F320 is a course intended for students who wish to gain a working knowledge of French grammar and who have had some previous study of French, either three or more years in high school or F202 (or the equivalent). The specific course goals are:

Structure of Language: To acquire a complete view of the structure of the French language

Grammar: To become thoroughly acquainted with grammatical categories and concepts peculiar to French and English, and to become articulate concerning them

Writing: To begin to write sustained guided compositions which illustrate specific grammatical points

Vocabulary: To build vocabulary via readings and exercises

Preparation: To become prepared linguistically to take more advanced French

The primary objective is a working knowledge of the overall structure of the French language and its rule of grammar as applied to written expression in French It is assumed that regular practice with much trial and error is an integral and necessary means to accomplishing the primary course objective. Time is therefore precious. Our modus operandi is careful preparation for each class session.  I will expect preparation from you, and you may expect it of me. If absent one should contact me before the next class meeting – not to explain excuse the absence, but in order to find out what was accomplished and, especially, what is to be prepared outside of class. Typically, vocabulary, points of grammar or the like will be presented on day one, practiced enough to allow you to practice outside class before day two. A quiz or worksheet will follow immediately, covering that same material on day two.  For instance, on day one, the present tense of donner is presented, then practiced by dictation.  By the very next class meeting, a quiz may establish if the present forms of donner have been learned. 

Tests and quizzes: Quizzes and worksheets will be numerous, and will be given as often as possible. Not all quizzes or worksheets may be made up, and if so only by the judgment of the instructor.  There will be no make up tests.  If you anticipate a problem with taking an exam when it is scheduled, or if you should miss an exam, contact me at your earliest opportunity.

Participation and attendance: class participation is essential. French is more than a written language. Learning grammar for the eye only is not enough.  Speaking French at every opportunity will help a student with his/her oral practice.  Class attendance is not optional. Class attendance is a necessary condition for class participation. Students are expected to come to class prepared, to contribute to class activities, to arrive on time, to avail themselves of resources (see next page), and to seek help from instructor when appropriate.  Cell phones must be turned off during class; they must remain out of sight during all graded activities.  I will come well-prepared, provide opportunities for you to hear, speak, write and read French. I will be available during stated office hours.

Expectations in summary are as follows. Students are expected 1) to attend and participate in class sessions, 2) to study in preparation for class meetings, 3) to demonstrate knowledge and language skills acquired, 4) to work on pronunciation, listening comprehension and recognition of spoken vocabulary, 5) to submit by deadlines work required, 6) to meet with the instructor for practice or explanation, as necessary, 7) to turn in for a grade the student’s own work and, of course, not to permit work to be used by another for his/her graded assignments. 8) Students are to log in to the Blackboard site for the course: (http://ecourses.wku.edu) and stay abreast of announcements, assignments and changes in the syllabus at least three times each week. There will be questions over each reading assignment posted on Blackboard between meetings to be answered in writing in French before the next class. The instructor is expected 1) to be prepared for teaching each class session, 2) to offer clear examples and explanations, 3) to encourage participation from students, 4) to offer as much oral practice in class as possible, 5) to meet with students outside of class, as requested, 6) to be fair-minded at all times, 7) to respect students, and their beliefs and opinions, 8) to challenge students to meet the course goals as fully as possible.

Study some French every day without exception and you will discover why language courses used to meet daily. The best way to learn, to meet course objectives and to maximize benefits derived from study of French is without a doubt to study some French every day.

Resources available include both textbooks, consultations and extra practice during office hours. I can find more resources for anyone needing more than these, and would be pleased to do so.  For additional resources for individuals.

Course Grade are intended to reflect how convincingly the course goals are being met. Most students want to receive an A. The grade of A or B should be a relative challenge to earn. Grades are important to students for various reasons. My first concern, however, is that you have the opportunity to learn and progress toward the course goals. Your course grade is of concern to me as a measure of your learning and progress.

Sources & weights:

Quizzes:

30%

Compositions (4 @ 10%):

40%

Final exam:

30%

Academic dishonesty: “Students who commit any act of academic dishonesty may receive from the instructor a failing grade in that portion of the course in which the act is detected or a failing grade in the course without possibility of withdrawal” (from the 2006-2007 online student handbook). Acts of academic dishonesty include the use of a translating device to complete writing assignments and failing to turn cell phones and PDAs off before taking an exam. Student work may be checked using plagiarism detection software. See Western's statement on academic dishonesty in the 2006-2007 online student handbook for more information. See the same source for university policy on plagiarism ‑ "To represent written work taken from another source as one's own is plagiarism. Plagiarism is a serious offense. The academic work of a student must be his/her own. One must give any author credit for source material borrowed from him/her. To lift content directly from a source without giving credit is a flagrant act. To present a borrowed passage without reference to the source after having changed a few words is also plagiarism." The use of online translation aids is strictly prohibited. Students enrolled may not assist one another on graded exercises.

Changes: Changes to all matters above may become necessary, especially regarding the syllabus and/or the due dates of graded work. The instructor reserves the right to make such changes as he/she deems necessary. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain the most recent iteration of the syllabus either as posted on the Blackboard site for this course or as made available in the classroom.

Students with disabilities who require accommodations (academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aids or services) for this course must contact the Office for Student Disability Services, Room 101, Potter Hall.  The OFSDS telephone number is (270) 745-5004 V/TDD.  Please DO NOT request accommodations directly from the professor or instructor without a letter of accommodation from the Office for Student Disability Services.