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Curriculum
Foreign Languages
French
FRENCH I
(one year) In this first-year
course, students begin to attain
proficiency in the four skills
of listening, speaking, reading,
and writing the French language.
Students are introduced to
French culture via short
readings of various types.
Videos of native speakers in a
variety of settings, audio CDs,
and French television are
integrated into the curriculum.
Language structure concepts are
developed by using contemporary
reading selections,
comprehension exercises, and
vocabulary expansion activities.
Conducted primarily in French.
An elective course for Upper
School students.
FRENCH II
(one year) French II students
are encouraged to speak only
French in the classroom. Fluency
is practiced with
question/answer sessions on
daily life situations. Audio
CDs, and French television via
satellite continue to reinforce
the curriculum. Reading
comprehension is increased by
assignments which build
vocabulary and grammar skills
and require short written
compositions. Cultural studies
expand to include the
francophone world. Conducted
almost exclusively in French.
Prerequisite: French I.
An elective course for Upper
School students.
FRENCH III
(one year) French III continues
to develop a higher level of
reading ability, conversation,
and writing skills in the French
language. The student develops a
comprehensive view of French
grammar and becomes aware of
interrelationships between
different grammatical
structures. Active communication
skills are encouraged by student
participation in debates,
discussions, and "explication du texte." The focus of this course is reading,
grammar and composition. Conducted in French.
Prerequisite: French II.
An elective course for Upper School students.
FRENCH III HONORS (one year)
This course offers a quickly paced, intensive study of French
grammar, syntax, and the spoken word and holds rigorous
standards for assessing the mastery of the skills. In addition to
grammatical studies, the student explores French civilization
through assigned reading and research on specific topics
related to French culture. Extensive reading in French
literature is designed to increase vocabulary and ease of
expression. Admission to the course is limited to those
students whose grades, recommendations, and writing samples
meet the standards of the department. Conducted in French.
Prerequisite: French II and departmental approval.
An elective course for Upper School students.
FRENCH IV (one year)
French IV requires a high degree of competency in listening,
speaking, reading, and writing the French language. Selected
literary works in a variety of genres acquaint the student with
French and Francophone literature. Historical readings increase
understanding of the development of French-speaking countries.
Oral proficiency is attained through vocabulary and idiomatic
expressions taken from French periodicals, magazines, and film.
Students write directed compositions, practice oral drills using
prompts from audio CDs, but are able also to converse freely on
subjects of their choosing. Emphasis is on grammar, vocabulary and modern French conversation.
Prerequisite: French III and departmental approval.
An elective course for Upper School students.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT FRENCH LANGUAGE (one year)
Advanced Placement French Language is an advanced level
course which prepares the student for the AP and SAT II Exams
in French. The course focuses on proficiency in language,
grammar, and composition. Students who enroll should have a
strong command of grammar and considerable competence in
listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. Emphasis is on
the use of language for active communication. The student is
required to understand spoken French in various conversational
situations; develop a French vocabulary which facilitates the
reading of newspapers, magazine articles, library references, and
other "non-technical" writing without the need of a dictionary;
and express advanced concepts in French with accuracy and
fluency in speech and in writing. Students read two novels
during the school year and take turns giving presentations on the
chapters. Advanced grammar lessons prepare students for the
formal test sections they will encounter.
Prerequisite: French III and/or IV and departmental approval.
An elective course for Upper School students.
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