French IV is an intermediate-level language course that builds students' confidence and proficiency in communicating in French through meaningful, real-world experiences. Instruction is conducted primarily in French and emphasizes active communication, collaboration, and cultural exploration. Students strengthen their ability to interpret authentic texts and media, engage in conversations, and express their ideas through speaking and writing for a variety of audiences and purposes.
Throughout the course, students explore the diversity of the Francophone world through literature, film, music, podcasts, current events, and other authentic resources. Learning is organized around thematic units that encourage students to investigate cultural perspectives, make connections across disciplines, and compare their own experiences with those of French-speaking communities around the world.
Vocabulary and grammar are developed within meaningful contexts as students refine their language skills and become more confident, independent communicators. By the end of the course, students will have expanded their linguistic proficiency, strengthened their intercultural understanding, and developed the skills needed to use French both inside and beyond the classroom.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of French IV, students will be able to:
Communicate effectively in French in a variety of authentic situations.
Interpret spoken, written, and visual texts from the French-speaking world.
Exchange information, ideas, and opinions in interpersonal conversations.
Present information and support ideas through speaking and writing.
Develop greater accuracy and confidence in using French.
Compare cultural perspectives, practices, and products from diverse Francophone communities.
Use language-learning strategies to become more independent and reflective learners.
Course Themes
Instruction is organized around six broad themes that encourage students to investigate language and culture through authentic communication, inquiry, and cultural exploration.
Essential Questions
How do families and communities shape our identities?
How do traditions evolve across generations?
What responsibilities do individuals have within their communities?
Sample Topics
Family life, education, traditions, celebrations, relationships, community engagement, youth experiences
Essential Questions
How does language shape culture and identity?
How does French connect diverse communities around the world?
What can we learn through multilingualism?
Sample Topics
The Francophone world, regional varieties of French, multilingualism, cultural identity, communication across cultures
Essential Questions
How does art reflect society?
How do artists communicate ideas and inspire change?
Why are stories important to culture?
Sample Topics
Literature, music, film, visual arts, architecture, fashion, storytelling
Essential Questions
How has technology changed communication?
What responsibilities accompany innovation?
How can science improve our lives?
Sample Topics
Artificial intelligence, digital communication, social media, environmental technology, medical innovations
Essential Questions
How do people balance work, school, and leisure?
How do daily choices reflect cultural values?
What contributes to well-being?
Sample Topics
School, careers, travel, food, wellness, housing, consumer choices, recreation
Essential Questions
What challenges connect people around the world?
What does it mean to be a global citizen?
How can individuals contribute to positive change?
Sample Topics
Climate change, sustainability, migration, human rights, international cooperation, current events
Communication in French
Learning is centered on the three modes of communication identified by the ACTFL World-Readiness Standards.
Students interpret and analyze authentic spoken, written, and visual texts, including literature, podcasts, news articles, videos, songs, advertisements, and other media.
Students engage in conversations, discussions, interviews, and collaborative tasks to exchange information, express opinions, ask questions, and negotiate meaning in French.
Students present information, explain ideas, tell stories, and support opinions through speaking and writing for a variety of audiences and purposes.
Language Development
Vocabulary and grammar are developed through meaningful communication and authentic contexts rather than isolated memorization. Students revisit language structures throughout the year as they refine their ability to communicate with increasing confidence and accuracy.
Topics may include verb tenses and moods, sentence structure, pronouns, agreement, transitions, and idiomatic expressions as they naturally support communication.
Learning Experiences
Students engage in a variety of proficiency-based learning experiences, which may include:
Collaborative discussions and seminars
Literature circles and novel studies
Podcasts and authentic audio resources
News and current events analysis
Presentations and storytelling
Interviews and conversations
Cultural comparisons
Creative writing
Performance tasks
Journals and reflections
Research projects
Collaborative projects
Interpretive reading and listening activities
Assessment
Student learning is evaluated through a variety of interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational tasks that emphasize communication and growth over time.
Communication Mode Examples:
Interpretive
Reading and listening comprehension, text analysis, interpretation of authentic resources
Interpersonal
Conversations, interviews, discussions, collaborative communication
Presentational
Essays, presentations, multimedia projects, cultural comparisons
Whenever appropriate, vocabulary and grammar are assessed within authentic communication rather than as isolated skills.
Instructional Resources
Instruction incorporates a variety of authentic and instructional resources, including literature, podcasts, music, films, news media, visual arts, digital media, and teacher-created materials. Resources are selected to support course themes and may change throughout the school year.
Resources may be updated throughout the school year to reflect current events and emerging topics. See Possible Sources Document
Technology
Technology is used to support communication, collaboration, creativity, and timely feedback. Students may use a variety of digital platforms and instructional tools throughout the year to enhance language learning.
Characteristics of Successful Language Learners
Successful language learners:
communicate even when they are unsure of every word;
take risks and learn from mistakes;
use French consistently during class;
seek meaning before focusing on perfection;
participate actively and respectfully;
reflect on feedback and revise their work;
engage with authentic French beyond the classroom whenever possible.
Academic Integrity & Responsible AI Use
Students are expected to complete original work that reflects their own language proficiency. Artificial intelligence, translation tools, and other digital resources may be used only when explicitly permitted by the teacher and must support—not replace—the language learning process. Students may be asked to demonstrate their understanding of submitted work through classroom discussions, writing, or speaking.
Course Policies
Detailed information regarding grading, reassessment, homework, attendance, classroom expectations, and course procedures is provided in the French IV Grading Policy & Classroom Expectations document.
This syllabus provides an overview of the course. Instructional materials, themes, assessments, and pacing may be adjusted throughout the school year to best support student learning.