AP French V

AP French is taught in French. It is designed for students who want to work hard to deepen their knowledge of French culture and language and develop proficiency and precision in speaking, reading, listening and writing. Class time is spent preparing for the AP examination in May, which is optional.

New in 2012, AP French Language and Culture explores thematic units using a variety of print, web, audio, and visual resources. Themes are: Global Challenges, Science and Technology, Community and Family, Personal and Public identities, Contemporary Life, and Beauty and Aesthetics. Discussion and response to articles, current events, podcasts, films, and literature is central to the course. Students will prepare several short oral presentations (in French) and may have a final project. In alternate years we read the classic novel Le Petit Prince with French IV students.

The curriculum for AP and French IV follows a two year cycle because the classes are usually taught together. This allows students to address all of themes in multiple contexts and to develop the skills over time. In 2016 our contexts included music and painting, community and housing, the environment, immigration and migration, social alienation and multiculturalism, and the quest for self-knowledge.

In 2019 we studied beauty and esthetics with French painting, transportation technology and inventions; family, friendship and love; food, nutrition and health; cultural heritage and poetry; nationalism, patriotism and heroism; alienation.

In 2020 we will study communication technology, environmental challenges, education and childhood, music and song, French history from the classical era to the 19th century, among other topics.

In 2021 we will study history to the 17th century, poetry, health and health technology, transportation and travel, alienation and tolerance, and love and friendship.