Taylor Poulin 

646-309-1635 | taylor.poulin@maine.edu 

Office: Linguistics, Portland Campus 

Hours: By appointment  

  

French 101 - Beginning French 1 - Fall 2020 Course Syllabus 

 

Course Meetings:   Tuesday, Thursday 4:10-5:50/ Mardi, Jeudi 16h10-15h50 

Course Mode:   Online Synchronous  

Course Location:   Zoom  

 Materials & Books Required 

● Liberté Vol. 1, By (author): Gretchen Angelo, https://www.lulu.com/content/7500125 

 

 

Supplemental ● Easy French Step -by-Step, by Myrna Bell Rochester, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0071453873 

● Dictionnaire: All students should have a good bilingual dictionary. J'accepte deux formes de dictionnaire: en forme de livre ou en ligne/application. Larousse online: http://www.larousse.fr/dictionnaires/francais-anglais  

 

Technology Requirements ● Reliable Internet and access to Zoom with audio ● See the “Technology” section for help getting to Brightspace. 

 

Course Description  This beginner's course in French stresses the acquisition of cultural information and introduces the student to the four skills of language learning: listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing. This course requires online work and daily practice. Speaking sessions with native speakers will be arranged in small groups. I will speak French most of the time in class. Remember, language learning is a natural activity of human beings. We will be using the affordable and well-designed text Liberté , by Gretchen Angelo, for use online and as a

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textbook. In the words of the author this textbook is “...a first-year college French textbook with a true communicative approach. It has been adopted by instructors at over thirty colleges and high schools. The textbook may be downloaded for free in accordance with the license, or printed copies can be ordered. Please contact me for information on printed copies or requests for audio.” (http://www.lightandmatter.com/french/ )

Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate skills of effective communication and analysis using French communication skills thatcorrespond to the FRE 101 level and achieve the ACTFL proficiency of Novice Mid(https://www.actfl.org/publications/guidelines-and-manuals/actfl-proficiency-guidelines-2012/french)

2. Converse about: people, especially members of one’s family; time, dates, and weather; everyday activities,likes, and dislikes; coursework and university life; future plans; travel arrangements; health and body; food anddining.

3. Correctly use the following grammatical constructions: present tense of major verbs; imperatives; basicreflexive verbs; simple negative sentences; recognize and use the passé composé; form and use of simplequestions; possessive adjectives; formation and agreement of adjectives; basic comparatives; the near future;and idiomatic expressions involving time, weather, and physical conditions.

4. Understand how people make sense of their lives and their world through the production of culturalrepresentations such as ritual practices, artistic creations, and other products and performances;

5. Analyze and evaluate cultural representations in historical and disciplinary context, with the understandingthat standards of evaluation are themselves historically produced and contingent;

6. Identify ethical issues raised by cultural representations, including what they suggest about students in theirdiverse roles;

7. Use their cultural knowledge to communicate more effectively and present information about certain aspectsof the cultures of French-speaking countries including: where French is spoken and the various roles Frenchplays in different countries; proper levels of formality in conversation; some aspects of family life, education,and leisure activities in different Francophone countries; climate and lifestyle in selected Francophonecountries.

Structure & Format During this online synchronous course, students will need to have the ability and desire to attend courses online 2 days a week. During these online lessons, the professor will introduce new material, practice listening and reading, and allow students to practice newly learned skills. Each lecture will be conducted mainly in French, with the help of an online whiteboard and textbook.  

Assessment French 101 works alongside chapters 1-4 in Liberté, by Gretchen Angelo. Each chapter will have mini 

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assessments that check for students’ understanding of the main concepts of the chapter before the chapter test. Students will be assessed on each chapter’s grammar, vocabulary and cultural insights. In addition, FRE 101 students will read and be assessed on a level-appropriate book.  

 Grading Criteria  

Evaluation: Attendance & Punctuality/assistance et ponctualité: 10% Participation/Effort/Discussion: 10% Reading/film/song assignments/lécture/film/chansons: 25% Homework & Quizzes/devoirs et petits examens: 30% Tests/Examens: 25% TOTAL 100% 

  

Course Evaluations At the end of each semester, every student has the opportunity to provide constructive feedback on their courses. It is important to me that you take the time to let me know your thoughts about the course. I use your feedback to make improvements to the course materials, assignments, and outcomes.  

Course Policies 

Grading Scale 100-93% = A 

92-90% = A- 

89-87% = B+ 

86-83% = B 

82-80% = B- 

79-77% = C+ 

76-73% = C 

72-70% = C- 

69-60% = D 

60% or lower = F 

 Attendance and Late Work You may turn in assignments early. However, work submitted after an assignment due date, unless otherwise cleared by the instructor, will be penalized. Assignments submitted more than 5 days after their due date without prior contact with the instructor will not be accepted. Only one absence will be permitted without a negative impact on grades. Students who are late (more than 5 minutes) are marked as “late arrivals”. Three late arrivals equal one absence (“L”). Students who leave early or leave the classroom for more than a very brief period will also be marked “L”. In the event of serious illness or other major occurrence, please speak to me personally so that I can decide what type of arrangement is reasonable.   

 

 

Withdrawal from the Course Last day to drop for 100% refund (First 7-Week session), Sunday, September 6 

  

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For more information, review USM’s Add/Drop and Withdrawal Policies.  

Class Cancellation If a class needs to be cancelled, I will let you know by e-mail.  

 

Inclement Weather From time to time, USM will determine to close the university due to inclement weather. When the cancellation is for an entire day, the class content will be made up at another time or through additional, outside-of-class assignments. 

  

When the university opens late or closes early and the time selected is during the middle of class, we will still hold the class unless you are otherwise notified by me. Two examples: 

● If class starts at 1pm but the University is closing at 1:30pm, we will still have class unless you hear from me. 

● If class starts at 1pm but the University is opening at 1:30pm, we will still have class unless you hear from me. 

 

Academic Integrity / Plagiarism Everyone associated with the University of Southern Maine is expected to adhere to the principles of academic integrity central to the academic function of the university. Any breach of academic integrity represents a serious offense. Each student has a responsibility to know the standards of conduct and expectations of academic integrity that apply to academic tasks. Violations of student academic integrity include any actions that attempt to promote or enhance the academic standing of any student by dishonest means. Cheating on an examination, stealing the words or ideas of another (i.e., plagiarism), making statements known to be false or misleading, falsifying the results of one's research, improperly using library materials or computer files, or altering or forging academic records are examples of violations of this policy which are contrary to the academic purposes for which the University exists. Acts that violate academic integrity disrupt the educational process and are not acceptable. 

  

Evidence of a violation of the academic integrity policy will normally result in disciplinary action. A copy of the complete policy may be obtained from the Dean of Students Office website at usm.maine.edu/community-standards-mediation/academic-integrity or by calling and requesting a copy at (207) 780-5242. 

 

Final Examinations / Final Project TBD 

  

It is a USM academic policy that no tests or exams may be scheduled during the last week of classes.    

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Course Schedule Readings / Assignment Schedule **(subject to alteration with notice)** 

  

Weeks are Monday – Sunday to allow you flexibility in completing your reading, engaging in discussion, and submitting assignments. View USM’s academic calendar to look up key dates.  

 

Week  Topics and Activities Relevant 

Outcomes 

1  Introduction - Bonjour! Ça va? Ch. 1, Liberté, pages 9-15 

Quizlet to know/à savoir: https://quizlet.com/_8gjmy4?x=1qqt&i=2wxyas 

‘Je suis’ presentation 

2  L’école et chiffres. Ch. 1, Liberté, pages 16-20 

Quizlet to know/à savoir: https://quizlet.com/_8gjo9w?x=1qqt&i=2wxyas 

Être et Avoir: https://quizlet.com/_8gjpu8?x=1qqt&i=2wxyas 

Verbes “être” et “avoir” 

3  Le monde francophone, faisons connaissance. Ch. 1, Liberté, pages 21-28. 

Quizlet to know/à savoir: https://quizlet.com/_8gju04?x=1qqt&i=2wxyas  

Ch. 1 examen  

4  Ma famille et mes objets personnels - Ch. 2, Liberté, pages 81-86 

Quizlet to know/à savoir: https://quizlet.com/_8gk1m9?x=1qqt&i=2wxyas  

*Tandem 

Les couleurs  

5  Ch. 2, Liberté, pages 87-94 

Quizlet to know/à savoir: https://quizlet.com/_8gk2dn?x=1qqt&i=2wxyas  

Quizlet to know/à savoir: https://quizlet.com/_8gk36v?x=1qqt&i=2wxyas  

*Tandem 

Ma famille, négation  

6  La maison - Ch. 2, Liberté, pages 95-104 

Quizlet to know/à savoir: https://quizlet.com/_8gk3ny?x=1qqt&i=2wxyas  

Quizlet to know/à savoir: https://quizlet.com/_8gk4i7?x=1qqt&i=2wxyas  

*Tandem 

Expressions with avoir, 

Ch. 2 examen 

7  Le travail et les loisirs - Ch. 3, Liberté, pages 155-161 

Quizlet to know/à savoir: https://quizlet.com/_8gk4vp?x=1qqt&i=2wxyas  

*Tandem 

Time quiz 

8  Ch. 3, Liberté, pages 162 - 168 

Quizlet to know/à savoir: https://quizlet.com/_8gk5j7?x=1qqt&i=2wxyas  

Regular -er verbs 

9  Ch. 3, Liberté, pages 169-176 

Quizlet to know/à savoir: https://quizlet.com/_8gk69h?x=1qqt&i=2wxyas  

Ch. 3 examen 

10  Sorties et voyages - Ch. 4, Liberté, pages 217-221  Verbe “aller” 

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Quizlet to know/à savoir: https://quizlet.com/_8gmtwz?x=1qqt&i=2wxyas  

Quizlet to know/à savoir: https://quizlet.com/_8gmuaf?x=1qqt&i=2wxyas  

11  Directions - Liberté pages 223-225 

Quizlet to know/à savoir: https://quizlet.com/_8gmuyl?x=1qqt&i=2wxyas  

Passé composé avec “avoir” 

12  Quel temps fait-il? Saisons et mois de l’année 

Quizlet to know/à savoir: https://quizlet.com/_8gmvgh?x=1qqt&i=2wxyas  

Quizlet to know/à savoir: https://quizlet.com/_8gmwfq?x=1qqt&i=2wxyas  

Ch. 4 examen 

13  Livre - lecture et discussions    

14  Révision   Examen final  

 

   

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Technology  

Technology Support Center (Help Desk)  If you need technical support at any time during the course (especially concerning Blackboard), please contact the Technology Support Center: 

Phone: 207-780-4029 or 1-800-696-4357  

Email: help@maine.edu 

● You need a maine.edu account to access most of our online resources. If you can’t remember your account information, visit accounts.maine.edu or contact IT at 1-800-696-4357 and ask them to help you access your maine.edu account. 

● The USM Portal (my.usm.maine.edu) can be used to reach your student email, Brightspace MaineStreet and most other university online tools through a single website. 

 

 

Computer Access  Participants will need a reliable PC or a Mac with the latest version of a web browser. In addition, you will need a broadband Internet connection (DSL or faster). Below is a suggested list of recommended software you may need to access electronic resources for this course. 

Latest Versions of Web Browsers 

· Mozilla Firefox (Windows / MacOS) - Recommend 

· Google Chrome (Windows/MacOS) - Recommended 

· Safari (MacOS - Update through the App Store) 

Note that Blackboard and many other web-based applications used in USM courses do not work well in Microsoft’s browsers, Edge and Internet Explorer.  

 

Netiquette  Our text-based communication is vital in this course since it is the primary - and possibly only - way we will connect with each other. Please be careful and considerate in all your communications with each other and your instructor. 

  

The online medium is poor at conveying tone. Consider what you are saying and remember that your intent might not be inferred by your readers (fellow students and instructors). Take a moment to re-read everything you write: assume that it will be taken in the worst possible light. And extend courtesy to others: assume the most charitable light possible. Both of these steps will make communication easier and far more civil.  

 

Student Data Retention Your maine.edu account is issued to you for as long as you are a student of this or any other University of Maine System campus. There are various limits on how long IT can retain data you have stored through this account depending on which services you have used. Below are the major points, but we encourage you to visit 

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accounts.maine.edu for full details on maine.edu account policies. 

 

Assignments and other work stored in Blackboard Do NOT leave important academic work in old Blackboard courses. Each semester, all courses receive a fresh Blackboard page commonly referred to as a “shell.”  Course shells older than two years are automatically purged from the system, but sometimes instructors remove old course shells manually on their own. It is strongly recommended that you make backups of any work you have submitted to Blackboard before or shortly after your course ends. Especially if your program requires you to maintain a portfolio of work you have done. 

 

Google Products Your maine.edu account is also a fully functional Google Account with access to Gmail, Google Drive, and most of Google’s other products. After leaving the university, either through graduation or simply not registering for courses, credit-earning students have 5 years before their maine.edu account is removed. The limit is 2 years for non-credit students. This includes files and email stored in Google’s products using your maine.edu account. If this data is important to you, or if you need to retain it for a portfolio or future certification, you must make and maintain your own personal backups of these files. Consider using Google Takeout (takeout.google.com) to backup this data prior to separating from the University. 

 

Box If you are using Box through your maine.edu account, please be aware that your storage can only be maintained for one year after you have graduated, or otherwise separated from the university.   

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University Policies & Support Resources ADA & Electronic Accessibility Notification & Accommodations  The university is committed to providing students with documented disabilities equal access to all university programs and services. If you think you have a disability and would like to request accommodations, you must register with the Disability Services Center. Timely notification is essential. The Disability Services Center can be reached by calling 207-780-4706 or by email at dsc-usm@maine.edu. If you have already received a faculty accommodation letter from the Disability Services Center, please provide me with that information as soon as possible. Please make a private appointment so that we can review your accommodations. 

 

The following is a list of accessibility resources for the software we use in this course: 

 

● Blackboard Accessibility information 

● Google Suite Accessibility information 

 

Learning Commons Tutoring at USM is for all students, not just those who are struggling. Tutoring provides active feedback and practice, and is available for writing, math, and many more subjects. Walk-in tutoring is available at the Glickman Library in Portland, the Gorham Library, and the LAC Writing Center.  

● For best service, we recommend making an appointment at: usm.maine.edu/learningcommons/schedule-tutoring-appointment  

● Questions about tutoring should be directed to Naamah Jarnot at 207-780-4554.  ● Interested in becoming a more effective, efficient learner? Check out usm.maine.edu/agile! 

Counseling Counseling is available for USM students. The best way to schedule an appointment is to email usm.health@maine.edu. More information is available on the University Health and Counseling Services website. 

 Non-Discrimination Policy The University of Southern Maine is an EEO/AA employer, and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Sarah E. Harebo, Director of Equal Opportunity, 101 North Stevens Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5754, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System). 

 

Statement of Religious Observance for Students Absence for Religious Holy Days: The University of Southern Maine respects the religious beliefs of all members of the community, affirms their rights to observe significant religious holy days, and will make reasonable accommodations, upon request, for such observances. If a student’s religious observance is in conflict with the academic experience, they should inform their instructor(s) of the class or other school functions that will be affected. It is the student’s responsibility to make the necessary arrangements mutually agreed upon with the 

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instructor(s). 

 

Title IX Statement The University of Southern Maine is committed to making our campuses safer places for students. Because of this commitment, and our federal obligations, faculty and other employees are considered mandated reporters when it comes to experiences of interpersonal violence (sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating or domestic violence, and stalking). Disclosures of interpersonal violence must be passed along to the University’s Deputy Title IX Coordinator who can help provide support and academic remedies for students who have been impacted. More information can be found online at the web address below or by contacting Sarah E. Holmes at sarah.e.holmes1@maine.edu or 207-780-5767. 

 

usm.maine.edu/campus-safety-project 

 

If students want to speak with someone confidentially, the following resources are available on and off campus: University Counseling Services (207-780-4050); 24 Hour Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-871-7741); 24 Hour Domestic Violence Hotline (1-866-834-4357). 

 

 

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