Objectives

The beginning French program has three related objectives:

Foster interest in the learning of French and the cultures of the French-speaking world.
Develop the skills needed to become successful 2^nd&3^rd years students in the Department of French Studies.
Develop the skills which students need to use their language skills in other disciplines (a possible example is being able to enroll in FLAC courses in French).

With respect to the specific skills involved in language learning, the program's goals are as follows:

Listening Comprehension: Students should be able to understand an instructor in a language class, a native speaker when speaking directly to them, and follow the gist of a radio or television broadcast on a topic of interest.
Speaking: Students should be able to hold a conversation on everyday topics of personal interest with a native speaker. They should not be afraid to begin a conversation with a native speaker.
Reading: Students should be able to understand the gist of newspaper articles, short stories and novels on a topic of interest without translating to English.
Writing: Students should be able to: (1) recognize different forms of writing (2) use writing for a variety of functional purposes (3) write an informal essay on a topic of interest.
Cultural awareness: Students should be able to discuss the most representative facets of different countries of the French- speaking world. They should also be able to discuss the ways in which the French-speaking world differs from their own.

Comments to Brigitte Crull