experiential Module

A Truly Global French 1

I chose to complete a curriculum design project. Upon being given the green light to begin a French program, I began to think about what an ideal program might look like. Using my experience both in the MAFLT program and in the classroom, I started by creating the program overview below, outlining a cyclical series of 7 units which could be deepened and expanded with each additional year of study. The driving idea behind the units chosen was based heavily on filling a gap I have seen in existing materials: a severe lack of diversity in what is presented as "French". With 29+ French-speaking countries on all 6 inhabited continents, it is problematic at best that most French curriculums never seriously consider linguistic or cultural ideas from outside of France. A true study of French and francophone culture must include, investigate, and analyze as many of these global aspects as possible.

From there, I developed the entire first year of curriculum, including unit overviews, lesson outlines, and supporting materials such as progress trackers and unit exams. Each unit as well as individual lesson in my curriculum is underpinned by both language and intercultural skills from a wide variety of different francophone countries and communities, represented through authentic materials whenever possible. While France herself is still extremely well represented, she is no longer the only voice of what it means to be French or French-speaking for my students.