Course: French as a Second Language (FSL)

French as a Second Language (FSL)

Integration into the workforce

French Level I: (100 hours)

This course is designed for “true” beginners and will begin with the very basics of French grammar. Students will learn how to introduce themselves and greet others, how to give and understand simple directions and how to ask and answer specific questions.

French Level II: (100 hours)

This course is a continuation of Level I. Therefore, students enrolling in this course should already have some basic knowledge of French (i.e. the alphabet, numbers, how to conjugate verbs in the present tense, and be able to perform the tasks as described in the previous course). Upon completion of Level II, students should be able to speak about work, family, their interests, the weather, and be able to participate in brief conversations.

French Level III: (100 hours)

Level 3 of the French as a Second Language program proposes a communicative approach to language learning. This course is designed to build learners’ competencies in French while developing their skills in speaking and listening, as well as reading and writing. The course focuses mainly on conversation, practical exercises and role playing, making for a fun and effective learning atmosphere.

French Level IV: (100 hours)

Students enrolling in this course should already be able to communicate in French and must already have a general understanding of French grammar (i.e. present, past and future tenses). At the end of this course, students will be able to participate in conversations with greater ease. Students at this level will also work at developing their writing skills.

French Level V: (100 hours)

Upon completion of this course, students will feel comfortable and confident enough to participate in conversations and discussions involving general topics. Students will also have developed the skills to begin communicating with ease in writing.

French Level VI: (100 hours)

Designed for students with a good foundation in French, this course offers students a thorough grammar review, multiple opportunities to improve their language skills and to make progress toward fluency. Students practice speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Materials include literary texts from authors such as Voltaire, Rousseau, Baudelaire and other francophone writers, and various audio-visual materials.

French Level VII: (100 hours)

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to participate effectively in most formal and informal conversations about practical, social and professional topics. Students will be able to obtain and analyze information and opinions and will learn how to co-chair meetings and debates. They will have mastered enough of the language to enable them to do advanced tasks such as defend an opinion, deal with hypothetical issues, and discuss complex work-related issues.

French Level VIII: (100 hours)

This course is designed for students who have successfully completed French Advanced I or who have received the recommendation of the Department Head. The course focuses on refining conversational skills and reviewing essential grammar points as well as exploring advanced grammar and complex sentence structure. Contemporary francophone culture is highlighted. Key authors from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries are studied, as are the works of several French cinematographers such as Francois Truffaut, Eric Rohmer, and Claude Berri. Units on sociopolitical aspects of French history from 1789 to the present are examined. The role of France and francophone countries in contemporary international relations provides another facet of this course.

French Level IX: (100 hours)

This course continues to explore French literature and includes a historical survey of French civilization comprising developments in art, music, philosophy, and science. Readings in French literature from the Middle Ages to today, from the chivalrous medieval epic to the philosophies of the Enlightenment and expression of the egalitarian ideal of the Revolution, to le Nouveau Roman of the 1970’s are studied. Readings, lectures, discussions, student presentations, and written work, entirely in French.