FRENCH I
This beginning course stresses basic proficiency in both production skills (speaking and writing) and receptive skills (listening and reading). The French I student develops a practical vocabulary and builds a strong grammatical foundation in the target language. She learns to relate information about herself, her family and her friends, using the present tense, the passé composé, futur proche, and object pronouns. Authentic reading and audio-visual materials enhance the student’s discovery of the Francophone world.
FRENCH II
College Preparatory and Honors
French II is an intensive course in reading, writing, and speaking. From the simple structures in French I, the student moves on to use compound tenses, the present subjunctive, the imperfect, the future, and the conditional. Students also learn how to express both affirmative and negative commands and to formulate conditional and complex sentences using relative pronouns. Role-play is used frequently for students to incorporate new vocabulary presented in the text. Only the target language is used in class.
Students in French II Honors follow an accelerated pace and approach topics in more depth. Students master extensive vocabulary and complex grammatical structures, write full-length compositions, and communicate in increasingly sophisticated French using both spoken and written expression. Students do independent reading of short stories in the second semester and give oral presentations about current events.
FRENCH III
College Preparatory and Honors
In French III, students review the grammar, syntax, and vocabulary of French I and II and study more complex forms of grammar and syntax, especially the subjunctive. They expand their vocabulary and knowledge of idiomatic expressions. Points of grammar and syntax and newly acquired vocabulary are reinforced through dialogues with classmates, oral descriptions of places, people, and situations, and interviews and role-playing. French III students are exposed to a variety of literary forms. They read short stories, poems, and texts appropriate to their experience and their knowledge of the language. Students of French III are required to use only the target language in class and to find every possible opportunity to practice oral skills outside the classroom.
French III Honors moves at a faster pace, and students read a wide selection of literature in French, including one novel each semester. They respond to and analyze the literature both orally and in writing, in the target language. Honors students are asked to listed to French news media and give presentations in class on current topics. Students are immersed in the language through online video sources such as Yabla, RFI, and TV5.
FRENCH IV
College Preparatory and Honors
French IV is designed to reinforce and expand on the grammar and syntax studied in French I, II, and III. Students read a variety of essays, articles, short stories, and poetry from both French and Francophone authors. They also continue developing oral and listening comprehension skills with current TV documentaries (e.g., Envoyé Spécial de France 2) and through active participation in class, they improve their speaking skills. Students are encouraged to think of the study of language as an ongoing process that takes place both in and outside of school. They are asked to experience spoken and written French by going to French language films and theater, French restaurants, and exhibits of Francophone art.
Students in French IV Honors read a wide selection of literature in French, including one novel each semester. They respond to and analyze the literature both orally and in writing in the target language. Honors students are asked to listen to French news media and to give presentations in class on current topics. Students are immersed in the language through online video sources such as Yabla, RFI, and TV5. (This course is intended for Class X students who have successfully completed their French III Honors course and who are not yet prepared to go into Advanced Placement French Language.)
ADVANCED PLACEMENT FRENCH LANGUAGE
This course is designed to prepare students in Classes XI and XII for the AP® Examination in French language. Students enrolled in this course are expected to have mastered the basics of French grammar, so grammar review takes the form of “mini-lessons” according to the students’ needs. Students devote most of the class time to discussing literature and current events and to writing expository essays. Using a wide range of web-based technologies such as Twitter, Voicethread, and Yabla, students communicate authentically in the target language. Viewing French films and television further enhances students’ listening skills. Preparing oral presentations, participating in class discussions and debates, and responding to questions presented in class, develop students’ advanced language skills and critical thinking. All students sit for the AP examination in the spring.
FRENCH V
French V is designed for students who wish to continue their studies in French after having successfully completed French IV. Through selected readings, film, and active participation in class, students improve their spoken communication in French and gain a comprehensive grasp of French culture and the Francophone world.
ADVANCED READINGS IN FRENCH
In this college-level course, students read a range of works by other Francophone writers. Students learn to analyze texts, develop theses, and compare themes common to several works. Although grammar is not presented in formal lessons, review of specific grammatical issues occurs as a means of improving and refining the students’ writing skills. The written work includes short reactions to daily reading assignments and more substantial essays on the literature. Discussion, always in the target language, is a daily feature of class. Students are expected to have thoroughly read the assigned work and to have carefully considered guide questions about the reading.