French III Honors

Standard 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 Communication: Communicate in languages other than English

Standard 2.1 Cultures: Gain knowledge and understanding of other cultures

Standard 3.1, 3.2 Connections: Connect with other disciplines and acquire information

Standard 4.1, 4.2 Comparisons: Develop insight into our own language and culture

Standard 5.2 Communities: Participate in multilingual communities and global societies

Estimated Time Range:

August – June

ENDURING UNDERSTANDINGS

The student will understand that:

1.	Language is a part of the culture of a nation
2.	Customs and traditions vary not only from culture to culture, but also within a culture.
3.	Pronunciation is important to communication
4.	Concepts and thoughts can be expressed differently in French and English.
5.	Having an understanding of the English language will facilitate the acquisition of the French language.
6.	There are structural similarities and differences between French and English.
7.	Language allows for both self-expression and communication.
8.	Meaning is expressed through context.
9.	French is not a phonetic language.
10.	Conventions of listening and speaking are different from the conventions of reading and writing in French.

SAMPLE ASSESSMENTS

Written tests, journals, dictation, question-answer opportunities, class discussions, conversations in pairs or in groups, skits, role plays, and opportunities to read and compose short stories and/or passages

Example of class discussion assessment: The students are given sample topics regarding a variety of different subjects/questions. They are given ample time to discuss their answers either with a partner or within a small group. During the class, several students may be asked to share their answers with the large group. As well, the groups or partners exchange topics to enable them to discuss a variety of topics within the allotted time. The teacher proceeds to move around the room and engage as many students as possible in question and answer discussion about the given topic. Using a rubric, the teacher assesses the student responses based on content, accuracy of pronunciation, appropriate use of language, and contextual use of target language. All conversation within groups must be in French.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

1.	What are object pronouns, relative pronouns and demonstrative pronouns, and how do they function?
2.	How does the use of pronouns avoid repetition in communication?
3.	Why is it important to use the correct tenses in the spoken language?
4.	How can you express actions that have just taken place?
5.	What is the difference between the present indicative and the present subjunctive?
6.	What clarification strategies are available to sustain use of the target language?
7.	What is the role of the conditional tense?
8.	How do customs and culture differ between the various franco-phone countries and the students’ own culture?
9.	How do customs and traditions vary from one franco-phone country to another?
10.	How do customs and traditions vary from one individual to another within the same cultural context?
11.	How does the knowledge of English vocabulary help in the study of French vocabulary?
12.	What vocabulary is essential to effectively communicate in a French-speaking country?
13.	How is education valued in French speaking countries?
14.	Of what importance is the knowledge of a second language to students in future chosen careers?
15.	How can emotion, uncertainty, wishes, preferences, and doubt be expressed using present subjunctive mood?
16.	What linguistic strategies are available to sustain use of the target language?
17.	How can meaning be inferred from context?
18.	How is what one says determined by accurate use of tenses and grammatical structures?

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

The student will be able to:

1.	Express what s/he is doing, will be doing or was doing in conversation or in the written language
2.	Compare people and things using adjectives of description, nouns, and adverbs
3.	Express what has just happened (using venir de expression)
4.	Express who or what is receiving an action (using direct and indirect object pronouns)
5.	Express thoughts about travel (vocabulary)
6.	Discuss travel habits and vacationing in France and in other franco-phone countries
7.	Describe and discuss leisure time activities, hobbies, and interests
8.	Discuss regional life in France
9.	Express actions using the passive voice
10.	Refer to people or things already mentioned (using object pronouns)
11.	Use adverbs in spoken and written language
12.	Express thoughts using a variety of negative expressions
13.	Express what would happen under certain circumstances (using conditional tense)
14.	Discuss and compare holiday traditions in the U.S. and in France and other franco-phone countries
15.	Express wishes, demands, and preferences concerning oneself and others (present subjunctive)
16.	Express actions that may or may not take place (expressions of doubt)
17.	Express and support opinions
18.	Discuss the importance of education in France
19.	Compare differences between schools in the U.S. and France
20.	Express emotional reactions to the actions of others or to situations
21.	Infer meaning from context
22.	Discuss topics that reflect personal experiences, interests, and concerns
23.	Discuss professions and the use of language for future employment
24.	Narrate a sequence of actions using appropriate past tenses
25.	Describe using significant detail in present, past, or future tenses
26.	Understand and express main ideas and detail in written text and express ideas in the target language
27.	Pronounce to a comprehensible degree of accuracy to a native speaker
28.	Give and understand advice and suggestions
29.	Request and understand clarification in target language

SUGGESTED RESOURCES

Schmitt/Lutz. Àbord, Glencoe MacMillan/McGraw-Hill, 1994.

SUGGESTED CONNECTIONS

Foreign service careers

Teaching careers

Political science careers

Health or related fields

Tourism/Travel related careers

International business/diplomacy careers

Communications careers (translator /interpreter)

Service careers (international au pair/food service/customer service)

Bilingual municipal services

Art related careers (film/theater/television)