Français 201A

In this course you will build on the French that you learned in high school or in your typical first year French course on the college level. The goal of this program is to help you more efficiently process basic concepts and move toward more fluency, independence, and subtlety in listening comprehension, oral and written expression, and reading. A language course is different from other courses at college because you actively work on oral communication skills. The only place you can work on these skills is in your French class. Other classes may not require your attendance because you can learn the material from the book; however, there is no substitute for the dynamic interaction that takes place between you and your teacher—a trained language acquisition specialist. When you finish this course you should be able to carry on conversations in basic French and be able to read comfortably with the aid of a dictionary.

• Be aware that paper submissions and quizzes may not be returned the next class period as is my regular policy. Expect at least some on-line submissions. In case of an “in-class” Zoom quiz or exam, you must keep the camera and microphone on. Failure to do so will constitute an honor code violation. 

• Zoom classes will take place during our regular class time. • All Zoom participants are considered to be 100% members of the class. Dress appropriately, and expect to keep your camera and microphone on at all times. (If you need to “step out” of the class for a moment, this is expected). Be ready when I call on you. 

• Before class begins, turn off squeaky fans, put up the barking dog, and in general, take care of those things that might disturb other students. Remember, you are in class! 

• Have a plan! You should prepare for online instruction NOW! Identify a quiet area where you get good internet reception. The College may never go to all remote instruction, but should this happen, I expect you to have a plan. This course will shift to online instruction without interruption if the need arises.

• Masks. Students who have not been vaccinated for Covid-19 are expected to wear masks at all times. In addition, If you have a cold, a sinus infection, or any other respiratory infections, or if you are sneezing or coughin from something other than an allergy, please wear a mask in class to protect your classmates as outlined by Centenary's Covid policies.

It is the policy of Centenary College to accommodate students with disabilities pursuant to federal and state law and our commitment to equal educational opportunities. Students seeking support services/accommodations for a disability must first register with Disability Services (a division of the Counseling Center, 318-869-5466/5424, located on the ground floor of Rotary Hall) and should begin this process as early as possible. Students with accommodations approved through Disability Services are responsible for contacting the faculty member in charge of the course prior to or during the first days of the term to discuss needed accommodations. We will gladly make appropriate accommodations based on disability to ensure the playing field is and remains level for all students.
(https://www.centenary.edu/student-life/support-services/disability-services/eligibility-for-services/)

Centenary College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Like so many things this Fall, the need for accommodations and the process for arranging them may be altered by the COVID-19 changes we are experiencing and the safety protocols currently in place. Students with disabilities who may need some accommodation in order to fully participate in this class are urged to contact Disability Services as soon as possible to explore what arrangements need to be made to assure access. For assistance, please contact Dr. Edward Ragan (Coordinator for Student Success) at eragan@centenary.edu or Ms. Ashley Dehart (Administrative Coordinator) at 318.869.5671.

College Diversity Statement

Centenary College of Louisiana values human diversity in all its richly complex and multi-faceted forms, whether expressed through race and ethnicity, culture, political and social views, religious and spiritual beliefs, language and geographic characteristics, gender, gender identities and sexual orientations, learning and physical abilities, age, and social or economic classes.

1. You are expected to come to class prepared every day. Study the material specified on the syllabus or in class! There may be a quiz even though there is not a written assignment

2. Every quiz and examination will stress oral comprehension. Keep in mind that all class work will be conducted orally in French and your attendance and participation will have a definite impact on your grade. The activities of listening to a language, speaking a language, and writing a language all demand active skills. This class will require your active participation.

Students who have 3 absences will have their final grade lowered one full letter. For additional absences there will be a penalty of 2 points per day before the letter grade is dropped.

*Including the final there will be 3 major tests. Note my policy on makeups.

*Make ups: No make-ups for an unexcused absence are given. In case of excused absences, I may choose not to give a make-up; instead I may choose to count that quiz or examination as a grade to be dropped.

*I am willing to give extra credit if you are willing to work for it. 1 point on the final grade for each French novel or play you read (in English translation). If you are interested in this option, come see me before you choose a novel. Not all works are acceptable for credit.