Student Profile
Students who enter this course will have mastered most of the outcomes of the Independent Abroad level as defined by the IES Abroad MAP for Language and Intercultural Communication. Among other characteristics, these students are able to converse at a rate of speed approaching normal conversation. They are creative, spontaneous, and self-reliant as they solve problems, interpret texts, negotiate, and express their opinions, likes, and dislikes in the culture. Although they still make errors and experience communication breakdowns, these students tend to resolve these challenges on their own. Students who enter this level can already understand a variety of colloquial expressions and slang.
Students entering this level can succeed in a range of moderately complex university courses designed for native speakers. Before registering, they should consult with the appropriate IES Abroad academic advisor on course selection.
By the end of this course, students will have started to acquire the subtlety of expression and control of complex structures that characterize Competent Abroad learners. However, Emerging Competent Abroad learners have only partial mastery of these structures and quite often resort to simpler and more direct modes of expression, particularly when negotiating linguistically difficult or unfamiliar situations. Students at this level begin to understand some local cultural attitudes, values, beliefs, and behavior patterns. However, there will be numerous gaps and inconsistencies in their knowledge, and they lack the depth of understanding and sophistication of those who have spent more time living and working in the local context.
Attendance policy:
Class attendance is mandatory. Any absence that is not justified will have a negative effect on your grade.
Learning outcomes:
Students who are placed in this level should be capable of achieving the outcomes in the Independent Abroad level as defined by the IES Abroad MAP for Language and Intercultural Communication.
By the end of the course, students will be able to achieve some of the outcomes for the Emerging Competent Abroad level as defined by the MAP for Language and Intercultural Communication. The key learning outcomes from the MAP are summarized below:
I. Intercultural Communication
A. Students will begin to recognize and describe key host cultures, subcultures, habits, norms, and behaviors in a variety of settings, and they will be aware of the risk that generalizations can lead to stereotypes.
B. Students will be able to reflect on and discuss the validity of their own cultural beliefs, behaviors, and values by contrasting and comparing them with those of the host cultures.
C. Students will demonstrate openness toward different beliefs and styles even when they do not agree with them.
D. Students will accept responsibility for their own learning by defining their linguistic goals and demonstrating independence in their exploration of the culture.
II. Listening
A. Students will be able to understand many complex communications on a wide range of everyday topics as well as abstract topics covered in classes.
B. Students will be able to understand a variety of native speakers and non-native experts and comprehend an array of moderately complex interactions.
III. Speaking
A. Students will participate reasonably well in most academic and social interactions using when appropriate complex language including slang, colloquial expressions, double meaning, and humor with increasing confidence.
B. Students will be able to make arguments and form opinions on almost any topic of their interest.
IV. Reading
A. Students will be able to read and understand textbooks and academic articles for classes taught in the host language as well as some popular texts for enjoyment.
B. Students will be able to read and understand authentic materials including newspapers, advertisements, brochures, instruction manuals, etc. on abstract and unfamiliar topics with some assistance at times.
V. Writing
A. Students will be able to write for certain native audiences (resumes, applications, administrative documents) and express themselves somewhat clearly and effectively.
B. Students will be able to write essays for classes incorporating aspects of appropriate academic style with some assistance at times.
Required work and form of assessment:
Tests (listening, speaking, reading, writing, intercultural communication, midterm, Final exam).
Grades breakdown:
- In-class tests + book report 20%
- Mid-terms (2) 30%
- Final exam 30%
- Regular attendance and punctuality 10%
- Participation - active and spontaneous 10%
content:
Week
Content
Assignments
Corresponding
Learning
Outcome(s)
Week 1
1. Functional : common courtesy phrases, greetings, thanks …
2. Grammatical : gender of nouns and nominalization
3. Vocabulary : word families
4. Culture : cultural surprises
Observe the differences of behavior and attitude in the streets, in the stores, at home, compared to the United States
I.A., I.C.,
Week 2
1. Functional : how to read and understand a text
2. Grammatical : past tenses and past participles agreements
3. Vocabulary : the weather
4. Culture : weather proverbs
Students are given a list of 10 novels. They need to spend some time in a bookstore, choose a book and start reading it
I.D., III.A., IV.A.,
Week 3
1. Functional : methodology for writing a
book report
2. Grammatical : prepositions of place
3. Vocabulary : space and time
4. Culture : students accommodations
Spot the main ideas of a document and reword them
I.CV., I.D., IV.A.,
Week 4
1. Functional : how to describe a health problem : symptoms and how it shows…
2. Grammatical : prepositions and adverbs of time
3. Vocabulary: words and phrases related to the body
4. Culture : a comic strip by Claire Brétécher
Identify, in a very recent newspaper, an item on a current health issue, read it and give an account of it
II.A., III.B., IV.B.
Week 5
1. Functional : ask questions quickly and precisely. Spontaneously react to various requests
2. Grammatical : the different futures
3. Vocabulary : review of vocabulary previously studied
4. Culture : « the news »
Midterm 1
III.A., IV.B., V.A., IV.B.,
Week 6
1. Functional : work on the diversity of sentences in a paragraph
2. Grammatical : compound relative pronouns
3. Vocabulary : the environment, ecology
4. Culture : Mini-quiz on French geography
Compose a descriptive text. Describe a famous and appreciated natural site : landscape, vegetation, meteorology …
I.B., IV.A., IV.B.,
Week 7
1. Functional : organization of speech : use of link words
2. Grammatical : present and past conditional. Hypothesis and condition
3. Vocabulary : find synonyms
4. Culture : field study
Spot the main ideas of a document and reword them, field study report
I.C., I.D., II.B., VB.B.
Week 8
1. Functional : know how to choose your language register
2. Grammatical : complement pronouns
3. Vocabulary : idiomatic expressions
4. Culture : familiar French, franglais
Submit the book report
IV.B., V.A.,
Week 9
1. Functional : express your point of view
2. Grammatical : subjunctive
3. Vocabulary: feelings and emotions
4. Culture : documentary watched in class
Prepare an oral argument on the topic of the documentary, comment, justify your opinion
II.A., II.B., III.B.
Week 10
1. Functional : know how to express quantity, identity
2. Grammatical : indefinite words
3. Vocabulary : review of vocabulary previously studied
4. Culture : organic food in France
Midterm 2
I.A., III.A., V.A., V.B.
Week 11
1. Functional : express yourself logically
2. Grammatical : expression of cause, effect and purpose
3. Vocabulary : idiomatic expressions
4. Culture : tourism and travel
Write a summary of an article on travel
I.D., III.A., V.A.
Week 12
1. Functional : know how to argue
2. Grammatical : expression of opposition and concession
3. Vocabulary : professional life
4. Culture : what kind of worker are you ?
In pairs, prepare a discussion on some situations in the professional world that the two countries have in common
I.C., I.D., II.B., III .B.
Week 13
REVIEW
REVIEW
Required readings:
Instructor’s choice - will change every semester.
Recommended readings:
Dictionnaire Le Petit Robert
Grammaire du Français, Hachette
Newspapers and magazines
Brief Biography of Instructor:
Instructor of French at IES Abroad Nantes since 1991. Instructor of French at IRFFLE (Institut de Recherche et de Formation en Français Langue Etrangère, Université de Nantes); Masters in Specialized Translations.
French Language in Context: Emerging Competent Abroad
Student Profile
Students who enter this course will have mastered most of the outcomes of the Independent Abroad level as defined by the IES Abroad MAP for Language and Intercultural Communication. Among other characteristics, these students are able to converse at a rate of speed approaching normal conversation. They are creative, spontaneous, and self-reliant as they solve problems, interpret texts, negotiate, and express their opinions, likes, and dislikes in the culture. Although they still make errors and experience communication breakdowns, these students tend to resolve these challenges on their own. Students who enter this level can already understand a variety of colloquial expressions and slang.
Students entering this level can succeed in a range of moderately complex university courses designed for native speakers. Before registering, they should consult with the appropriate IES Abroad academic advisor on course selection.
By the end of this course, students will have started to acquire the subtlety of expression and control of complex structures that characterize Competent Abroad learners. However, Emerging Competent Abroad learners have only partial mastery of these structures and quite often resort to simpler and more direct modes of expression, particularly when negotiating linguistically difficult or unfamiliar situations. Students at this level begin to understand some local cultural attitudes, values, beliefs, and behavior patterns. However, there will be numerous gaps and inconsistencies in their knowledge, and they lack the depth of understanding and sophistication of those who have spent more time living and working in the local context.
Class attendance is mandatory. Any absence that is not justified will have a negative effect on your grade.
Students who are placed in this level should be capable of achieving the outcomes in the Independent Abroad level as defined by the IES Abroad MAP for Language and Intercultural Communication.
By the end of the course, students will be able to achieve some of the outcomes for the Emerging Competent Abroad level as defined by the MAP for Language and Intercultural Communication. The key learning outcomes from the MAP are summarized below:
I. Intercultural Communication
A. Students will begin to recognize and describe key host cultures, subcultures, habits, norms, and behaviors in a variety of settings, and they will be aware of the risk that generalizations can lead to stereotypes.
B. Students will be able to reflect on and discuss the validity of their own cultural beliefs, behaviors, and values by contrasting and comparing them with those of the host cultures.
C. Students will demonstrate openness toward different beliefs and styles even when they do not agree with them.
D. Students will accept responsibility for their own learning by defining their linguistic goals and demonstrating independence in their exploration of the culture.
II. Listening
A. Students will be able to understand many complex communications on a wide range of everyday topics as well as abstract topics covered in classes.
B. Students will be able to understand a variety of native speakers and non-native experts and comprehend an array of moderately complex interactions.
III. Speaking
A. Students will participate reasonably well in most academic and social interactions using when appropriate complex language including slang, colloquial expressions, double meaning, and humor with increasing confidence.
B. Students will be able to make arguments and form opinions on almost any topic of their interest.
IV. Reading
A. Students will be able to read and understand textbooks and academic articles for classes taught in the host language as well as some popular texts for enjoyment.
B. Students will be able to read and understand authentic materials including newspapers, advertisements, brochures, instruction manuals, etc. on abstract and unfamiliar topics with some assistance at times.
V. Writing
A. Students will be able to write for certain native audiences (resumes, applications, administrative documents) and express themselves somewhat clearly and effectively.
B. Students will be able to write essays for classes incorporating aspects of appropriate academic style with some assistance at times.
Tests (listening, speaking, reading, writing, intercultural communication, midterm, Final exam).
Grades breakdown:
- In-class tests + book report 20%
- Mid-terms (2) 30%
- Final exam 30%
- Regular attendance and punctuality 10%
- Participation - active and spontaneous 10%
Week
Content
Assignments
Corresponding
Learning
Outcome(s)
Week 1
1. Functional : common courtesy phrases, greetings, thanks …
2. Grammatical : gender of nouns and nominalization
3. Vocabulary : word families
4. Culture : cultural surprises
Observe the differences of behavior and attitude in the streets, in the stores, at home, compared to the United States
I.A., I.C.,
Week 2
1. Functional : how to read and understand a text
2. Grammatical : past tenses and past participles agreements
3. Vocabulary : the weather
4. Culture : weather proverbs
Students are given a list of 10 novels. They need to spend some time in a bookstore, choose a book and start reading it
I.D., III.A., IV.A.,
Week 3
1. Functional : methodology for writing a
book report
2. Grammatical : prepositions of place
3. Vocabulary : space and time
4. Culture : students accommodations
Spot the main ideas of a document and reword them
I.CV., I.D., IV.A.,
Week 4
1. Functional : how to describe a health problem : symptoms and how it shows…
2. Grammatical : prepositions and adverbs of time
3. Vocabulary: words and phrases related to the body
4. Culture : a comic strip by Claire Brétécher
Identify, in a very recent newspaper, an item on a current health issue, read it and give an account of it
II.A., III.B., IV.B.
Week 5
1. Functional : ask questions quickly and precisely. Spontaneously react to various requests
2. Grammatical : the different futures
3. Vocabulary : review of vocabulary previously studied
4. Culture : « the news »
Midterm 1
III.A., IV.B., V.A., IV.B.,
Week 6
1. Functional : work on the diversity of sentences in a paragraph
2. Grammatical : compound relative pronouns
3. Vocabulary : the environment, ecology
4. Culture : Mini-quiz on French geography
Compose a descriptive text. Describe a famous and appreciated natural site : landscape, vegetation, meteorology …
I.B., IV.A., IV.B.,
Week 7
1. Functional : organization of speech : use of link words
2. Grammatical : present and past conditional. Hypothesis and condition
3. Vocabulary : find synonyms
4. Culture : field study
Spot the main ideas of a document and reword them, field study report
I.C., I.D., II.B., VB.B.
Week 8
1. Functional : know how to choose your language register
2. Grammatical : complement pronouns
3. Vocabulary : idiomatic expressions
4. Culture : familiar French, franglais
Submit the book report
IV.B., V.A.,
Week 9
1. Functional : express your point of view
2. Grammatical : subjunctive
3. Vocabulary: feelings and emotions
4. Culture : documentary watched in class
Prepare an oral argument on the topic of the documentary, comment, justify your opinion
II.A., II.B., III.B.
Week 10
1. Functional : know how to express quantity, identity
2. Grammatical : indefinite words
3. Vocabulary : review of vocabulary previously studied
4. Culture : organic food in France
Midterm 2
I.A., III.A., V.A., V.B.
Week 11
1. Functional : express yourself logically
2. Grammatical : expression of cause, effect and purpose
3. Vocabulary : idiomatic expressions
4. Culture : tourism and travel
Write a summary of an article on travel
I.D., III.A., V.A.
Week 12
1. Functional : know how to argue
2. Grammatical : expression of opposition and concession
3. Vocabulary : professional life
4. Culture : what kind of worker are you ?
In pairs, prepare a discussion on some situations in the professional world that the two countries have in common
I.C., I.D., II.B., III .B.
Week 13
REVIEW
REVIEW
Instructor’s choice - will change every semester.
Dictionnaire Le Petit Robert
Grammaire du Français, Hachette
Newspapers and magazines
Instructor of French at IES Abroad Nantes since 1991. Instructor of French at IRFFLE (Institut de Recherche et de Formation en Français Langue Etrangère, Université de Nantes); Masters in Specialized Translations.