Course Syllabus for Honors French IV. Instructor: Mr. Hill. Phone: ext

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1 LE PROMGRAMME DE FRANÇAIS IV 1 Course Syllabus for Honors French IV Instructor: Mr. Hill tristan_hill@charleston.k12.sc.us Phone: ext Fall 2012 Introduction: Bienvenue à la classe de français IV, un cours qui vous preparera pour un cours universitaire. The point of this course is for a student to extend his/her knowledge of French to prepare them for a college level course. To put it more precisely, the ultimate goal is for students to test into a fourth semester French class at the college or university he/she wishes to attend. For example, those who wish to attend the College of Charleston would test into the 202 level. A student wishing to pass the course will have to be motivated in wanting to learn the language and have to do extensive outside work and study. It is the responsibility of the instructor to break down the information and assign appropriate material for success; nevertheless, the student must understand his/her obligation to attempt and understand the material to his/her optimal ability for a good grade. Comprehension of the material is the student s responsibility. Remember that to better prepare these students for university studies they must learn to become more independent learners. There will be times where the student will need extra instructional help. If a student wishes to meet with the instructor, an appointment can be made. **Conferences are scheduled for Tuesdays immediately after school and Thursdays after report card distribution. Office hours: Monday through Thursday 2:30 3:30* *These hours are subject to change based on the instructor s availability. Course Overview: Based on the rigor of the material, at least half if not more instruction will be delivered in French. As aforementioned, the course is intended for a student to arrive at the ability of a college level student. Therefore for a student at the high school level to attain that aptitude, he/she must have constant exposure to the language. Therefore, in order to create this environment of immersion and give the student a chance for success, the student is expected to maintain the use of French in as many aspects as possible, which includes: - Understanding lectures, explanations, conversations, presentations, authentic materials, letters, speeches, and short stories in French. - Express themselves in conversation, debates, inquiries, and descriptions using a variety of styles and strategies for different audiences. By accomplishing the following goals and upon completion of the course, students will be able to: - integrate and synthesize written and aural materials - develop interpersonal and presentational speaking skills

2 LE PROMGRAMME DE FRANÇAIS IV 2 - develop aural comprehension skills through audio and video recordings - understand conversations, lectures, oral presentations, newspapers, letters, instructions, Internet articles, and short stories - express themselves orally by convincing, arguing, inquiring, and describing - express themselves in a variety of writing styles, ranging from informal diaries to formal synthesis essays, develop formal writing skills Course Outline Materials - Ronald St. Onge; Susan St. Onge; Interaction Septième edition. Thomson Heinle ring binder with dividers o 1 divider for vocab o 1 divider for grammar o 1 divider for homework o 1 divider for worksheets o 1 divider for tests/quizzes - French to English Larousse Dictonary - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry; Le Petit Prince. Harcourt Inc Course Overview: To teach the French Honors IV course, West Ashley High School uses the book Interaction (Thomson Heinle) as the core material. These texts were chosen for the ample amount of vocabulary and their pragmatics in regards to the French language. Interaction provides brief grammar and vocabulary lessons that are to be supplemented and taught by the instructor for further explanation and practice. For each chapter there will be a test to assess the student s grammar skills, listening skill, and reading comprehension. Although the test assesses these skills, more of a focus will be put into addressing oral and written authentic documents during class time. Every two weeks there will be a test on a thematic chapter (this can be modified based on the students needs) for example the first chapter pertains to shopping and for each week students will be expected to write a short 6 sentence paragraph in French pertaining theme or authentic document. The following scale will be provided based on grammar, substance, and completeness: My scale: 9 & 10 = 95/100 8 & 7 = 90/85 6 & 7 = 80/75 5/4 = 70/65 3/2 = 60/55 These essays will count as two classwork grades. The midterm and final exam will be given based on the material of that semester. Therefore, the midterm will pertain to chapters 1-4 and the final will pertain to chapter 5-8*. *These chapters are subject to change based on what is covered. Listening Skills - The instructor will select audio sources that are conducive and appropriate to the theme of the chapters in Interaction and select audio material from sites on the web. - In order to build confidence and skills, the instructor will play the audio activities twice and in some circumstances will the instructor read the script. On some occasions, the instructor

3 LE PROMGRAMME DE FRANÇAIS IV 3 may provide a written script for a longer audio activity with the goal of enlarging the students vocabulary. - Students will also apply these strategies learned in the book with exercises created by the instructor which will be derived from authentic documents. - Students will also have to participate in cloze activities; answer questions about songs; and analyze songs. Reading Skills: Reading skills will be strengthened throughout the semester through cultural readings provided by Interaction. The ultimate goal of these exercises is for students to synthesize information while broadening their vocabulary and seeing grammatical structures within a written text. By synthesizing the information, students will exercise the ability to pick out the important information in a text and be able to answer reading comprehension questions. Writing Skills: Every week, students will receive a controversial article for them to react to of 6-8 sentences. These weekly writing assignments will be part of their homework grade for the course. Students will also have to write on two essay topics which will appear on their chapter tests Speaking Skills: Students will have to speak with each and with the instructor on certain occasions being tests, midterm, and their final exam. Student will also be expected to read newspaper articles and speak about what they read spontaneously in class. Remember the point of a language is to communicate and that means speaking!!! These dates will be announced and students will receive the articles in advance to better prepare themselves. Absences: The student is responsible for finding out what work you have missed in the event of your absence. This applies to absences due to illness, college visits, early dismissal, guidance appointments, retreats, etc. Quizzes and tests will be made up either after school, before school, or during the instructor s planning period. This semester that will be first period. If the student is absent on the day before an announced test, the student will still be held responsible to take the test with the class. This also applies for an essay deadline. ***Note that for each semester long class only 5 days are allotted for the student to miss in order to receive credit for the course. In such occurrence, the student will receive an FA for a grade which translates into an F on his/her GPA. As a solution, the student can still make up up to 3 days for a semester long course through seat time recovery. However, after the three day mark, an appeal has to be submitted to the principal for approval for more days to be made up. Each day costs $10, and if the price is too costly, there are fee waiver form; however, the student must apply and have to qualify*** Grading Tests/Projects Quizzes Homework/Classwork Participation 35 % - This will include all unit tests and projects 20 % - Quizzes will be administered every three days in order to insure comprehension 30 % - Homework will be given every day 15 % - Bellwork and speaking activities

4 LE PROMGRAMME DE FRANÇAIS IV 4 Procedures: Daily Routine for instructor 1. When the student arrives in the classroom, he/she must take his/her assigned seat. 2. Bellwork is to be completed within the first five minutes of class. 3. Go over homework. Homework will be assigned daily. 4. Lesson Whether grammar or vocabulary 5. Guided practice 6. Independent practice/group work 7. Closure Taking questions or exit slip Classroom Procedures Before tardy bell rings During class 1. Go to the restroom and/or visit your locker. 2. Sharpen your pencil. 3. Put away all drinks and food. There is no eating or drinking in the classroom. 4. Take your assigned seat. 1. Complete the QDJ in your notebook within the first 5 minutes of class. 2. Remain seated unless instructed to do otherwise. 3. Do not speak to your peers during instruction. 4. Raise your hand to be recognized. 5. Get into small groups or with partners quickly and quietly. 6. No bathroom or locker passes. (You have 5 minutes between classes. Use the restroom and go to your locker during that time.) End of class 1. Gather all trash around your desk. 2. Stay seated in your desk. 3. Leave when I say Au revoir!

5 LE PROMGRAMME DE FRANÇAIS IV 5 4. On your way out, throw away your trash. Rules 1. Stay in your assigned seat until you have permission to do otherwise 2. Stay attentive during instruction meaning no side conversations. THIS IS A PET PEEVE 3. Stay awake sleeping during instruction means a lack of participation which means a lower grade. 4. Turn off electronic devices before entering the class there are three reasons why. First, classroom 208 has no cell phone reception, and I know because that is the biggest gripe of my students. Second, it slows down the computers in the room and the internet. Third, the use of cell phones is prohibited as per Charleston County School district regulations. If a student is caught with his/her cell phone out, the cell phone will be confiscated. The same rule applies to MP3 players, ipods, ipads, etc. 5. No food or drink unless otherwise told by the instructor. Consequences Step 1: Verbal Warning Step 2: 30 Minutes detention after school or 2 15 minute lunch detention and phone call home. Step 3: 1 Hour long detention- To be served after school. There will be no exceptions. Step 4: Referral to administrator **Note that depending on the offense, the instructor holds the authority to skip steps. Make-Up Work: Students have five (5) school days to make-up any work they miss due to an EXCUSED absence, which must be noted in PowerSchool. It is the student s responsibility to make-up missed work. Please sign below and detach the bottom of this page for your child to return to me with the $3 class fee. Your signature indicates you have received and read this brochure. NOTE: I will not have change for the class fee, so please bring exact amount or write a check, payable to WAHS. Student : Parent/Guardian Name (please print): Phone: $3 Fee attached: YES NO Class Period: Parent/Guardian

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