Oral Communication and Reading Comprehension

Catalog description

Emphasis on oral skills and reading for total comprehension. FR 201 Oral Communication and Reading Comprehension (4) (IL)(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. This course is designed to improve French language skills, with an emphasis on speaking and reading. It aims to hone students' ability to understand a wide array of native speakers and to expand their active vocabulary; to foster discussion and debate in a range of formats; to enhance the ability to analyze films and literary texts; and to increase awareness of historical and contemporary cultural issues. It also provides opportunities for reviewing selected grammatical points and for practicing writing short interpretive and imaginative exercises. Students draw on written texts, videos, the Web, and other media to explore cultural and literary aspects of France and the Francophone world from a variety of perspectives. Evaluation methods include individual oral and written exams (30%); formal debates (20%); quizzes and homework assignments (10%); class attendance and participation (20%); and a final oral presentation (20%).