Syllabus & homework assignments (SPRING 2018)
Georgia Tech, School of Modern Languages
[FREN 2001 section – days/time – GTL, classroom location]
Instructor: Dr. Chris Ippolito
Office: TBA | Tel. TBA
Office hours: TBA
Email address:
REQUIRED COURSE MATERIAL
Interaction: Langue et culture, 9th Edition, Susan St. Onge, Ronald St. Onge, Scott Powers, Heinle/Cengage Learning
Digital Course Package(E-textbook & Digital Workbook/Lab Manual): iLRNHeinle Learning Center 24-Months Instant Access Code for St. Onge/St. Onge/Powers' Interaction: Langue et culture, 9th Edition available at Barnes and Noble GT Bookstoreor online at (follow this link and add to cart). ISBN-13: 9781133612940.
You will access all learning components through one site, including: an audio-and video-enhanced (laptop/tablet compatible) eBook, integrated textbook activities, companion videos with pre-and post-viewing activities, partnered voice-recorded activities, an online Student Activities Manual (eSAM) with audio, interactive enrichment activities, a diagnostic study tool, and access to a variety of online tutoring resources. The student access code is required.
For printable Registration Instructions, follow one these links: or copy and paste this link to your browser. This PDF document will be emailed to you and posted on T-Square/Canvas.Instructor’s course code: [alphanumerical number XXXX]
Technical support: Website: Phone Number: 1-877-282-4400 x2
RECOMMENDED: A good bilingual dictionary (Robert-Collins, Harraps…) and/or a French-French dictionary (Petit Robert); online bilingual dictionary: bookmark this link
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course, the third in the language sequence, is designed as an intermediate course for students who have completed French 1001 and 1002 or for freshmen with extensive prior French instruction. It is designed to improve oral and written communication skills and expandstudents’ knowledge of French-speaking cultures. Class will be conductedentirely in French. Credit Hours: 3. Prerequisite: FREN 1002 (2 semesters of French at the college-level or equivalent).
COURSE OBJECTIVES
A. General Objective: The mastery of the target language at the intermediate level through the critical study of culture, cultural practices, and intercultural comparisons.
B. Specific Objectives: 1/ Enrichment of grammatical competency. 2/ Development of communicative strategies through the 5 competencies (cultural understanding, listening, speaking, reading, and writing). Towards the end of this course, a student should be able to do the following: 1. Participate in complex conversations on topics related to daily activities and personal environment. Initiate, sustain and bring to a close a number of challenging communicative exchanges. Satisfy simple personal needs and social demands to survive in the target language. Obtain and give information by asking and answering questions. 2. Create with the language and communicate personal meaning to sympathetic interlocutors by combining language elements in discrete sentences and strings of sentences. [1-2 adapted from ACTFL OPI Interview Tester Training Manual, 1999)]. 3. Develop/practice the use of grammar/syntax in context, with focus on using tenses appropriately (past, future) and expressing one’s subjectivity 4. Identify (and respond to) information in French on various supports, including the Internet. 5. Develop his/her appreciation of French-speaking cultures (including through the final project). 6. Last but not least, fulfill his/her own goals in this course or the necessary foundations for the major/minor in French: general interest? Potential professional interest? Other? Please state your goals as they stand now: a. main goal: b. other goals:
Information for a minor in French
Minors (15 credits beyond the 2002 course)
LBAT France or Senegal (9 or 12 credits)
Minor declaration form
ML Learning Outcome 1 : Demonstrate oral and aural proficiency in the target language / FREN 2001: Students will demonstrate oral proficiency at the Intermediate level on the ACTFL scale
ML Learning Outcome 2: Demonstrate effective presentation skills in the target language / FREN 2001: Students will demonstrate the ability to present in class for 3 minutes or more without notes on an everyday topic
ML Learning Outcome 3: Demonstrate writing proficiency in the target language / FREN 2001: Students will produce a variety of short (1- page) essays at the Intermediate High level on the ACTFL scale
ML Learning Outcome 4:
Demonstrate proficiency in comprehension of authentic written texts in the target language. / FREN 2001: Students will demonstrate comprehension of authentic texts related to familiar topics
ML PERFORMANCE GOAL #2: INTERCULTURAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
ML Learning Outcome 5: Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of a specific target-language country / region / n/a at this level
ML Learning Outcome 6: Demonstrate the ability to analyze an issue from target-culture perspective(s) / n/a at this level
ML Learning Outcome 7: Demonstrate critical reflection on cultural complexity and context / n/a at this level
COURSE EVALUATION
- 10%Active Participation and in-class activities (course preparation, lateness, unexcused absences…)
- 10%Online Homework & Course preparation assignments: Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, Syntax, Listening, Phonetics
- 10% Essays/Writing assignments (4):
- 30%Quizzes (3): vocabulary and grammatical structures will be tested; no make-ups.
- 15% Midterm (Ch. 1-2)
- 15% Final (Ch. 3-5, or cumulative: Ch.1-5)
- 10%Final Project (in groups)
- Participation and in-class activities,including exercises assigned for a specific class (quantity, quality; French only in class); see attendance/lateness policy for further details. Participate in each class: practice of spoken French is essential.Class participation is graded based upon your desire to bring input, your knowledge of the material to be studied for that day, and level of class preparation. The following rubric sets out the criteria upon which you will be evaluated:
A+ (96-100) / A (90-95) / B (80-89) / C (70-79) / D (60-69) / F (<60)
Actively
supports, engages and listens to peers (ongoing)
Arrives fully
prepared at every session
Plays an active role in discussions
(ongoing)
Comments
advance the level and depth of
the dialogue
(consistently)
Group dynamic and level of discussion are consistently better because of the student’s presence / Actively
supports, engages and listens to peers (ongoing)
Arrives fully
prepared at almost every session
Plays an
active role in discussions
(ongoing)
Comments
occasionally
advance the level
and depth of the
dialogue
Group dynamic and level of discussion are often better because of the
student’s presence / Makes a sincere effort to interact with peers (ongoing)
Arrives
mostly, if not fully, prepared (ongoing)
Participates
constructively in
discussions
(ongoing)
Makes relevant
comments based
on the assigned
material (ongoing)
Group dynamic
and level of
discussion are
occasionally better (never worse) because of the student’s presence / Limited interaction
with peers
Preparation, and
therefore level of
participation, are
both inconsistent
When prepared,
participates
constructively in
discussions and
makes relevant
comments based on the assigned
material
Group dynamic and level of discussion are not affected by
the student’s
presence / Virtually no
interaction with
peers
Rarely prepared
Rarely participates
Comments are
generally vague or drawn from outside of the assigned material
Demonstrates a
noticeable lack of
interest (on occasion)
Group dynamic and level of discussion are harmed by the
student’s presence / No interaction with peers
Never prepared
Never participates
Demonstrates a
noticeable lack of
interest in the
material (ongoing)
Group dynamic and level of discussion
are significantly
harmed by the
student’s presence
Grade scale for participation: A+= 96-100A=90-94 B=80-89C= 70-79D= 60-69 F=<60
- Essays/ Writing Assignments: You will write 4essays this semester (1page minimum -2 pages maximum). Topics and guidelines will be emailed to you and posted. The papers will be typed, double-spaced, with a margin of 1.25 inches on all sides.Indicate word count. The papers must be your own work. Plagiarism (as defined in the Student Handbook) is banned. Proof-read your work before submitting it! Accents must be typed in, not written in pen or pencil.Papers turned in late will receive a 20% penalty (all due dates are on this syllabus).All essays have to be printed AND given to the instructor IN CLASS. No exceptions.For due dates, please see homework calendar below.
- Homework / ILrn and Textbook activities assignments: For each unit, you will have to read and study through the corresponding pages in Interaction indicated in the schedule below.Before coming to class each day, prepare the section(s) of the lesson and complete the course preparation assignments (CP) in your online workbook. These short textbook activities are due before the class meets. (i.e., 9:00AM if the class meets at 9:05AM). For chapters 1-5, complete the assigned online activities for chapters 1-5in the required online ILrnStudent Activities Manual (eSAM) abiding by the assignment calendar and deadlineset by your instructor.
- Tests / Quizzes, Midterm, Final. The quizzes will test grammar and vocabulary. The more comprehensive Midterm and Final will also test your oral/aural comprehension and your knowledge of culture as presented in the textbook or discussed in class. No make-ups allowed. Mark your calendar.
- Final Project(individual or in groups). The project will address a French and/or Francophone interest in your field of study. Each student will present his/her own work or a section of the group project (5 minutes max.). Delivery, originality of the material presented, and sources will be subject to the instructor’s evaluation. Particular attention will be paid to the coherence of the group project as a whole, and to visuals used. Practice and time yourself (your presentation shall not exceed 5 minutes). Use any props which will make you talk, be more interesting and easy to follow for the audience: pictures, maps, charts, realia, etc... Be attentive when taking notes; it is best to put the information into your own words as you are taking notes from your sources. Prepare documentation of your sources to turn it, including Internet sites.Do not read the report.Reading a report will result in a reduction of one letter grade on the project. You may have brief notes, but they must be on index cards. The text of your or your group’s PowerPoint slides will be your last (collective) essay, graded with the project. Make arrangements to find presentation partners, submit your topic of presentation and preferred day for presentation to your instructor before or by April 4.
COURSE POLICIES
OFFICE HOURS
Welcome to my office! Do not hesitate to come and see me as often as you want! You can also take an appointment if office hours are not convenient to you, or just drop by.If you ever feel uncomfortable about something in class, if you want me to focus on one aspect of your learning (pronunciation of a certain sound, grammar, vocabulary etc.) or if you need additional practice, let me know. My office hours are devoted to you. Never hesitate to come and talk to me. I want to hear from you. Take at least two appointments with me to discuss honestly your progress and difficulties. I will make sure your questions, concerns or suggestions get the attention they deserve. I will be happy to inform you on your grades. I will also be happy to help you as much as I can with your homework assignments, your latest essay/project, and/or any issue pertaining to the course. When I am not in my office, the best way to reach me is to email me, rather than leave a message on my office voice mail. Preparing in advance will also enable you to identify potential problems. Write down any questions that you may have. Either ask them in class or e-mail them to me or visit my officeduringmy office hours for best results.
ATTENDANCE
Your presence and active participation in class are essential. Daily class attendance is required. Please be on time too.Being late once or twice is understandable, but points will be deducted from your final participation grade for each additional occurrence of lateness.Course preparations assignments need to be completed prior to attending class so that more class time can be devoted to communicative speaking activities. In addition, completing these assignments will ensure that you arrive fully prepared at every session. You must actively contribute to pair, group, and class discussions by both asking and answering questions. This also means that you will willingly engage in class activities and will always use the target language, i.e., French. All students are expected to attend every class day, arrive on time, be prepared for the course, and participate actively in the daily class activities. Absence from class will affect your grade, as will late arrivals, early departures, and regularly entering and leaving the room while class is in session.
Three unexcused absences allowed (an excused absence has to be documented by a letter from a doctor/GT administrator) without penalty. An absence is excused if a) you are required to participate in an official GT activity (documentation required) b) you are under a doctor’s care or scheduled an emergency doctor appointment (documentation required) c) you are granted a leave of absence from GT for reasonable cause by an academic dean (documentation required) d) documented illness or a significant life-event prevents you from attending class e) you are observing a major religious holiday f) going to a job/internship interview (documentation required).Make sure now that you will be able to attend all exams as no make-up tests of examinations will be given without an official excuse (a medical excuse from GT Health Services or your personal physician). Daily class attendance is expected. EACH additional absence will result in the subtraction of 1 point from your course grade (on a 100 scale).For perfect attendance, 1 point will be added to the final grade.
You are welcome to attend a section scheduled before or after the one in which you are regularly enrolled in order to avoid incurring unexcused absences.
USE OF MOBILE DEVICES
Please turn off your cell phone in the classroom. Sending text messages, surfing the web, checking emails, or otherwise perform non-class-related activities during class will not be tolerated in class.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
This course complies with GT Academic Honor Code: please see I am interested in your work, and not in that of a friend or material copied form the internet or any other source. Avoid plagiarism at all costs, and always quote all your sources.Submitting any work other than your own is also a violation of the Academic Honor Code. Plagiarizing is defined by Webster’s as “to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own: use (another's production) without crediting the source.” If are caught plagiarizing, you will be dealt with according to the GT Academic Honor Code. Internet-based tools make it extremely easy today to find out whether somebody pasted material from the internet or other sources.When working on homework, you may not work with other students, and doing such is a violation of the GT Academic Honor Code. On the other hand, working collaboratively on your group project is strongly encouraged. Any form of cheating (be it on an essay or a test or any other assignment) is discouraged and will affect your grade.Cheating off of another person’s test or quiz is unethical and unacceptable. Cheating off of anyone else’s work is a direct violation of the GT Academic Honor Code, and will be dealt with accordingly. For any questions involving these or any other Academic Honor Code issues, please consult me or click
EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES(TBD)
STUDENT ACCOMMODATION
Georgia Tech offers accommodation to students with disabilities: please see Students with disabilities should contact me and the ADAPTS office for classroom and academic accommodations. If you need an accommodation, please contact Tameeka Hunter, Disabilities Services Specialist and Program Coordinator, at or (404) 894–2564.
ORGANIZATION
The work on each of the 5 chapters is task-oriented. Prepare these tasks well in advance, especially when you have to present in groups.You need up to an hour a day to prepare for each class session, and three more for completing the assignments. Read/study through the pages assigned for each day thoroughly.Complete the course preparation assignments. You will have not only to know the material but also to apply it.Refer to the Appendices A and B and to the French-English glossary at the end your e-book (pp.409-456) and/or use your dictionary (-ies) especially at the end of each chapter when completing your essays and to look up for words and their constructions with prepositions used and/or irregular stems (a good dictionary will give you constructions, stems and examples of sentences). Take a study partner and work with her/him, especially on activities and presentations. However, the written work given to me should be your own (see above). Also, take advantage of the opportunities to speak French on campus with the French club or tutors, or any Francophone student; you may also apply to go to Senegal orFrance (LBAT Senegal, LBAT France, GTL Metz).
STUDY TIPS:
1. Never miss class. Use every opportunity to speak, hear and read French. Keep on trying to keep a conversation going. This course will use the latest ACTFL-designed techniques in order to enhance your oral proficiency. Be willing to take risks, trying out the new structures and vocabulary you are learning. Students who play it safe (stick to the simple, reliable forms instead of trying new ones) will only hold themselves back. There is no disgrace goofing with something you didn’t know; but progress comes from learning from it and doing better next time.