•  
     
    Bienvenue Au Monde de langue française!
    French Flag
     
     
    Les Professeurs
    Madame Shannon Maino (DVHS)
    Madame Elke Miller (DVMS/DVHS) 
     
     
     
    Students must demonstrate mastery of the skills outlined in each course description in order to advance to the next level of instruction. The instructor's recommendation to continue will be based on evidence of this mastery.
     
     
    French 1 

     

    French 1 is a beginning level course intended for those students who have expressed an interest in learning French or who are already studying a foreign language and wish to pursue French. The instruction and the content of the course will be taught in both English and in French.

     

                The emphasis is placed on several areas:

    1.    building vocabulary through thematic study and practice

    2.    developing elementary conversational skills

    3.    demonstrating basic understanding of various grammatical constructions

    4.    obtaining a brief overview of France and other French-speaking countries along with their customs and traditions

     

    With the combined conversational, grammatical and cultural study of French, the students embark on a new educational experience that helps to foster an interest in the French language and the people who speak it throughout the world. French 1 is also the basis for preparation into the subsequent levels of French 2, 3, 4, 5, and Advanced Placement French.

     
    French 2
     
    French 2 is a language course intended as a logical sequence for those students who have successfully completed French 1.  The successful completion of this course is a prerequisite for moving on to French 3. A great deal of the instruction and the content of this course will be directed in the French language. Grammar and vocabulary study are an essential part of the course. Regular review of grammar constructions and vocabulary themes that were presented in French 1 is conducted along with the introduction of new constructions and themes.

     

    This study of grammar and vocabulary is integrated with listening and reading comprehension, conversation and/or discussion, writing and some culture of French-speaking areas in the target language. Through the study of grammar and vocabulary, students will develop a well-balanced proficiency in the four second language acquisition competencies— listening, speaking, reading and writing—as well as experience a target-language-based introduction to francophone culture.  

     

    This course integrates district cross-curricular and technology goals through various lessons, assignments and experiences that provide real-life application of the grammar and vocabulary being studied. Students will compare and contrast daily life themes, engage in self-expression, develop longer conversational exchanges and read for meaning and pleasure.

     
     
    French 3

    French 3 is a language course intended as a logical sequence for those students who have successfully completed French 2. A great deal of the instruction and the content of this course will be directed in French. The study of grammar will be an intricate part of the course this year. There will be an intense review of those grammar constructions that were presented in French 2 along with the introduction of new constructions that will be presented in great detail. The study of grammar is integrated with reading, conversational discussion, writing along with some French culture. French literature is also introduced through the reading of short stories and poems.

     
     The emphasis is placed on several areas:

    1.    building vocabulary through thematic study and practice

    2.    developing elementary conversational skills

    3.    demonstrating basic understanding of various grammatical constructions

    4.    depending on a student’s knowledge of France and other French-speaking countries including customs, ethnicities and traditions

     

    With the combined conversational, grammatical and cultural study of French, the students continue their educational experience that fosters interest in the French language and the people who speak it throughout the world. French 3 is also the basis for preparation into the subsequent levels of French 4, 5, and Advanced Placement French.

     

    French 4
     
    French 4 is an advanced level course intended to prepare students for the rigor of upper language usage and learning by challenging them to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills in all areas of French. The course is conducted almost entirely in French. French 5 will explore important historical events in French history from prehistory through the twenty-first century. Students will enhance their understanding of French through the study of various literary selections contained in each chapter. Students will continue their study of grammar and vocabulary through cultural and literary selections as well as in individual grammar lessons and thematic vocabulary.  A command of the language through writing and oral presentations focusing on the themes of global challenges, science and technology, contemporary life, personal and public identities, families and communities and beauty and esthetics will be an integral part of the course.
     

    Advanced Placement French Language and Culture

    Advanced Placement French is a course intended for those students who have successfully completed French 5.  AP French is conducted almost entirely in French and students are encouraged to practice French on a consistent basis with both teachers and peers.   At the advanced placement level, students will review and refine grammatical constructions and learn and apply new vocabulary that will emphasize both written and oral communication, so students may increase their levels of proficiency in each of the language skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing and culture.   As students work through the three modes of communication – Interpersonal, Interpretive and Presentational, students will become more proficient in their ability to read and understand various literary genres, participate in conversations, understand directed questions, read newspapers, magazines and Internet articles, and deliver oral and written presentations in a logical and convincing manner utilizing appropriate vocabulary and grammatical constructions.  Those students who elect to pursue AP French should have had a strong foundation in grammar as well as being competent in the areas of reading, listening comprehension, speaking and writing.  Students must also be open to the exploration and understanding of different cultures in relevant and fascinating contexts.  Students should be directed toward an understanding of the culture of the target language in relationship to their own viewpoint and should be able to use the target language in real life settings (Global Challenges, Families and Communities, Beauty and Aesthetics, Science and Technology, Contemporary Life).  The ultimate goal is that students will be able to communicate, read, and write in a natural and accurate manner.