French

French

ACCELERATED FRENCH H (WL310)

Grade 9; 5 credits; One Year Elective

This accelerated French course combines the French 1 and 2 curricula into one year of study to prepare students for both the AP and IB sequence. It is designed to be rigorous and fast-paced, and it is therefore intended for highly motivated students who wish to challenge themselves. No prior knowledge of the language is necessary. Students are presented opportunities for communication and interaction in the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Emphasis is placed on the development of authentic communication skills, which are strengthened, and reinforced through exposure to a wide range of audiovisual materials and a variety of listening and speaking activities. The aim is to acquire and integrate an active and practical French vocabulary, the essential building blocks of French grammar, and a variety of idiomatic expressions particular to the French language. The student is also introduced to the French civilization, culture, and geography. He/She will achieve an awareness of global, cultural, social, and political issues while increasing his or her level of fluency. Throughout the year, there is a transition to greater oral and written expression in a wide variety of situations examining both abstract and concrete ideas that lead to an appreciation of global perspectives.

FRENCH 1 (WL210)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12; 5 credits; One Year Elective

This course is the first of a four or five year sequence (French 2, 3, 4H, AP French Language) designed for college preparation and introduces the student to the basic speaking, reading, and writing skills in the French language. The student is also introduced to the civilization, culture, and geography of France and French territories. Emphasis is placed on the mastery of pronunciation through oral practice, imitation, individual coaching, and listening to native speakers. The aim is to acquire an active and practical French vocabulary, the essential terms of grammar, and a limited number of idiomatic expressions. The student moves gradually from the “question and answer” stage to the mastery of simple connected oral and written summaries, and free conversation. Simplified reading selections and dialogues are provided for comprehension. Audiovisual materials are used to reinforce the learning process.

FRENCH 2 (WL220)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12; 5 credits; One Year Elective; Prerequisite: French 1

This course is the second of a four or five year sequence (French 3, 4H, AP French Language) designed for college preparation and continues to develop the student’s French speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills. There is a transition to greater free oral and written expression and a study of French history is added to the continued studies of culture and geography. Rather than repeated or memorized, conversation and composition are more student initiated and more original. Structural patterns are on an intermediate level. Reading selections consisting of connected short stories and current event articles. Media, as well as creative projects are part of the French 2 program.

FRENCH 3H (WL330)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12; 5 credits; One Year Elective; Prerequisite: French 2

This course is the third of a four or five year sequence (French 4H, AP French Language) designed for college preparation and to meet the needs and interests of students through an individualized instruction approach. This approach provides the student with the opportunity to work in small groups, in large groups, and on an independent basis. Reading skills continue to be developed through the reading of materials, of current events, and the comparisons of the literature to modern day life. Speaking ability is increased through discussions of the reading materials, of current events, and the comparison of literature to modern day life. Emphasis is placed on the development of free composition and conversation. In the study of French poetry, literature, history, vocations, and travel, the following activities predominate: intensive reading, followed by questions and answers leading to the experience of discussion; oral and written reports on the topics studied; projects or reports based on the student’s personal interest.

FRENCH 4H (WL340)

Grades 11, 12; 5 credits; One Year Elective; Prerequisite: French 3H

This course is the fourth of a four or five year sequence (AP French Language) designed for college preparation and continues to follow an individualized instruction approach. Emphasis continues to be placed on oral and written proficiency in the use of the language, especially in the mastery of the French structure for oral and written reports and discussions based on the texts studied, and everyday occurrences and topics of interest to students. An intensive and extensive study is made of French personalities and developments (historical, literary, contemporary, political). Students are given the opportunity to lead their class and to interact with other students in collaborative activities. Creativity is encouraged through alternative assessment and performance based tests.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT FRENCH LANGUAGE (WL440)

Grade 11, 12; 5 credits; One Year Elective; Prerequisite: French 4H

The curriculum for this course is aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for World Languages and will prepare students to communicate at the ACTFL Intermediate High/Advanced-Low Learner Range. The curriculum meets the standards set forth by the College Board for the Advanced Placement French Language Examination. Classroom activities are designed to meet the needs of students with diverse learning styles, including a variety of individual, pair, small group and large group activities. All students must demonstrate self-management and responsibility. Additionally, all students will use technology to enhance language acquisition, acquire current cultural information and become more familiar with language-related employment opportunities. By the end of the course, students will gain a greater insight and appreciation of their own language and culture by exploring a new culture and comparing and contrasting it to their own. This course may require Summer Assignment.