2025 / 2026

FRENCH IV

Castle High School

6 FREE College Credits are available through Ivy Tech (14 total w/French III)

Mr. Nicolas Costeur – Room 214

COURSE OUTLINE

French IV focuses on completing the grammatical structures and vocabulary in the curriculum. Literature and history will also be studied. Previously learned vocabulary and grammar are also continuously reinforced. Students will be presented with different media (movies, radio, newspapers articles, magazines, internet, etc.) in order to develop proficiency in the four skills areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Instruction of grammar is individualized according to the needs of each student. We will also work with different applications using students’ Chromebooks. Connections with other school subjects are made whenever possible to help students think globally. The class is conducted in French as much as possible, depending on the level of comprehension of students; very important grammatical concepts are introduced in English to ensure thorough comprehension. On Tuesdays and Thursdays however the class is conducted entirely in French and all communication should be in French.   

 COURSE OBJECTIVES

 This class is designed to make students feel comfortable to communicate in French about their interests, environment, life etc. By the end of this class, students should have mastered the major French tenses and grammatical structures of the language which permit them to read, analyze and discuss literature, history and culture in the francophone world. Students will increase their proficiency in reading and listening comprehension as well as become able to discuss culture and history through the use of literature from different periods. They will also increase their proficiency in writing essays. By the end of French IV, students should be ready to follow an intermediate French II class at the university level (with credits earned through Ivy Tech if enrolled; please see me for more details). 

 COURSE EXPECTATIONS

 Students are expected to participate actively during class. Participation is vital to the student’s progress in learning French. They can do this by being prompt in their responses and by trying to use as much French as possible during the class period and elsewhere, anytime they can. Mistakes when participating are not “negative”; they are part of the learning process! Students are expected to do homework, translations and worksheets in order to be prepared for each class as well as exams and quizzes. They are expected to demonstrate comprehension and thoughtful analysis of the readings.  Students are also required to regularly do oral presentations about various topics. Some of them will have to be memorized by students. Furthermore, they are expected to complete at least one project during the year where they go more in depth and present on a particular subject.

It is strongly suggested that students read, listen to French music, watch French movies with subtitles when possible (ask Mr. Costeur, lots of French movies are available at the local video store or on the different streaming platforms). Each student is responsible for contacting Mr. Costeur or checking their Google classroom for missed assignments (See also the school policy about it). Students are also expected to bring to each class the following texts and their notes.

 · “Trésors du temps” – Niveau avancé - Glencoe + French three years workbook (AMSCO) + Chromebook.

·I also strongly recommend French / English dictionary and 501 FrenchVerbs (which will last forever!!!)

·Students will also keep a folder with their work, vocabulary lists etc.

. I strongly suggest the regular consultation of my daily updated personal website which contains lots of helpful resources: https://sites.google.com/warrick.k12.in.us/francaisaveccosteur/home  

Reminder: You may NOT record (video or audio) the class without my previous consent. You also need to comply with the new Indiana law regarding the use of electronic devices.

 COURSE ASSESSMENT     

 ·Grades are posted on the Grade book throughout the quarter. Please check regularly.

·Every three (3) weeks, students are given Class Productivity Points (see checklist). Regularity in doing/turning in homework and participation (assessed daily) are part of the evaluation.

·Students will have frequent quizzes and tests throughout each chapter.

·Compositions: After receiving my comments/corrections, students will revise their work and hand it for a second grade (the final grade for that work will be an average of the two grades or a second grade).

 SEMESTER GRADE                                 1st     QUARTER = 45%

                                                                    2nd     QUARTER = 45%

                                                                    FINAL EXAM     = 10%

 Grading scale:   A: 90 – 100

                            B: 80 – 89.99

                            C: 70 – 79.99

                            D: 60 – 69.99

                            F: 0 – 59.99

This grading scale is approved by the WCSC

         Please note:

·Students can have a test or quiz on anything that was covered or said in class without previous notice.

·Bonuses are offered on most tests and quizzes. Extra-credit opportunities are also available (See suggestions and conditions in the classroom).