FLF 102 MWF SPRING 2009: COURSE INFORMATION

Instructor:       Martine BELL
Office:             Withers 227
Office hours:   M 2:30-3:30, W 2:30-3:00, F 11:30-12:00 and by appointment
Phone:             515-9306
E-mail:            bell@social.chass.ncsu.edu 
Website:          http://www4.ncsu.edu/~mbell

For adverse weather and emergency situation information: Call 513-8888 or see: http://news.ncsu.edu/media/AdverseWeather.html

 

PLACEMENT AND PREREQUISITES:  (See http://sasw.chass.ncsu.edu/fl/place.htm for policy.)

(1) FLF 101 at NC State

(2) or the equivalent of FLF 101 from another university

(3) or placing into FLF 102 on the NC State Placement Test with a score of 289-340

(4) or a score of 430-500 on the SAT II Subject Test

If you do not have any of the prerequisites listed above, you must take the Placement Test in the Laundry Lab (LAU 214:  Language and Computer Building at the corner of Stinson & Current Drives) http://chasslabs.chass.ncsu.edu/laundry/home .  The test will take about 25 minutes and you will receive the results immediately.

NOTE: If you took French in high school and you have been told that you have « reached proficiency at the 102 level », this does NOT satisfy the prerequisite for this course. This only applies to students who will not take any foreign language course at NC State.  Native speakers CANNOT receive credit for FLF 101-202 if French is their native language.

WELCOME TO FRENCH! 

This course aims at giving you a solid foundation in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing the French language.  To accomplish these goals, it is essential that we use French as the language of the classroom.  I will do my best to keep the class atmosphere creative, lively, and accepting of your best efforts. In return, you, too have some responsibilities. Please read carefully and follow the information and advice below.

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS :

Deux mondes, 6th edition, Terrell, Tracy D. et al., McGraw-Hill Publishers, 2009 (Textbook + QUIA access:  used $104.35, new $139.10)

Deux mondes: Online Cahier d’exercices, 6th edition,Terrel, Tracy D. et al., 2009  (QUIA Online Workbook/Laboratory Manual)

[IMPORTANT!   For students who didn’t take FLF 101 in the Fall:  DO NOT OPEN YOUR QUIA ACCESS PACK FOR THE ONLINE WORKBOOK UNTIL YOU KNOW YOU’RE DEFINITELY TAKING THIS CLASS--in case you have to drop or switch classes during the first week. You will not be reimbursed if you opened it before you drop the class.]

HOMEWORK:  All written and oral exercises listed on the syllabus should be completed BEFORE class. This preparation for class is VERY IMPORTANT. Before each class, you need to prepare the following:

1) Textbook / blue pages : Read and write out the exercises in the appropriate sections of the Grammaire and exercices pages (blue pages). Check your work by using the Answer Key in Appendix D of the textbook (pp. A15-A18).   These exercises will not be turned in, but it is essential to practice with them in preparation for class.

2)  Workbook:  QUIA Online Workbook/Laboratory Manual.

Listening activities:  Complete all comprehension exercises (Activités de compréhension)

Written activities:   Complete written activities (Activités écrites) in sections 1 and 2  (Thèmes et Grammaire and Intégration) as indicated in the QUIA column on the syllabus (for example, specific exercises in 6.1 and 6.2 for Chap. 6).  Some written exercises are to be printed out on paper and turned in.  Complete activities in sections 3 and 4 (Prononciation et orthographe and Le verbe français) as indicated on the syllabus (ex:  6.3 and 6.4 for Chap. 6).

Workbook activities on QUIA and written exercises to be turned in are due at the end of each chapter.  See “QUIA Guidelines” for more details. No late work is accepted for credit.

Additional exercises may be assigned on a daily basis.  Upon your return to class after an absence, you are responsible for any homework, quizzes, etc. assigned on the day of your absence.

Check your NC State e-mail regularly:  some handouts or assignments will be sent by e-mail.

Useful sources

Deux Mondes Website:   http://www.mhhe.com/deuxmondes6 (Student Edition).  Additional grammar exercises and cultural information are available in the Coursewide Content.  Other activities and videos are available in the ActivityPak.

Pronunciation:  Practice pronunciation of the vocabulary at the end of each chapter:  http://languagecenter.cla.umn.edu/lc/french/pronunciation/audioVocabDrillDown.html

LANGUAGE LAB: 

If you do not have access to a computer with speakers, you can complete workbook exercises in a CHASS Foreign Language Computer Lab, either in the Laundry Lab (LAU 214:  Language and Computer Building at the corner of Stinson & Current Drives) or the Withers Lab (WI 131).   LAU 214 (Language and Computer Building at the corner of Stinson & Current Drives) is open Mon.-Fri. 8AM-9PM, Saturday 12-7PM, and Sunday 1PM-5PM.  WI 131 is open Mon.-Fri. 8AM-5PM, closed Saturday and Sunday.  For more information, http://chasslabs.chass.ncsu.edu/laundry/home

COMPOSITIONS & INTERNET RESEARCH

You will write 2 short compositions (Compositions 1 & 3). You will also complete one project involving research on the Internet (Part I: Visite virtuelle d’une ville française).  After doing your research, you will do a short in-class presentation of a French city of your choice.  You will then write Composition 2 (Part II: Visite virtuelle d’une ville française) using the information you found on the Internet.  See due dates on the Syllabus.

NOTE for all written work:  DO NOT use online/electronic translators for phrases or sentences for written assignments. The results are poor and will violate Academic Integrity (see below). 

TESTS: 

There will be two exams, quizzes (written or oral) at the end of each chapter, and a departmental final exam. There will be no make-up quizzes. However, one quiz grade will be dropped.  Make-ups for the two major tests will be granted only if you are excused in advance with proper documentation.

NOTE:  The oral part of the final exam will be given during the last two weeks of classes.  Note the dates on the syllabus.

ATTENDANCE:
Attendance is required and will be taken daily. You can make progress only if you hear and speak the language regularly. After three absences, your participation grade will be reduced by 1/3 grade for each additional absence (from A to A-, from A- to B+, etc.).  Beyond 3 absences, you will need a written excuse.  In case of an emergency (serious illness, injury, death or illness in the family, university duties, court attendance, or religious observance), please notify me as soon as possible. You are responsible for all work you missed and for any assignment announced on the day you were absent. Please get the e-mail or phone number of a classmate in case you need clarification or information after an absence. This policy is based upon NC State University Attendance Policy: http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/academic_affairs/courses_undergrad/REG02.20.3.php. 

Excessive absences may lead to an F.

 

FILM:  You are required to see one film for this course: Amélie.  It’s a French-language film with English subtitles.  See the syllabus for dates and times.  Watching movies in French is a great way to learn more about the language and culture. 

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: 

All work in this class will be subject to NC State standards of academic integrity. You will be asked to sign the Honor Pledge on each test and graded assignment : « I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this test/assignment ».  NO online/electronic translators, no help from tutors, teachers, friends, or native speakers are permitted for graded assignments. Please read the following information carefully : http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/student_services/student_discipline/POL11.35.1.php

GRADING:

Departmental final exam: 25%

Exams: 20%

Class participation*: 20%

Quizzes, Compositions and Project: 25%

Homework: 10%

This class will be graded according to the plus/minus grading system:

A+=97.0-100    B+=87.0-89.9   C+=77.0-79.9   D+=67.0-69.9

A= 93.0-96.9    B= 83.0-86.9    C =73.0-76.9    D =63.0-66.9

A-=90.0-92.9    B-=80.0-82.9    C-=70.0-72.9    D+=60.0-62.9   F =0-59.9

* PARTICIPATION:

Participation in class will be determined as follows:

A = Student is well prepared, attentive, always responds when called on and volunteers often with pertinent answers or questions.

B = Student is usually prepared, responds when called on and volunteers on occasion.

C = Student shows evidence of being unprepared on occasion, has trouble when called on and does not volunteer often.

D = Student is unprepared, inattentive, never volunteers, or comes to class late.

F = Student exhibits a lack of concern for the class, sleeps in class/does not pay attention, disturbs the class.

INCOMPLETE GRADES & LATE ASSIGNMENTS:
Incomplete grades will be given only when a student cannot complete the course due to unforeseeable circumstances beyond his/her control and has done most of the course work (types of work that can be made up would be for example a final exam, a quiz or two, or handing in a final paper). For late assignments, the grade will be reduced by 1/3 grade for each day late (from A to A-, from A- to B+, etc.). In case of an excused absence, students will need to set up a timetable with me for the missing assignment(s).

HOW TO DO WELL IN THIS CLASS:

1.  Prepare your assignments well BEFORE coming to class so that we can devote our classes to communicative activities. Assignments are due for class on the day indicated on the syllabus.

2.  Participate actively. Mentally answer each question while a classmate is responding.

3.  Speak French in the classroom. Don’t translate! Watch for gestures, visual aids, facial expressions, etc. to help you understand. If you need further clarification, use one of the following expressions:

     Répétez, s’il vous plaît. = Repeat, please.

     Comment dit-on...? = How do you say...?

     Qu’est-ce que c’est? = What’s that?

     Je ne sais pas. = I don’t know.

     Je ne comprends pas. = I don’t understand.

4.  Take risks. Speak out. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. The more you speak, the better you will get.

5.  Bring your book to class everyday and turn off your cell phone during class. 

6.  Enjoy your language learning.  Be playful and participate in the activities, skits, etc. Your attitude is crucial to the success of your learning experience.

7.  Take notes. Write down everything from the blackboard.

8.  Don't hesitate to ask me for help. You can e-mail me or come and see me during my office hours.

TUTORING is available at the Undergraduate Tutorial Center http://www.ncsu.edu/tutorial_center (1005K Ricks Hall Addition Directions, 515-3163) Please come and see me if you are experiencing problems.

DISABILITY SERVICES FOR STUDENTS:
Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with verifiable disabilities. In order to take advantage of available accommodations, students must register with the Disabilities Services Office (DSO) at 1900 Student Health Center, Campus Box 7509, 515 7653, http://www.ncsu.edu/dso .  For more information on NC State's policy on working with students with disabilities, see:  http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/academic_affairs/courses_undergrad/REG02.20.1.php

DIVERSITY POLICY:
This course fosters free and open dialogue, the acceptance and discussion of different opinions, and mutual respect among class members. Please consult NC State Policies on Non-Discrimination.

SUMMER STUDY ABROAD IN FRANCE: 

Would you like to study in France this summer?  For information about our summer programs inquire at the Study Abroad Office:   http://studyabroad.ncsu.edu/  or contact the program directors:  5-week Program in Lille:  Dr. Diane Beckman dsbeckma@social.chass.ncsu.edu ; two-week program in Burgundy and Paris:  Dr. Dudley Marchi dmm@ncsu.edu.

The FLL Department is offering $500 Summer SA scholarships in 2009 for students majoring or minoring in FLL with a GPA of at least 3.0 in major/minor courses. Applications are due to the Study Abroad Office by February 6, 2009.

FRENCH CLUB:

Consider joining the French Club to get extra exposure to the language and culture.  You are welcome at any of the meetings which take place every other Wednesday at 4 PM in Withers. The instructor will let you know when the first meeting will take place this semester.

FLL HOMEPAGE: 

http://sasw.chass.ncsu.edu/fl/fl.htm  Visit the Foreign Language Department homepage for more information about: the professional advantages of studying foreign languages--and French, in particular, the French Major and Minor at NC State, the Masters Program, and the Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's (ABM) Degree Program in French (in 5 years).  You will find useful links in the French Section homepage to learn more about French through the Internet: http://sasw.chass.ncsu.edu/fl/french/

ONLINE COURSE EVALUATIONS: 

Online class evaluations will be available for students to complete during the last two weeks of class (8AM Apr. 10-8AM Apr. 27).  Students will receive an email message directing them to a website where they can login using their Unity ID and complete evaluations.  All evaluations are confidential.  Evaluation website:  https://classeval.ncsu.edu.  For more information:  http://www2.acs.ncsu.edu/UPA/classeval/  

SPRING SEMESTER ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Tuesday, January 13:  Lecture sponsored by the Dept of Foreign Languages and Literatures:  “To Be Translated Or Not to be”  by Esther Allen, 4:30PM, Riddick Hall 450. 

 

Thursday, January 22, 2009:  NC State Summer Programs Study Abroad Fair, 11AM-3PM in the Tally Ballroom.  The application deadline for these programs is February 6.