This course is designed for grade 9-12 students who did not have an opportunity to begin studying French in the middle school program or who wish to begin learning a second world language. This course is conducted at an intensive pace so that the student who successfully completes it should be prepared to elect French 2 the following year. Two hours of homework will be typically assigned on a weekly basis. The memorization of vocabulary is an ongoing daily assignment.

*Grade 9 students should repeat French, grade 8 if they have not met the prerequisite grade of C needed to progress to French II. French, grade 8 is essentially the second half of French I study. Grade 9 students who successfully repeat this level, will be awarded high school credit for French I.

French II enhances previously learned skills and emphasizes language proficiency. Computer technology and the francophone world via geography, music and art will complement instruction. Selected short readings expose students to francophone literature. A cultural research project is expected of all students in the target language. Daily homework is assigned. The memorization of vocabulary is an ongoing daily assignment.

Prerequisites: C in French II and the recommendation of the current French language teacher

French III continues with the development of skills presented at the previous levels. Increased emphasis is placed on spoken and written communication. The use of the subjunctive is the main grammar focus. Much time is devoted to reading and discussing the novel, Le Petit Prince, which culminates in a written student project.

Prerequisites: C+ in French III and the recommendation of the current French teacher

Students will continue the review, refinement and further application of skills introduced in previous levels with emphasis devoted to accuracy in communicative proficiency. Course components include authentic francophone literature, music, art, history and geography. Each student will also create and illustrate a children’s story as a class project. All instruction and interaction is in French.

Prerequisites for AP: B or better in French IV and the recommendation of the current world language teacher.
Prerequisites for Honors: C+ and the recommendation of the current world language teacher.

This course is the equivalent of an advanced college French course. Emphasis will be on oral skills, literature, composition and grammar. Advanced Placement students will be required to do intensive listening and speaking exercises, write weekly compositions and keep journals. Written and taped assignments are expected of Honors students, but with less frequency. All students are expected to take an active part in classroom discussions. Students electing the course for Advanced Placement credit are expected to take the Advanced Placement Language Test at the end of the course.