities;
  4. formulate questions and answers conversationally in French;
  5. understand the differences and similarities of the diversity of the Francophone culture and people.
Course Content:
  1. Development of correct French syntax in sentences and questions.
  2. Development of conversation skills using correct intonation and stress.
  3. Application of the preterit and imperfect and the different uses for narrating past events.
  4. Application of the past and present tense in:
    1. everyday situations
    2. common personal and family news
    3. well-known current events
    4. routine matters involving the home and workplace.
  5. Further study of the: 
    1. customs
    2. values 
    3. attitudes
    4. relationships
    5. civil institutions
    6. families
    7. geography and history of the Francophone countries

 
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. The vowels /e/ and /E/
    2. The vowels /oe/ and /ø/
    3. The vowels /y/ and /u/
    4. Nasal vowels
    5. The unstable (mute) e
    6. The vowels /i/, /u/, and /y/ followed by other vowels (semi-vowels)
    7. The consonants /p/, /t/, and /k/
Methods of Instruction:
  1. Introduction and discussion of French conversational methods by practicing exercises orally
  2. Lecture/Discussion
  3. Reading and discussion of newspaper articles, magazines, and articles in French on topics such as current news, film, television, and art.
  4. Student presentations on topics of interest such as their favorite Francophone country, celebrity, film in French.
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
  1. Oral presentations done individually and in small groups
  2. -Bring a newspaper or magazine article in French and present the most significant idea to the class
  3. -Watch a short film or TV program and discuss the most important idea with the class
  4. Prepare a skit reflecting a social situation in a culturally appropriate manner through role-play
  5. Bring a favorite object and present it to the class in French.
  1. Class Participation
  2. Homework
  3. Oral reports
  4. Quizzes
  5. Periodic oral tests
  6. 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:
Elementary conversation class taught in the French through pronunciation, vocabulary, applied grammar, and cultural topics.
Prerequisite: FRNC 50A.