French 3 is an intermediate level language course designed for those students who have acquired satisfactory competency during their first two years of language study. The course builds upon the skills and material covered in French 1 and 2. It reviews all major grammatical structures and introduces a broader scope of grammatical knowledge. Emphasis is placed on improving oral skills, broadening the range of grammatical structures the student can effectively use in writing and conversation, enriching the student’s vocabulary, and deepening his/her awareness of present day social justice issues within the French-speaking world. This class is conducted in French, except when complex grammar concepts require a clearer explanation in English. Through a variety of cultural activities, the course will enhance students’ knowledge and appreciation of the incredible diversity of the French–speaking world and will encourage and enable the student to broaden his/her “French life.” Students are expected to speak in French at all times.
French 4
French 4 is a two-semester course for students who have received an A, B or C+ in French 3 and/or teacher approval. This course is designed for students who are interested in using their foundation in French to explore in greater depth the cultures of the francophone world through art, film, literature, history, current events, and social justice issues. The primary aim of this course is to improve the student’s ability to speak, read, write and comprehend French in more sophisticated social, historical and political contexts. The student will review vocabulary and grammar, master new advanced language concepts, and enhance his/her knowledge of the cultural diversity of the French-speaking world. The class is conducted entirely in French except for complex grammatical explanations and students are expected to speak in French at all times.
*This class will be offered pending adequate enrollment.
AP French Language and Culture
French 4AP is a two-semester advanced language course designed for students who have excelled in French 1, 2H, and 3H and who are interested in pursuing a more rigorous course of study in the language and cultures of the francophone world. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate and improve proficiency in the three modes of communication—Interpersonal, Interpretive, and Presentational—defined as foundational in the Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century. This course will enhance the student’s cognitive, analytical, and communicative skills while emphasizing both fluency and accuracy in French. Authentic materials from the francophone world will be used to enhance student exploration of culture in both contemporary and historical contexts. There are 6 primary themes presented throughout the year: Beauty and Aesthetics, Global Challenges, Science and Technology, Contemporary Life, Personal and Public Identities, Family and Community. These themes, which also parallel the content of the AP exam, will be addressed through literature, art, music, poetry, politics, and world events. The class is conducted entirely in the target language and students are expected to speak in French at all times.
*This class will be offered pending adequate enrollment.
**Class receives honors weighting in SI weighted GPA and UC/CSU GPA calculations
French 3H
French 3H is an advanced language course designed for students identified during their first two years as superior French students, who wish to become fluent in French and prepare themselves for French 4 AP. Students will practice the major grammar structures previously studied, as well as more complex grammar concepts, including expanded uses of the subjunctive mood. Considerable emphasis will be given to enriching the students’ active vocabulary and increasing their ability to comprehend and express themselves in spoken and written French. Students will be required to speak in French in a variety of situations ranging from class discussion to oral presentations and situations. Students will be able to read with comprehension selected short stories and newspaper and magazine articles. Through a variety of cultural activities the course will enhance students’ knowledge and appreciation of the incredible diversity of the French–speaking world, will encourage and enable the student to broaden his/her “French life,” and will prepare the student for French 4AP. This class is conducted entirely in French, and students are expected to speak French at all times.
*Class receives honors weighting in SI weighted GPA and UC/CSU GPA calculations