This course is demanding for those with no knowledge of French. A good knowledge of English grammar is essential. Students are advised not to take FREN 100 and FREN 101 simultaneously.
Precluded:
FREN 103 (FREN 100 may not be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained for FREN 103.)
French for Beginners I is designed for students who wish to begin learning French. This course will familiarize students with the foundations of the French language and will help them to develop the four basic language skills of reading, writing, listening comprehension, and speaking. By the end of the course, students will be able to ask and answer a variety of questions. Students will also learn how to compose simple sentences that are grammatically correct and to express themselves in simple French.
Outline
FREN 100 follows the first 9 chapters of En bons termes, and the first half of French in Action. These two texts are the basic vocabulary building components of FREN 100
Learning outcomes
When you have completed French 100, you will be able to achieve the following in French:
Write simple sentences that are grammatically and structurally correct.
Express yourself orally and in writing in simple French on the following topics:
Introduce yourself, speak about your health, and inquire about the health of others.
Participate in simple conversations about your family and friends.
Speak and write about other nationalities.
Describe yourself and others.
Name your preferences.
Speak and write about your vacations, the weather, and the seasons.
Ask simple questions and respond to straightforward requests.
Ask for and give opinions.
Describe an event or a situation.
Discuss aspects of French culture.
Speak and write about games and sports.
Speak and write about your studies and university life in general.
Evaluation
To receive credit for FREN 100, students must achieve a minimum composite grade of D (50 percent) on the five written assignments, as well as a minimum grade of 50% on the Final Written Examination. Students must also achieve a minimum composite grade of 50% on the four Oral Assignments, and a minimum grade of 50% on the Final Oral Examination.
Activity
Weight
4 Written Assignments (6% each)
24%
1 Written Assignments (Composition)
6%
4 Oral Assignments (3% each)
12%
Final Oral Examination
8%
Final Written Examination
50%
Total
100%
The final examination for this course must be taken online with an AU-approved exam invigilator at an approved invigilation centre. It is your responsibility to ensure your chosen invigilation centre can accommodate online exams. For a list of invigilators who can accommodate online exams, visit the Exam Invigilation Network.
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Parmentier, Michel A., and Diane Potvin. En bons termes. 10th ed. Toronto: Pearson, 2017. (eText)
Capretz, Pierre J., with Barry Lydgate, Béatrice Abetti, and Marie-Odile Germain. French in Action: A Beginning Course in Language and Culture: The Capretz Method Part 1. 3rd ed. New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 2012. (Print)
Each lesson in the French in Action textbook has a corresponding video component that students are required to watch. Students can watch these videos online or borrow them from Athabasca University Library
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized study counterparts.