French: Elementary I

Fundamentals of French composition, comprehension, pronunciation, speaking, reading, and writing in a cultural context. Classes are conducted in French and students engage in active use of the language. No prior knowledge expected. Cannot be taken for credit after FREN 002.

Open to Degree and CDE students

I. COURSE DESCRIPTION: FREN 001 is the first course in a two-semester sequence of beginning French. It is designed for the student with little or no prior knowledge of the language. The course emphasizes all four skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to use their newly acquired skills in order to communicate in French in a realistic and culturally appropriate manner. All classes will be taught in French. The University of Vermont respects the Department of Education’s definition of a credit hour: for every hour spent in a classroom, a student is expected to complete approximately 2 hours of coursework outside of it. Thus, in FREN 001, a 4-credit course, a student should expect to work at least 8 hours a week outside of the classroom.

II. COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of FREN 001, you will be able to: • describe yourself and others • initiate and maintain a basic conversation • compare and contrast people and ideas • speak and write about current activities • begin to speak and write about past activities • express likes and dislikes • fill out simple forms and documents and provide basic biographical information • engage in the reading of short, simple texts • have a broader cultural knowledge of the French-speaking communities and countries of the world today

GRADE BREAKDOWN: 1. Partial exams (2) 30% 2. Final Exam (comprehensive) 20% 3. Class participation 15% 4. Homework 10% 5. Quizzes 15% 6. Oral exam 10% Total 100%